Elastic Locking Bolt Fastener for Aircraft Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening systems for aircraft and spacecraft components face challenges in achieving precise tolerance compensation and efficient load introduction, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a locking bolt with recesses and a locking mechanism with an elastically deformable element, allowing for stepless tolerance compensation and secure attachment of mechanical elements to support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fastening systems are used for aircraft components, then assembly processes can be performed, but manufacturing precision and tolerance compensation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs an elastically deformable element that dynamically adjusts during assembly to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The elastic element deforms to accommodate variations in hole positions while maintaining secure locking, enabling stepless tolerance compensation without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the locking bolt through elastic deformation of the deformable element. By allowing controlled deformation within elastic limits, the system adapts to tolerance variations in the range of 0.5-2 mm without compromising structural integrity or requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If precise tolerance compensation is achieved through conventional means, then assembly accuracy improves, but the fastening system becomes more complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformable element provides dynamic adaptation to tolerance variations within a compact structure. The deformation capability is inherent in the material properties of the elastic element rather than requiring additional space for mechanical adjustment mechanisms, achieving high assembly accuracy in limited spaces.
3Reliability
If secure locking is achieved with conventional fasteners, then structural integrity is maintained, but the attachment process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-aligning and self-adjusting through the elastic deformable element. During assembly, the elastic element automatically deforms to accommodate tolerance variations and secures the locking bolt without requiring precise manual alignment or complex adjustment procedures, significantly improving attachment efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment and adjustment mechanisms with elastic deformation. The elastic element's inherent flexibility substitutes for precision mechanical systems, allowing rapid assembly while ensuring reliable structural connection through elastic locking.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tolerance compensation is implemented in limited spaces, then assembly flexibility improves, but the fastening device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformable element provides inherent adaptability through its ability to deform within elastic limits. This dynamic property allows the fastening device to accommodate tolerance variations in limited spaces without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving assembly flexibility.
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 solution enables efficient and precise attachment of cabin fitting elements to aircraft frames, reducing manufacturing efforts and ensuring smooth load introduction while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism (6) comprises an elastically deformable element (7) for engaging with the at least one recess (5) of the locking bolt (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a fastening device (1) for fastening a mechanical element (2) with a support structure (3), in particular for fastening a cabin fitting element to a frame of an aircraft, the fastening device (1) comprising: a locking bolt (4) for mounting a mechanical element (2), wherein the locking bolt (4) comprises at least one recess (5), which is located on at least a section of the shell surface of the locking bolt (4); and a locking mechanism (6), which is mountable to a support structure (3) and comprises an elastically deformable element (7) for engaging with the at least one recess (5) of the locking bolt (4), wherein the elastically deformable element (7) is configured to block a movement of the locking bolt (4) relative to the locking mechanism (6) along a longitudinal axis (X) against an installation direction (IN) and to not block the movement in an installation direction (IN). Further the present invention provides a fastening system comprising such a fastening device (1), an attachment method (M) for fastening a fastening device and a detachment method (S) for unfastening a fastening device.