Flexible Component Installation Tool for U-Shaped Fairings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing a flexible component, such as a flex circuit, into a U-shaped component like a fan inlet shroud fairing is challenging due to structural complexities, making adhesive bonding difficult and prone to premature contact and contamination.
Innovation Solution
An installation method involving forming a flexible assembly with an insert, attaching it to a plate, coating with adhesive, coupling the plate to a block, positioning the block on the U-shaped component, and sliding the plate into the component to guide the flexible component into position for accurate and reproducible installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a flexible component is directly installed into a U-shaped component, then the installation process is simple, but the placement accuracy is poor and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plate as an intermediary tool that carries the flexible component during installation. The plate slides into the U-shaped component and guides the flexible component to its final position, ensuring accurate placement while preventing premature contact and contamination. This intermediary device resolves the contradiction by providing precise positioning without requiring complex direct installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible component is attached to the plate before installation into the U-shaped component. This preliminary attachment ensures the flexible component is properly positioned and protected prior to the actual installation process, improving placement accuracy and preventing contamination during the installation operation.
2Strength
If adhesive bonding is applied to the flexible component, then the bonding strength is improved, but premature contact and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The plate serves as a protective intermediary between the adhesive-coated flexible component and the U-shaped component during installation. By carrying the flexible component on the plate and sliding it into position, the system prevents premature contact that would cause contamination of the adhesive, allowing the bonding strength to be fully realized without compromising purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is applied to the flexible component in advance, before installation. The flexible component is then attached to the plate in this adhesive-coated state, and the plate protects it during transport and installation. This preliminary preparation ensures the adhesive is ready for bonding without being contaminated by premature contact with the U-shaped component.
3Manufacturing precision
If the flexible component is manually positioned, then the installation is flexible, but the reproducibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The plate acts as a standardized intermediary tool that provides consistent guidance for installing the flexible component into the U-shaped component. Each installation uses the same plate, ensuring reproducible positioning and placement. This standardized approach maintains ease of operation while significantly improving reproducibility compared to manual positioning methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation method makes use of a tool that includes a block and a plate. The block is configured to align the installation tool with a U-shaped component. The plate extends from the block and is configured to hold a flexible component, such that the flexible component is accurately located within the U-shaped component.