Fused Alignment Pin for Controlled Load Transfer in Bolted Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Alignment pins used in component alignment can alter intended load pathways and create stresses by acting as load paths and thermal restraints, potentially leading to deformation or failure when subjected to unexpected loads beyond their design limits.
Innovation Solution
A fused alignment pin with a lower yield strength and altered geometry, such as a notch, that deforms or fails at a specified load level, redirecting loads through bolts and designed components, thereby preventing unintended stress distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If alignment pins are made of strong materials and left in place after bolting, then alignment precision is maintained, but unintended load paths are created that alter stress distribution in the component and mounting bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin's material property (yield strength) is changed to be lower than the component and mounting bracket materials. This parameter change ensures the alignment pin deforms or fails at a specified load level, eliminating unintended load paths while maintaining alignment precision during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin is designed as a sacrificial component with lower yield strength, intended to deform or fail after serving its alignment purpose. This disposable approach eliminates the harmful effect of intact alignment pins creating unintended load paths
2Strength
If alignment pins remain intact after bolting, then structural integrity is maintained, but thermal growth is restricted creating additional stresses in the component or mounting bracket
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin's yield strength is specifically set lower than the component and mounting bracket materials to enable thermal expansion accommodation. During thermal cycles, the alignment pin deforms or fails rather than restricting thermal growth, eliminating thermal stress while maintaining structural integrity through proper bolted connections
3Strength
If alignment pins are made of strong materials, then they can withstand assembly loads, but they create unexpected stress concentrations when subjected to loads beyond their design limits
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin's yield strength is deliberately set lower than the component and mounting bracket materials. This ensures the alignment pin deforms or fails at a specified load level before unexpected stress concentrations can develop in the main structural components, protecting them from harmful stress effects
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
Ensures that loads are transferred through designed pathways, preventing deformation or failure by allowing alignment pins to yield under specified loads, ensuring the mating components and bolts handle expected loads effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the alignment pin is configured to deform or fail upon application of a expected load thereto
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A mating assembly is provided and includes a first mating component (110), a second mating component (120), a bolt (130) to bolt first and second mating components together and an alignment pin (140). The alignment pin aligns the first and second mating components so that the first and second mating components can be bolted together. The alignment pin is configured to yield upon an application of a specified load thereto. A magnitude of the specified load is less than magnitudes of loads expected to be transferred between the first and second mating components through the bolt once bolting is complete.