RVDT Shaft Connector for 360° Angular Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connectors for connecting RVDT and reductor shafts do not allow convenient adjustment of the angular position, leading to potential damage and difficulty in aligning the 0° position post-maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A connector design with a deformable portion and a tightening member parallel to the bore axis, allowing easy adjustment of the angular position by loosening and tightening, featuring a moveable portion that deforms to grip the reductor shaft securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional rigid connector is used to connect RVDT and reductor shaft, then the connection is stable and strong, but the angular position cannot be adjusted conveniently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of angular positionVSAvoidcomplexity of connector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector employs a deformable portion that can dynamically change its configuration between a released state (for adjustment) and a gripped state (for secure connection). This dynamic characteristic allows the same structure to serve both adjustment and fixation functions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connector changes the physical state of the deformable portion from flexible/deformable to rigid/gripped through the action of the tightening member. This parameter change enables the connector to transition between adjustable and fixed states, allowing convenient angular position adjustment while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the tightening member is positioned perpendicular to the bore axis for secure connection, then the grip is strong, but the tightening member is not accessible for adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of tightening memberVSAvoidgrip strength on reductor shaft

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tightening member is repositioned from a perpendicular orientation to a parallel orientation relative to the bore axis. This dimensional change in the tightening member's arrangement provides accessibility from the RVDT end for adjustment while the deformable portion maintains radial grip strength on the reductor shaft, resolving the accessibility-strength contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connector allows free movement for adjustment, then the angular position can be changed, but the connection becomes loose and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of angular adjustmentVSAvoidsecurity of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable portion transitions from a flexible state during adjustment (allowing full 360° rotational movement) to a rigid gripped state during operation (providing secure connection). This dynamic transformation enables the connector to provide both adaptability during positioning and reliability during use, resolving the contradiction between adjustability range and connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid connector structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the connector cannot accommodate misalignment between RVDT and reductor shaft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetolerance to misalignmentVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of deformable portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector uses a deformable portion made from a flexible material that can elastically deform to accommodate misalignment between the RVDT and reductor shaft. This flexible component absorbs positioning errors and allows the connector to self-align, providing tolerance to misalignment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of a single deformable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 convenient and secure adjustment of the angular position through 360°, reducing the risk of damage to the reductor shaft and simplifying the alignment process post-maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable portion and a tightening member parallel to the bore axis, allowing easy adjustment of the angular position by loosening and tightening, featuring a moveable portion that deforms to grip the reductor shaft securely

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4212752B1RVDT connector

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 GOODRICH ACTUATION SYST

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AI summary

A connector (1,100) for adjustably connecting an RVDT (rotary variable differential transformer) and a reductor shaft (5). The connector (1, 100) includes a body (2, 102) defining a bore (11, 111) configured to receive the reductor shaft (5). The bore (11, 111) has an inner wall and a threaded tightening member (17, 117) which is substantially parallel to a main axis (AA, BB) of the bore (11, 111). A portion of the body (2, 102) is configured to deform upon tightening of the tightening member (17, 117) such that, when the reductor shaft (5) is received by the bore (11, 111), the reductor shaft (5) is gripped by at least a portion of the inner wall.