Aircraft Hinge Bearing Cover With Press-Fit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft bearings in hinge fittings are susceptible to damage during assembly and maintenance, leading to increased manufacturing and repair times due to exposure and difficulty in replacing them.
Innovation Solution
A cover apparatus is designed to protect aircraft bearings by coupling to the hinge fittings, featuring a press-fit connection with a boss and grip for secure attachment, providing a frictional fit without requiring additional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bearings are exposed during assembly and maintenance, then manufacturing and repair processes can be accessed, but the bearings become susceptible to damage and replacement becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is installed on the bearing before assembly and maintenance operations begin, providing preliminary protection. The cover is designed to be quickly removed when bearing access is needed and reinstalled afterward, preventing damage during exposed periods while maintaining easy access when required.
2Reliability
If additional fasteners are used to secure the cover, then the cover attachment is more secure, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover incorporates a self-retaining mechanism where the boss protrusion automatically engages with the bearing bore through interference fit, and the grip protrusion self-locks into position. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners while maintaining secure attachment, reducing both device complexity and assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The boss protrusion acts as an intermediary element between the cover and bearing, providing the press-fit connection. The grip protrusion serves as an intermediary for the second side attachment. These intermediary features enable secure mounting without requiring additional fasteners, simplifying the overall structure.
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
The cover apparatus effectively seals and protects bearings from damage, reducing manufacturing and maintenance time by simplifying the replacement process and minimizing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The boss is dimensioned for a press-fit connection with a bearing bore of the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
Cover apparatus for use with aircraft hinge interfaces are disclosed. An example cover apparatus includes a body defining a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The body is dimensioned to provide a stop against an outer surface of a bearing. A boss protrudes from the first side of the body. The boss is dimensioned for a press-fit connection with a bearing bore of the bearing. A knob protrudes from the second side of the body opposite the first side.