Self-Centering Mounting Assembly for Variable Radii Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical structures for mounting components like motors, fans, and bearings to apertures and vents lack efficient self-centering mechanisms, making component replacement and adaptation to different sizes cumbersome, especially in high-efficiency ventilation and solar cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

A self-centering assembly using variable-length, rigid structural stays and semi-flexible mounts with curved faces that securely affix cylindrical components to apertures, allowing for easy replacement and adaptation, and can be made from nonferrous materials for a magnetically neutral environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical structures are used for mounting components, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but component replacement and adaptation to different sizes is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacement and adaptationVSAvoidtime for component replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the structural stays adjustable in length. The stays can be extended or retracted to accommodate different component sizes and distances from the aperture center, enabling quick adaptation without replacing entire mounting structures. This dynamic adjustment capability directly resolves the contradiction by allowing fast adaptation to different configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly is designed with universal characteristics through the adjustable stays and curved mounting surfaces that can accommodate various cylindrical component sizes. The same basic structure serves multiple functions: mounting different sized components, adjusting to different positions, and providing self-centering capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If rigid structural stays are used to securely mount components, then the assembly is stable and reliable, but the assembly weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidassembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin, rigid structural stays that provide sufficient mechanical strength and stability for secure mounting while minimizing weight. The stays are designed with optimal thickness and material properties to achieve the right balance between rigidity for reliability and thinness for weight reduction. This resolves the contradiction by demonstrating that adequate reliability can be achieved without excessive weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly utilizes composite construction combining lightweight materials with appropriate structural design. The structural stays and mounting components are made from materials that offer high strength-to-weight ratios, providing the necessary reliability for secure mounting while keeping the overall assembly weight low. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of both reliability and weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If nonferrous materials are used to maintain electromagnetic neutrality, then the magnetic environment is neutral, but the material selection becomes more restricted and potentially more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting materials with specific magnetic properties (nonferrous materials) to achieve the desired electromagnetic neutrality parameter. The design specifies materials such as aluminum, copper, or other nonferrous metals that do not interfere with magnetic fields, thereby controlling the magnetic environment parameter while maintaining ease of manufacture through well-established material availability and processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8956111B2Assembly for mounting a component centered to an opening

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 FOGCO ACQUISITION CO LLC

AI summary

A rigid mechanical self-centering assembly for a component mounted relative to an opening. Variable radii cylindrical components are accommodated by virtue of variable-length, rigid, structural stays, and flexible mounts with curved faces for flush abuttal to said component, such as a motor or pump. A high efficiency assembly for electrical components is achieved by use of nonferrous materials.