Hollow Axle Release and Alignment in Restricted Pivot Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Limited access to pivot connection holes between aircraft engine and wing components makes it difficult to align and engage hollow axles, preventing effective assembly due to restricted access.

Innovation Solution

A method using a handling device with a cylindrical body that can radially contract and expand, combined with an extraction module, to align and release the hollow axle without visual verification of alignment, utilizing a detection system to release when resistance falls below a threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hollow shaft is used to create a pivot connection between two components with limited access, then the assembly can be completed in restricted spaces, but it becomes difficult to visually check whether the holes are aligned before engaging the shaft

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to assemble in restricted accessVSAvoidDifficulty to visually check hole alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the visual inspection method (optical/mechanical) with a force-based detection system. The detection module measures the resistance force required to insert the hollow shaft into the orifices, and when this force falls below a predetermined threshold, it indicates proper alignment has been achieved, eliminating the need for visual verification in restricted access conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection module continuously monitors the resistance force during the insertion process and provides real-time feedback to the control module. Based on this feedback, the system can determine when alignment is achieved and automatically proceed with engagement, enabling closed-loop control for precision assembly in hard-to-reach areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If visual alignment checking is required before engaging the hollow shaft, then alignment precision can be ensured, but the assembly process becomes slower and more complex in restricted access conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAlignment precision of holesVSAvoidAssembly speed in restricted access

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming visual alignment checking process with an automated force-based detection system. The detection module measures insertion resistance in real-time, and when the force drops below a threshold, alignment is confirmed automatically, eliminating the need for operators to visually inspect hard-to-reach areas and significantly reducing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification of alignment through the detection module that automatically monitors resistance force during insertion. The control module autonomously determines when alignment is achieved based on the force threshold, eliminating the need for external visual inspection and enabling the system to self-regulate the assembly process for improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the alignment and engagement of hollow axles in restricted access conditions, ensuring proper pivot connections without visual alignment checks, facilitating efficient assembly and disassembly of aircraft components.

Implementation Method 1

a first step of radial contraction of the cylindrical body using the control module so that the diameter of the cylindrical body is equal to the first diameter, a step of introduction of the cylindrical body into the hollow shaft, a step of radial expansion of the cylindrical body using the control module so that the diameter of the cylindrical body is equal to the second diameter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial contraction and expansion:

Implementation Method 2

the step of preparing the extraction module consists of compressing the elastic member by approaching the compression surface towards the support surface... the disengagement step consists of moving the compression surface away from the support surface using the elastic member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic compression: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3488964B1Method of releasing a hollow axis from a pivot connection between a first element and a second element

Publication Date: 2024.07.10 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

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Figure 4a~5g
Figure 6~8

AI summary

- A device for manipulating a hollow shaft designed to create a pivot joint between a first element and a second element. - The manipulation device (1) comprises a cylindrical body (7) having a diameter (D) that varies by radial contraction or radial expansion of the cylindrical body (7), a control module (8) for the diameter (D) of the cylindrical body (7) configured so that the diameter (D) of the cylindrical body (7) alternately has at least a first diameter suitable for the cylindrical body (7) to move within the hollow shaft (2) and a second diameter suitable for the cylindrical body (7) to be locked within the hollow shaft (2), the cylindrical body (7) comprising an end (9) configured to protrude from the hollow shaft (2) when the cylindrical body (7) is locked within the hollow shaft (2). The manipulation device (1) allows the orifices (5, 6) to be aligned by means of the end (9) of the cylindrical body (7).