Sliding Bushing Fixing Assembly for Non-Coaxial Hole Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing systems fail to correctly secure elements together when the holes associated with the fastening screw are not coaxial, leading to improper fixation.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system with a bushing and fixing screw configuration that allows the bushing to move within an opening, ensuring the screw hole aligns coaxially with the second element's hole, using additive manufacturing for cost-effective and flexible assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional fixed bushing configuration is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when holes are not coaxial
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is designed to be movable within the opening rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to achieve coaxial alignment with the second element's hole. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and non-coaxial conditions while maintaining precise alignment during fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable bushing acts as an intermediary element between the first element and the fastening screw, mediating the alignment issue by compensating for non-coaxial holes. This intermediate component absorbs the misalignment through its mobility, allowing the fastening screw to properly engage with the second element despite initial positioning errors.
2Ease of manufacture
If additive manufacturing is used for bushing and element, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bushing compensates for the reduced precision inherent in additive manufacturing by allowing positional adjustment. This dynamic adaptation enables the use of cost-effective additive manufacturing processes while maintaining the functional precision required for proper fastening, as the bushing can shift to accommodate variations in hole positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of bushing position from fixed to variable, allowing the bushing to assume different positions within the opening based on the actual alignment requirements. This parameter change enables compensation for manufacturing tolerances in additive-produced components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A fixing system is provided with a first element (2), which is at least partly delimited by two parallel faces (3) and has at least one opening (4), which is obtained through the first element (2), extends between the two faces (3) and is engaged, in a sliding manner in at least one moving direction (13, 14), by a bushing (5), which is provided with a threaded hole (6) and is locked on the first element (2) by means of two coupling flanges (11) obtained at the free ends of the bushing (5); a fixing screw (8) being screwed through the threaded hole (6) for locking the first element (2) on a second element (9).