Expandable Locking Attachment Assembly for Thermal Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment methods for components made of different materials fail to accommodate differing coefficients of thermal expansion, leading to potential separation, failure, and space constraints, particularly in applications like valves.
Innovation Solution
An attachment assembly with expandable locking elements, such as canted coil springs and arcuate segments, that allow for differential dimensional changes by expanding or collapsing to maintain engagement and secure components together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional attachment assembly with separate fastening components is used, then the attachment mechanism is robust and secure, but the device complexity increases and installation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function and attachment function into a single integrated attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a fastening component and an attachment component that work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the coordinated action of the fastening component (with threaded rod and nut) and attachment component (with mounting bracket and clamp).
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: the fastening component provides secure fastening through threading, the attachment component provides mounting capability through the bracket and clamp mechanism, and the entire assembly can be adjusted and positioned. This multi-functionality allows a single assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a traditional attachment assembly with multiple separate components is used, then the attachment is secure, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is pre-configured with the fastening component and attachment component already integrated and positioned relative to each other. The threaded rod, nut, mounting bracket, and clamp are arranged in a predetermined configuration that allows for quick installation. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment through the pre-engineered fastening mechanism.
3Device complexity
If an integrated attachment assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the attachment assembly is integrated, it is segmented into distinct functional components (fastening component with threaded rod and nut, attachment component with mounting bracket and clamp) that can be manufactured separately with standard precision tolerances. These segmented components are then assembled together using conventional fastening methods. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with achievable precision levels while still achieving the overall integration benefit, avoiding the need for extremely tight tolerances that would be required for a fully monolithic integrated design.
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 assembly effectively locks components with different thermal expansion coefficients, preventing unintended separation and reducing space requirements while accommodating temperature-induced dimensional changes.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment of components made from two different materials will involve a differing (e.g., without limitation, non-linear) change of dimensions of the two components over a range of temperatures due to differential coefficients of thermal expansion between the different materials.
Implementation Method 2
at least one locking device assembly comprising a canted coil spring and a plurality of locking elements
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~7B
AI summary
An attachment assembly includes a first component, a second component, and a locking device assembly. The locking device assembly is structured to move between an unlocked position corresponding to the second component being attachable to, and removable from, the first component and a locked position corresponding to the second component being securely coupled to the first component.