Modular Blank Fixing with Spherical-Head Screw Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional modular support systems face challenges in repositioning blanks that have undergone thermal or chemical processes causing deformations, leading to angular deviations and radial misalignments of threaded holes, which cannot be corrected without costly and time-consuming mechanical machining.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a body of cylindrical symmetry featuring a centering collar, perimetric recess, and an axial through hole for a threaded fixing element with a spherical head, allowing radial translation and rotation, enabling secure fixation without requiring new threaded holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional threaded fixing holes are used in modular support systems, then secure fixation of blanks is achieved, but the system cannot accommodate blanks that have undergone thermal or chemical deformations causing angular deviations and radial misalignments
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded element is designed with mobility capabilities, allowing it to translate radially and rotate about the spherical surface of its head. This dynamic design enables the fixing element to adapt to angular deviations and radial misalignments caused by blank deformations, maintaining secure fixation without requiring precise pre-alignment of threaded holes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fixed geometric parameters of conventional threaded elements by introducing a spherical head with a resting seat that has a larger diameter than the threaded element stem. This parameter change creates clearance that allows radial translation and rotational movement, enabling adaptation to deformed blank geometries while maintaining fixation functionality
2Manufacturing precision
If new threaded holes are drilled to correct misalignment, then positioning accuracy is restored, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded element with spherical head and resting seat design enables self-alignment and self-adjustment to the blank's deformed geometry. The element automatically compensates for misalignments through its permitted radial translation and rotation, eliminating the need for external machining operations to restore positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the alignment correction function from the blank and threaded hole system, transferring it to the threaded element itself. By giving the threaded element mobility through the spherical head design, the alignment correction capability is built into the fixing element rather than requiring modification of the blank or support system
3Adaptability or versatility
If threaded elements are constrained to fixed positions, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to deformed blanks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded element transitions from a fixed, rigid design to a dynamic design with controlled degrees of freedom. The element can translate radially and rotate about the spherical surface, allowing it to adapt to deformed blank geometries while maintaining structural stability through its connection to the support system
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical head with resting seat design introduces curvature that enables multi-directional movement. The spherical geometry naturally accommodates radial translation and rotation, providing adaptability to angular deviations and misalignments while maintaining stable contact with the blank through the resting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device for fixing a blank to a modular support system includes a body having cylindrical symmetry which is provided at one end with a centering collar and, in a central region, with a perimetric recess that defines an engagement undercut for a corresponding locking component of a modular support system. The body has an axial through hole for a threaded fixing element. The axial through hole is open onto a coaxial seat for resting the head of the threaded fixing element, and it has a larger diameter than the outside diameter of the stem of the threaded fixing element. The head of the threaded fixing element has a resting surface, a substantially spherical geometry, and a smaller outside diameter than the corresponding internal dimension of the resting seat in which the threaded fixing element is accommodated.