Self-centering Adapter with Elastic Expandable Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately and quickly centering a tube or rod into another tube is challenging due to time-consuming threading requirements and compatibility issues with different thread specifications, affecting precision in applications like telescope focusers.
Innovation Solution
An adapter mount with expandable rings made of elastic material that friction fit the inner surface of the fitting tube, utilizing a compression and adjustment mechanism to ensure secure and accurate centering without additional threading, and a stop to prevent separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threading is used to attach the adapter to the fitting tube, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threading mechanism from the adapter assembly and replaces it with a friction-fit expandable ring system. The adjust ring translates rotational motion into longitudinal compression of the expandable ring, which then friction-fits against the fitting tube inner surface, eliminating the need for threads on both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable ring changes its diameter parameter through compression, allowing it to expand and contract for secure friction-fit attachment. The adjust ring converts rotational threading force into longitudinal compression displacement, changing the ring's dimensional state to achieve the desired friction fit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different thread specifications are used for adapters and fitting tubes from different manufacturers, then product variety is improved, but compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter design uses a universal interface system where the expandable ring can friction-fit into fitting tubes of various manufacturers by adjusting the compression force. The adjust ring allows the same adapter to accommodate different fitting tube inner diameters, making it compatible across multiple product lines without requiring different thread specifications.
3Ease of operation
If a laser collimator is loosely fitted in the focuser draw tube, then installation ease is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static loose fit to a dynamic adjustable fit. The expandable ring can be compressed and expanded to achieve the desired level of security and precision. The adjust ring allows the user to dynamically modify the compression force, enabling the laser collimator to be securely centered in the focuser draw tube while maintaining ease of installation and adjustment.
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 quick, secure, and accurate auto-centering of the adapter mount to the fitting tube, accommodating varying diameters and surface imperfections, improving alignment and reducing misalignment issues in applications such as telescope focusers and other tube-like setups.
Implementation Method 1
a first expandable ring placed on the outer circumferential surface of the adapter tube and comprising of elastic material for expanding and fitting to the inner surface of the fitting tube
Implementation Method 2
a compression ring for translating the rotational threading force from the adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first expandable ring
Implementation Method 3
causing an outer surface of the first expandable ring to fit to the inner surface of the fitting tube
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter mount for attaching to a fitting tube includes an adapter tube having an outer circumferential surface; a first expandable ring placed on the outer circumferential surface of the adapter tube and comprising of elastic material for expanding and fitting to the inner surface of the fitting tube; an adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the adapter tube to generate a rotational threading force; a compression ring for translating the rotational threading force from the adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first expandable ring, causing an outer surface of the first expandable ring to fit to the inner surface of the fitting tube; and a stop attached to the adapter tube for preventing the adjustment ring from separating from the adapter tube.