Flexible Connection Assembly With Integrated Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for joining elements, such as rods or tubes, require time-consuming disassembly and specialized tooling for adjustments and replacement, and lack integrated vibration damping capabilities, particularly in aircraft applications where quick maintenance and vibration isolation are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly featuring a male and female element with alternating engaging and plain portions, allowing for easy length adjustment and tilting for removal, and incorporating a shock absorbing element to isolate vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If regular threaded bolts with washers and spacers are used to join elements, then manufacturing precision and adjustability are improved, but ease of operation and maintenance time are worsened due to time-consuming disassembly and specialized tooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is segmented into a male element with external threads and a female element with internal threads and a relief groove. The relief groove allows the male element to be partially extracted without full disassembly, enabling quick adjustment and maintenance while maintaining precise threaded connection for positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief groove acts as an intermediary feature that facilitates partial extraction of the male element. This groove provides a path for tool insertion and element removal without requiring complete unscrewing, thereby reducing maintenance time while preserving the precision of the threaded connection system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate damper components are used to vibrationally isolate components, then vibration damping is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration damping function is merged with the connection assembly itself. The relief groove in the female element not only enables quick extraction but also serves as a channel for damping vibrations. This integration eliminates the need for separate damper components while providing effective vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief groove performs multiple functions: it enables partial extraction of the male element for quick maintenance, provides a path for tool insertion, and acts as a vibration damping feature. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system while addressing both maintenance efficiency and vibration control requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and tool-free replacement of elements in a structure while providing integrated vibration damping, reducing maintenance time and preventing mechanical loads from being transferred to connected components.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a shock absorbing element to isolate vibrations
Implementation Method 2
providing integrated vibration damping, reducing maintenance time and preventing mechanical loads from being transferred to connected components
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for connecting a first element to a second element is provided. The connection assembly has a male element and a female element. The female element has a barrel nut. The barrel nut has a conical inner portion positioned at a first longitudinal region and a cylindrical inner portion positioned at a second longitudinal region. The barrel nut has a first engaging element portion and a first plain portion arranged alternatingly around a circumferential direction of the barrel nut. The male element has a cylindrical bolt-like shape and has a second engaging element portion and a second plain portion arranged alternatingly around a circumferential direction of the male element. The male element further has flattened sides at the second plain portion. The second engaging element portion of the male element is configured to engage with a respective one of the first engaging element portion of the barrel nut.