Pin Actuator Mounting Device for Gimbal Joint Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for aircraft propulsion system components, such as linear actuators, lack efficient mechanisms for secure attachment and disconnection, particularly in gimbal joint configurations, which can complicate assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device comprising an inner support, intermediate support, outer support, and pin actuators that enable rotational and translational movements, allowing for secure attachment and disconnection of pins from a common side without access to both flanges, utilizing a pin actuator with a leadscrew and carriage to convert rotational motion into axial translation, and a gear system to facilitate pin engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting devices are used for gimbal joint configurations, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly and disconnection become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into modular components including an actuator assembly, mounting bracket, and pin assembly that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The pin assembly itself is segmented into pin body, head, and shaft portions, allowing for simplified assembly and disconnection operations while maintaining secure attachment when engaged
2Ease of operation
If pins are designed to connect from both flanges, then secure attachment is achieved, but access to both sides is required for assembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring pins to be inserted from both flanges simultaneously, the invention inverts the approach by designing the pin assembly to be inserted from a single flange only. The actuator assembly provides the driving force to push the pin through the intermediate support and into the second flange, eliminating the need for access to both sides during assembly while maintaining secure bilateral connection
3Productivity
If manual pin insertion is used, then simplicity is maintained, but time and labor for assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is pre-configured with the pin assembly in a ready-to-install state. The actuator is pre-loaded with the pin and positioned to automatically drive the pin into the mounting locations when activated, eliminating the need for manual alignment and insertion operations during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is designed to automatically perform the pin insertion function without requiring external manual manipulation. When the actuator is activated, it self-drivenly pushes the pin through the intermediate support and into the flanges, and can also self-drivenly retract the pin for disconnection, making the system self-servicing
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 secure and efficient attachment and disconnection of components in a gimbal joint configuration, simplifying assembly and maintenance by allowing pins to be inserted or removed from one side, enhancing operational reliability and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The drive element may include a leadscrew that is mated with the carriage at a threaded interface. The threaded interface between the leadscrew and the carriage may convert rotational motion of the leadscrew to axial translation of the carriage.
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate support circumscribes and rotatably attaches to the inner support about a first axis. The outer support, the intermediate support and the inner support may be arranged together to provide a gimbal joint.
Implementation Method 3
The first and the second pins rotatably attach the intermediate support to the outer support about a second axis. The first axis may be perpendicular to and coincident with the second axis.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided that includes an inner support, an intermediate support, an outer support, first and second pins and a pin actuator. The intermediate support circumscribes and rotatably attaches to the inner support about a first axis. The outer support includes a first flange and a second flange. The intermediate support is laterally between the first flange and the second flange. The first and the second pins rotatably attach the intermediate support to the outer support about a second axis. The first pin is arranged with the first flange, and the second pin is arranged with the second flange. The pin actuator includes a drive element projecting laterally through the outer support. The pin actuator is configured to translate the second pin along the second axis upon rotation of the drive element about a rotational axis thereof.