Spherical Rod End Fastening Assembly for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting systems for structural members, such as vibration isolator struts, face challenges including strain due to limited shim sizes, increased parts lists, difficult adjustments due to inaccessible fasteners, and susceptibility to micro-motion, which can degrade alignment and stability over time.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a fastening assembly with a spherical rod end and a partially threaded fastener that allows for clamping of seating members, enabling adjustable mounting assemblies with zero strain positioning and preventing micro-motion, using integrally threaded shafts and anti-rotation tabs for secure alignment and easy access to fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional hard mounting with shims is used, then misalignment between mounting bracket and structural member is corrected, but strain is introduced on the structural member and parts list increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes shims from the mounting system entirely, extracting the problematic element that caused both alignment issues and increased parts complexity. The spherical rod end connector provides alignment correction without requiring additional shim components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical rod end connector serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables angular misalignment accommodation, and eliminates the need for shims. This multi-functional component replaces what previously required multiple separate parts.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional fastening assembly with spherical washers and shims is used, then misalignment is corrected, but adjustments become difficult and time-consuming due to inaccessible fastener heads
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the fastener head embedded within the assembly making it inaccessible, the patent inverts the design so the fastener head is exposed and accessible from the outside, allowing easy adjustment while maintaining alignment correction capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable spherical mounts are used, then alignment adjustments are possible, but micro-motion occurs between mounting assembly components causing wear and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical rod end connector that uses a spherical geometry to provide the necessary angular adjustment capability. The spherical shape allows for smooth rotation and alignment correction while maintaining stable contact surfaces that prevent micro-motion wear.
Data Source
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AI summary
Mounting systems for structural members, fastening assemblies (10) thereof, and vibration isolation systems including the same are provided. Mounting systems comprise a pair of mounting brackets (12), each clamped against a fastening assembly (10) forming a mounting assembly (14). Fastening assemblies (10) comprise a spherical rod end (20) comprising a spherical member (40) having a through opening (44) and an integrally threaded shaft (42), first and second seating members (16,18) on opposite sides of the spherical member (40) and each having a through opening (32) that is substantially coaxial with the spherical member through opening (44), and a partially threaded fastener (22) that threadably engages each mounting bracket (12) forming the mounting assembly (14). Structural members (68) have axial end portions (72,74), each releasably coupled to a mounting bracket (12a,12b) by the integrally threaded shaft (42). Axial end portions (72,74) are threaded in opposite directions for permitting structural member rotation to adjust a length thereof to a substantially zero strain position. Structural members (68) may be vibration isolator struts in vibration isolation systems.