Self-aligning coupler for superposed surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The aeronautical industry faces challenges in aligning parts with superposed surfaces due to manufacturing and assembly deviations, requiring numerous wedges for correct positioning, leading to increased assembly and maintenance time, and lack of interchangeability.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning coupler system using circular and semi-spherical bases with semi-spherical and parallel inserts that adjust to compensate for geometric differences between superposed surfaces, eliminating the need for wedges and allowing for reduced component usage and faster installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If wedge grips are used to adjust parts during fastening to compensate for manufacturing and assembly deviations, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and quantity of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment function from separate wedge grips and integrates it into the fastening points themselves. The semi-spherical inserts are built into the fastening structure, eliminating the need for separate adjustment wedges while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening points are designed with semi-spherical inserts that simultaneously provide both fastening and self-alignment functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate wedge grips, reducing component quantity while maintaining alignment capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple wedge grips with different sizes and shapes are used for each fastening point, then alignment precision is improved, but quantity of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening points are designed with semi-spherical inserts that simultaneously provide both fastening and self-alignment functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate wedge grips, reducing component quantity while maintaining alignment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the fastening points by incorporating semi-spherical inserts instead of flat surfaces. This parameter change enables self-alignment without requiring multiple wedges of different sizes and shapes.
3Reliability
If wedge grips are used to guarantee firm fit and positioning between joined parts, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to excessive assembly and maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-spherical inserts automatically perform the alignment function when parts are brought together. The system is self-aligning, eliminating the need for manual insertion and adjustment of wedge grips, thereby reducing assembly and maintenance time while maintaining firm fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The semi-spherical inserts are pre-installed in the fastening points during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that alignment capability is already built into the structure, eliminating the need for time-consuming field adjustments during assembly or maintenance.
4Manufacturing precision
If specific wedges are calculated based on span height for each fastening point, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to lack of interchangeability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the fastening points by incorporating semi-spherical inserts instead of flat surfaces. This parameter change enables self-alignment without requiring multiple wedges of different sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening points are designed with semi-spherical inserts that simultaneously provide both fastening and self-alignment functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate wedge grips, reducing component quantity while maintaining alignment capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A self-aligning coupler for superposed surfaces is disclosed, comprising: a circular and semi-spherical base (10) formed on a first surface (1); a fastening element (20) perpendicularly passing through the circular and semi-spherical base (10) and associated to a second surface (2); and at least a semi-spherical insert (30) disposed on the circular and semi-spherical base (10) and concentric to the fastening element (20). Said semi-spherical insert (30) being cooperative with the circular and semi-spherical base (10) and the fastening element (20) for the self-alignment and fastening of the first and second surfaces (1, 2) superposedly. A method of self-aligning coupler for superposed surfaces is also disclosed, comprising the steps of: a) formation of a circular and semi-spherical base (10) on a first surface (1); b) disposition of a fastening element (20) perpendicularly passing through the circular and semi-spherical base (10); c) positioning of at least a semi-spherical insert (30) on the circular and semi-spherical base (10) and concentric to the fastening element (20); d) application of a tightening force to the fastening element (20); and e) self-alignment and fastening of the first surface (1) superposed the second surface (2) by way of compensation and adjustment between the circular and semi-spherical base (10) and at least a semi-spherical insert (30).