Segmented Fitted Bolt Connection for Misaligned Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fitted bolt connections fail to compensate for misalignments and diameter deviations between holes in components, leading to incomplete engagement and difficulties in loosening without damage.
Innovation Solution
A fitted bolt connection with conical surfaces and separate cone segments, clamping bolts, and caps that allow for independent axial clamping and adjustment, enabling reliable engagement of non-aligned and differently sized holes, and allowing for easy loosening and reassembly using simple tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fitted bolts are used with precisely drilled and reamed holes, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fitted bolt is divided into a bolt body and multiple separate cone segments. The cone segments can be independently adjusted and inserted into the gap between the bolt and hole wall, allowing the connection to accommodate misaligned holes without requiring precise drilling and reaming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cone segments can be adjusted to change the effective diameter and shape of the bolt connection interface. By modifying the geometric parameters of the cone segments, the connection adapts to holes with different diameters and alignment conditions, eliminating the need for precise pre-drilling.
2Ease of operation
If fitted bolts are cooled in liquid nitrogen to shrink diameter for insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to permanent wedging
Solution Approach 1:
The cone segments are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. They can be inserted, adjusted, and removed using simple tools, allowing the connection to be dynamically modified. This eliminates the permanent wedging effect of thermal expansion while maintaining secure connection during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plastic deformation of clamping sleeve is used to compensate misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to irreversible deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into adjustable cone segments that can be independently positioned. These segments compensate for misalignment through adjustable positioning rather than permanent plastic deformation, allowing the connection to be disassembled and reassembled multiple times.
4Strength
If conventional fitted bolts are used with exactly aligned holes, then connection strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cone segments act as intermediary elements between the bolt and the hole wall. They fill the gap created by misalignment and diameter differences, distributing loads and maintaining connection strength even when holes are not perfectly aligned or have different diameters.
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
Ensures secure connection of misaligned and differently sized holes with the ability to loosen and reassemble without damage, suitable for use in various industrial sectors and remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
three or more separate cone segments each for arrangement between the conical surface of the fitted bolt and an inner peripheral wall of the hole in the first component, and clamping bolts each associated with the cone segments, by means of which the cone segments, independently of one another, can each be individually clamped
Data Source
AI summary
A fitted bolt connection is provided for connecting at least two components to holes to be matched comprises a fitted bolt having a conical surface for arrangement in a hole in the first component, three or more separate cone segments each for arrangement between the conical surface of the fitted bolt and an inner peripheral wall of the hole in the first component, and clamping bolts each associated with the cone segments, by means of which the cone segments, independently of one another, can each be individually clamped between the conical surface of the fitted bolt and the inner peripheral wall of the hole.