Tapered Flange Bushing for Modular Welding Table Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing modular welding tables require time-consuming alignment of removable plates on frames due to the need for precise alignment of mounting holes and screws, which can be inefficient and labor-intensive, and the plates have limited lifespan as they wear out.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical bushing locator with a tapered flange and cylindrical protrusion facilitates easy alignment by ensuring mounting holes are roughly aligned with screw holes, allowing for efficient assembly and extending the plate's lifespan by enabling use of both surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting holes and screws are used to attach plates to frames, then the plates can be securely fixed, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bushing as an intermediary component between the mounting hole and the screw. The bushing contains a protrusion that fits into a recess in the plate, providing a positive locating feature that guides the plate into correct alignment with the frame during assembly, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual alignment while maintaining secure fixation through the screw-bushing-plate connection
2Ease of manufacture
If plates are used on one side only until worn, then the alignment and mounting process is simple, but the plate lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in two key aspects: (1) The bushing has a one-way protrusion that fits into a corresponding recess, creating a non-reciprocal fitting that allows the plate to be mounted securely on one side; (2) The plate itself is designed to be flipable with identical mounting features on both sides, enabling it to be used until one surface wears out, then flipped to use the other surface, effectively doubling the plate's service life while maintaining mounting simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention will improve the efficiency of setting up a modular welding table by reducing the time it takes to properly aligning the plates on top of the frames, thanks to the design features of a tapered flange and a cylindrical protrusion as described and disclosed herein. Another advantage of implementing the design disclosed herein is that the plates can have double its useful life, if one side's surface get worn out, the plates can be flipped over and use the other side's surface.