Multi-Axis Mounting Structure for Thermal Expansion in Tight Clearances

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional link mounting devices with spherical bearings are not suitable for small clearance spaces and can cause stress due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to rocking motions and unintended stress on the mounting device.

Innovation Solution

A mounting device with a first mount portion connected to a pin along a first axis and a second mount portion connected to opposing pins along a second axis, allowing translation and rotation along multiple axes while constraining movement along a third axis, thereby accommodating small clearances and minimizing stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional link mounting device with spherical bearings is used, then the mounting device can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, but it causes rocking motion and unintended stress on the mounting device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of thermal expansionVSAvoidstress on mounting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into multiple pins (first pin along first axis, second pin along second axis) that can move independently. Each pin is constrained by its own bearing assembly, allowing segmented movement that accommodates thermal expansion while distributing stress across multiple independent elements rather than concentrating it in a single link structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-link mounting device to a multi-pin structure with pins extending along different axes (first axis and second axis). This dimensional change allows the mounting device to accommodate thermal expansion in multiple directions simultaneously, converting a one-dimensional thermal compensation problem into a multi-dimensional solution that reduces stress through distributed movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional link mounting device is used, then the mounting device can connect two components, but it cannot fit within small clearance spaces between components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting in clearance spaceVSAvoidmounting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is segmented into multiple independent pin elements rather than a single link structure. This segmentation allows each pin to be compact and fit within small clearance spaces while collectively providing the necessary mounting functionality. The first pin and second pin can be positioned independently to accommodate tight spatial constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Spherical bearings are used to constrain the pins, providing smooth rotational movement in multiple directions. The spherical geometry allows compact design while enabling the pins to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction through rotational movement, fitting within small clearances without requiring complex articulated link mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If a short link mounting device is used to fit in small clearance, then the device can fit the space, but it causes rocking motion that imparts stress during thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting in small clearanceVSAvoidstress from rocking motion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single short link that rocks, the invention segments the mounting function into multiple pins constrained by spherical bearings. Each pin moves independently in its own bearing assembly, eliminating the rocking motion that occurs in single-link devices. The segmentation distributes the thermal expansion movement across multiple independent elements rather than forcing a single link to rock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds dimensional independence by having pins extend along different axes (first axis and second axis) with spherical bearings allowing movement in multiple directions. This multi-dimensional constraint system prevents the rocking motion inherent in single-link devices by providing independent movement paths for each pin, accommodating thermal expansion without inducing stress through rocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effective mounting of components in small clearance spaces without causing stress due to thermal expansion, allowing movement in five or six degrees of freedom while constraining unnecessary movement to reduce stress on the mounting device.

Implementation Method 1

The second pins are in rotational communication with the first pin via a spherical bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpherical bearing rotation: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS11661967B2Mounting device and method for mounting components
Publication Date: 2023.05.30 RTX CORP
  • US11661967B2 patent drawing
  • US11661967B2 patent drawing
  • US11661967B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mounting device includes a first mount portion and a second mount portion. The first mount portion is in communication with a first pin extending along a first axis. The second mount portion is in communication with a pair of opposing second pins extending along a second axis different than the first axis. The second pins are in rotational communication with and extend outward from the first pin. The first and second mount portions are configured to translate along the first and second axes and rotate about the first and second axes with respect to one another.