Segmented Ring Assembly Jig with Dowel Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of segmented piezoelectric ring transducers for underwater acoustic applications lacks standardized methods and tools, leading to inefficiencies in assembling designs with active and passive segments that modify electroacoustic performance characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A reusable jig comprising an inner hub, outer housing, and base with springs and dowels is used to assemble segments into a ring geometry, employing an adjustment string for uniform compression and adhesive bonding, allowing for efficient and repeatable assembly of segmented rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If custom tooling and methods are used for assembling segmented rings, then specific design requirements can be met, but manufacturing efficiency and standardization are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process is segmented into distinct stages: positioning segments in the channel, applying adhesive, compressing with dowels, and securing with the top cap. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently while maintaining overall precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The jig acts as an intermediary tool between the segments and the final assembly. It provides a standardized interface with features like the channel, dowels, and top cap that mediate the assembly process, enabling both precision and efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If standardized assembly methods are implemented, then productivity improves, but the ability to customize electroacoustic performance characteristics is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The jig is designed as a universal assembly tool that can accommodate different segment configurations and electroacoustic designs through its adjustable features, such as the position of dowels and the channel dimensions, allowing it to serve multiple design requirements while maintaining standardized assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The jig incorporates dynamic elements like adjustable dowel positions and a removable top cap that can be configured for different assembly requirements. This dynamic capability allows the standardized jig to adapt to various design specifications without sacrificing assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual assembly without jig is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooling complexityVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The jig performs preliminary positioning and alignment actions before the final assembly. The channel and dowel features pre-position the segments in the correct locations and orientations, ensuring high alignment accuracy without requiring complex manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The jig is designed to be self-aligning through its geometric features like the circular channel and radially positioned dowels. These features automatically guide the segments into the correct positions during assembly, providing precision without requiring complex external alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 jig enables precise and efficient assembly of segmented rings, enhancing electroacoustic performance by ensuring proper alignment and bonding of segments, thereby improving resonance frequency, mechanical quality factor, and effective electromechanical coupling.

Implementation Method 1

Springs are disposed about a perimeter of the inner hub facing the outer housing within the ring-shaped channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

adding an adhesive to attaching surfaces of a set of segments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12256193B1Jig for assembly of segments into a ring geometry

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A jig for assembly of a segmented ring comprises an inner hub, an outer housing, a base, and a top cap defining a ring-shaped channel therebetween. Springs disposed about a perimeter of the inner hub face the outer housing within the ring-shaped channel. Through holes in the outer housing receive dowels projecting radially into the ring-shaped channel to pair respectively with the springs. Nocks in all dowels receive an adjustment string that applies uniform radial force to objects pinched between the dowels and springs within the channel. A tensioner peg mounted to the base secures the adjustment string while under tension. The inner hub, outer housing, base, and/or top cap may be constructed of aluminum coated with a nonsticking polymer to prevent sticking to adhesive that cures in the ring-shaped channel to create a finished segmented ring assembly.