Self-Locking Rod-End Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rod-end and turnbuckle systems require secondary locking devices like lock wire to prevent loosening under harsh conditions, which is labor-intensive and costly for maintenance and service activities, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable rod-end assembly with a primary and secondary locking feature, incorporating a lock nut assembly with a thrust nut and lock ring, that eliminates the need for secondary locking devices by providing a self-locking mechanism to maintain precision-adjusted length under extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lock wire is used as a secondary locking device, then reliability of the fastener is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary locking function (thrust nut) and secondary locking function (lock ring with beam fingers) into a single integrated lock nut assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate lock wire while maintaining dual-level locking reliability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring with beam fingers provides automatic secondary locking that engages with the thrust nut without requiring external lock wire or additional manual intervention. The system serves itself by incorporating the secondary locking mechanism as an integral part of the assembly, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If lock wire is used to secure the fastener, then prevention of loosening under vibration is improved, but ease of operation for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the secondary locking function into the lock ring assembly that is already part of the fastener system, the patent eliminates the need for separate lock wire application and removal. This integration maintains vibration resistance while dramatically improving maintenance ease, as the locked condition can be changed by simply rotating the lock ring.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a passive lock wire that must be cut and removed for maintenance, the patent employs an active lock ring with beam fingers that can be easily rotated to change the locked condition. This inversion of the locking mechanism from a permanent-like wire to a reversible ring fundamentally improves ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If lock wire is used for secondary locking, then security against loosening is improved, but productivity for service activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the lock ring with beam fingers into the thrust nut assembly creates a unified locking system that maintains security against loosening while eliminating the time-consuming lock wire application and removal processes. This merging directly improves productivity by reducing service activity time and complexity.
4Reliability
If lock wire is used in confined spaces, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the secondary locking function into the compact lock ring assembly that is already positioned at the fastener location, the patent eliminates the need for extended lock wire manipulation in confined spaces. The integrated design maintains reliability while improving ease of operation in tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the external lock wire approach with an internal lock ring mechanism that operates within the confined fastener assembly itself. This inversion allows the locking action to be performed in the same confined space where the fastener is located, eliminating the need for additional space to manipulate lock wire.
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 self-locking mechanism ensures that the rod-end assembly maintains precision-adjusted length without the need for lock wire, reducing maintenance costs and complexity, and allowing for easier service operations even in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a lock ring with a plurality of resilient beam fingers that extend from a body in a cantilevered manner... the beam fingers are configured to apply an elastic force to engage with the thrust nut
Implementation Method 2
The rod-end assembly incorporates a threaded connection that allows the relative position of components of the fastener to be adjusted so the overall length of the fastener is varied
Implementation Method 3
The leading end is configured to abut with force against the face of the head of the connecting rod... lessen a tendency for the connecting rod and/or rod end to move relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A precision adjustable length rod end assembly is disclosed and provides a fastener for mechanical assemblies that eliminates the need for a separate secondary locking device. The device includes a connecting rod, an end connector or rod end, and a lock nut assembly. The end connector threadably engages the connecting rod. The lock nut assembly engages both the end connector and the connecting rod. The threaded engagement between the end connector and the connecting rod enables the rod-end assembly to be adjusted to a precise working length (e.g., as measured along the central longitudinal axis). The lock nut assembly maintains the precision-adjusted working length of the rod-end assembly even when the rod-end assembly is exposed to harsh operating conditions, such as exposure to extreme vibrations.