Radially Flexible Screw Coupling for Precision Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insertion systems for monitoring analyte concentrations in body fluids face challenges in achieving precise rotational and axial alignment of screw coupling elements, leading to issues like thread lash and imprecision in relative rotational orientation.
Innovation Solution
The insertion system employs a screw coupling with a radially flexible part and elastic means pre-loadable in the axial direction, allowing for assembly without rotational movement and achieving a defined rotational and axial position by applying an external force and then withdrawing it, thereby reducing axial and radial play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a screw coupling is used to assemble screw coupling elements, then the elements can be coupled together, but axial play and imprecision in rotational orientation occur due to thread lash and manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the radially flexible part from rigid to flexible during assembly. The radially flexible part deforms radially inward during assembly to accommodate tolerance variations, then returns to its original shape to create a precise fit, eliminating thread lash and achieving accurate rotational orientation without complex additional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially flexible part introduces dynamic behavior to the coupling mechanism, allowing the assembly process to adapt to tolerance variations through radial deformation. This dynamic response enables the system to self-adjust during assembly and maintain precision without requiring complex control mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional elements are added to reduce axial play, then axial precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially flexible part performs the function of reducing axial play through its own elastic deformation during assembly. The part self-adjusts to accommodate tolerance variations and creates the necessary axial precision through its inherent flexibility, eliminating the need for additional elements to perform this function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the change in radial dimension of the flexible part during assembly to achieve axial precision. The radial deformation during assembly allows the part to compensate for tolerance variations, and the subsequent elastic recovery creates the desired axial fit without requiring additional components.
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
This configuration enhances precision in the relative rotational orientation and eliminates thread lash, ensuring accurate assembly and positioning of the screw coupling elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radially flexible part configured for radial movement and/or deformation when assembling the first element and the second element
Implementation Method 2
elastic means configured for applying a force in an axial direction to the screw coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion system comprising at least one screw coupling configured for coupling at least one first element and at least one second element of the insertion system is disclosed. The screw coupling is configured such that the first element and the second element are assembled without rotational movement. The screw coupling comprises at least one radially flexible part configured for radial movement and/or deformation when assembling the first element and the second element, wherein the radially flexible part is a part of the first element or second element; and elastic means configured for applying a force in an axial direction to the screw coupling, wherein the elastic means is pre-loadable in the axial direction during assembly of the insertion system.