T-Slot Extrusion Structure for Precision Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
T-slot aluminum extrusions face limitations in industrial applications due to suboptimal assembly tolerance, structural rigidity, and non-linearity under heavy loads, leading to issues like angular errors and T-nut slippage, which complicates predicting structural deformation and failure.
Innovation Solution
The extrusion structure features a central body with arm and head bodies that form T-shaped and V-shaped grooves, designed to securely engage T-nuts and connecting plates, enhancing assembly precision and stability through specific geometric configurations that reduce slippage and increase torque resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If T-nuts and bolts are used to assemble frames from aluminum extrusions, then assembly speed is improved, but assembly tolerance and structural rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The extrusion is pre-formed with integrated T-slots during the extrusion process, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing operations. Assembly plates are designed with pre-positioned holes that align with these T-slots, allowing direct insertion and assembly without additional locating or positioning steps, thereby maintaining high assembly speed while ensuring precise tolerances through the pre-integrated geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the extrusion body and the T-slot grooves into a single integrated component manufactured in one extrusion process. This merging eliminates the need for separate locating features or additional assembly steps, allowing the extrusion to simultaneously serve as both the structural element and the positioning reference, thus improving both assembly speed and tolerance.
2Strength
If T-nuts are tightened with high torque to prevent slippage under heavy load, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the T-slot groove separates under plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the T-slot groove, specifically optimizing the included angle (e.g., 60 degrees) and the proportions of the groove dimensions relative to the extrusion size. These parameter changes allow the groove to better distribute and contain the forces generated by high-torque T-nuts, preventing the plastic deformation and separation that would otherwise occur while still enabling high load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extrusion utilizes aluminum alloy materials with optimized mechanical properties, combining adequate strength to withstand high-torque fastening with sufficient ductility to deform plastically in a controlled manner that absorbs energy without separating. This material selection enables the T-slot groove to maintain structural integrity under the extreme stresses of heavy-load applications.
3Ease of operation
If assembly plates are tightened in off-position to enable assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but angular error is propagated throughout the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The T-slots are pre-formed with precise geometry and orientation during the extrusion process, establishing accurate angular references before assembly begins. Assembly plates are designed with holes that pre-align with these T-slots, allowing plates to be inserted and tightened in the correct position from the start, eliminating the need for off-position assembly and subsequent error propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-slot geometry serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the locating feature for precise positioning, the guiding feature for alignment, and the fastening feature for secure attachment. This multi-functionality allows assembly plates to be directly positioned and tightened in the correct location without requiring separate locating operations, thereby preventing angular error while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An extrusion structure including a central body extending along a longitudinal axis; a first arm body secured to the central body and extending along the longitudinal axis; a second arm body secured to the central body and extending along the longitudinal axis; a first head body secured to the first arm body and extending along the longitudinal axis; and a second head body secured to the second arm body along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the first and second head bodies projecting one towards the other and being spaced apart by a gap, the first head body having a first internal face facing the central body, the second head body having a second internal face facing the central body, and the first and second internal faces being either straight and coplanar or inwardly inclined towards the central body.