Spherical Pin Mounting for Thermal Expansion in Tight Clearances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional link or rod-type mounting devices with spherical bearings are not suitable for small clearance spaces and can cause stress due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to rocking motions and unintended stress on the mounting device.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a first and second mount portion connected via a spherical bearing, where the axes are perpendicular or on the same plane, allowing for movement in five or four degrees of freedom while constraining translation along a third axis, minimizing stress through controlled expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional link or rod-type mounting device with spherical bearings is used, then the mounting device can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, but the device cannot fit within small clearance spaces between components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into multiple segments: a first mount portion, a second mount portion, and a rotatable body connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to perform specific functions - the mount portions interface with components while the rotatable body enables controlled movement, solving the contradiction between fitting in small spaces and accommodating thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device incorporates a rotatable body with pins that can rotate about a spherical bearing, transforming the rigid conventional link into a dynamic structure. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for small clearance spaces.
2Volume of moving object
If a short link mounting device is used to fit in small clearance spaces, then the device can accommodate limited space, but the device causes rocking motion that imparts unintended stress during thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable body with pins rotating about a spherical bearing creates a dynamic mounting solution that eliminates rocking motion. The spherical bearing allows controlled rotation that accommodates thermal expansion without generating unintended stress, while the pin configuration maintains proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the movement parameters from rigid linear motion to controlled rotational motion about a spherical bearing. This parameter change allows the mounting device to accommodate thermal expansion through rotation rather than rocking, reducing stress while maintaining compact size.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional rigid link mounting device is used, then the device provides stable mounting, but the device cannot accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without causing stress
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic structure with a rotatable body and spherical bearing. This allows the device to maintain mounting stability while adapting to thermal expansion and contraction through controlled rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the movement parameter from fixed rigid connection to controlled rotation about a spherical bearing. This parameter change enables the mounting device to maintain stability while accommodating thermal expansion, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
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 solution effectively mounts components in small clearance spaces without causing stress, allowing controlled movement and reducing off-axis movement, thus minimizing stress on the mounting device.
Implementation Method 1
the second pins are in rotational communication with the first pin via a spherical bearing
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting device (10) includes a first mount portion (12) and a second mount portion (26). The first mount portion (12) is in communication with a first pin (24) extending along a first axis (22). The second mount portion (26) is in communication with a pair of opposing second pins (38) extending along a second axis (36) different than the first axis (22). The second pins (38) are in rotational communication with and extend outward from the first pin (24). The first and second mount portions (12, 26) are configured to translate along the first and second axes (22, 36) and rotate about the first and second axes (22, 36) with respect to one another.