Floating Fastener Locator for Precision Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locating and fastening systems, such as dowel pins, shoulder bolts, and Jergen's Ball Lock, face challenges like misalignment, thread binding, and cumbersome quick connect/disconnect operations, which hinder efficient machining operations.
Innovation Solution
A precision locating and fastening system with separate locator and fastener elements, where the fastener can float within the locator's axial throughbore, allowing for precise alignment and secure engagement without binding or galling, using a retention mechanism like a spring clip and precision-machined surfaces to correct misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dowel pins are used for locating and fastening, then the structure is simple, but quick connect/disconnect is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fastening function into two separate elements: a locator for positioning and a fastener for securing. The locator has a cylindrical body with a precision-machined external surface that fits within an opening in the article, while the fastener is received within an axial throughbore of the locator. This segmentation allows the locator to remain inserted for positioning while the fastener can be quickly engaged or disengaged from the base, enabling rapid connection and disconnection without removing the entire assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If shoulder bolts are used for both locating and fastening, then alignment is improved, but thread binding and galling occur due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the locating function (performed by the locator with precision-machined external surface) from the fastening function (performed by the fastener with threads). The locator's precision-machined surface provides accurate positioning, while the fastener's threads engage with the base independently. The fastener is retained within the locator's axial throughbore by retention means, allowing the locator to establish precise alignment without the fastener threads being subjected to misalignment stresses that cause binding and galling.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator acts as an intermediary element between the article and the base. Its cylindrical body with precision-machined external surface fits within an opening in the article and extends through to engage with the base, establishing precise alignment. The fastener is received within the locator's axial throughbore and engages the base independently. This intermediary structure allows the alignment function and fastening function to operate independently, preventing thread binding and galling.
3Strength
If keys and key ways are used for locating and attaching, then secure attachment is achieved, but machining cost increases and quick connect/disconnect is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The locator serves multiple functions: it provides precise positioning through its cylindrical body with precision-machined external surface, acts as a retaining structure for the fastener via its axial throughbore, and engages with both the article opening and the base. The fastener provides the securing function through its threads engaging the base. This multi-functional design achieves secure attachment without requiring expensive key and key way machining operations on both the article and base, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining attachment strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A locator/fastener has a first outer member with a precision-machined external body portion, a retention head protruding from a first end, and a multi-diameter throughbore. A fastener, which may take the form of a cap screw, floats in the throughbore of the locator with the threaded portion protruding from a second end of the locator. A receiver has an internal precision-machined surface which contacts the precision-machined body portion of the locator and a threaded bore which receives the protruding fastener. By separating the locating and fastening functions, a quick connect disconnect device is created which does not bind or gall. A hangar system allows a sub-base plate to be attached to a base using the locator-fastener disclosed herein.