Tapered Shank Bolt Joint for Structural Misalignment Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joining systems for structural elements, particularly in the aeronautical sector, face challenges such as requiring precise alignment, inability to absorb misalignment, and complex disassembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A joining system comprising a threaded bolt with a shank having a tapered outer face, a housing with a conical inner face, and a clamping element, which allows for misalignment correction, gradual load transfer, and easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolted structural connections are used, then the joint provides strong load transfer, but it requires precise alignment between elements and does not allow misalignment absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The shank is provided with a curved outer face comprising at least one tapered longitudinal section that is pointed towards the posterior longitudinal zone of the threaded bolt. This curved/tapered geometry allows the shank to self-align and absorb misalignments between the anterior and posterior elements while maintaining strong load transfer capability through the threaded bolt connection.
2Strength
If bolted structural connections are used, then the joint provides strong load transfer, but disassembly is complicated requiring access to both sides of the joint system
Solution Approach 1:
The joining system is divided into distinct functional segments: a threaded bolt for load transfer, a shank with curved outer face for alignment and misalignment absorption, and a housing attached to the posterior element. This segmentation allows the threaded bolt to be accessed and manipulated from one side only, simplifying assembly and disassembly while maintaining strong load transfer capability.
3Ease of operation
If slack-fit type joints are used, then assembly is simple, but the joint provides loose bolt fit and low load transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a unified system: the threaded bolt provides strong load transfer capability while the integrated shank with curved outer face provides alignment and misalignment absorption. This combination achieves both simple assembly (like slack-fit joints) and strong load transfer (like bolted connections) simultaneously.
4Manufacturing precision
If quick fasteners are used, then misalignment absorption is enabled, but the joint provides loose bolt fit and low load transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a unified system: the threaded bolt provides strong load transfer capability while the integrated shank with curved outer face provides alignment and misalignment absorption. This combination achieves both simple assembly (like slack-fit joints) and strong load transfer (like bolted connections) simultaneously.
5Manufacturing precision
If conical shank fasteners are used, then misalignment absorption is enabled, but the holes of the elements must be conical increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the holes conical to accommodate a conical fastener, the invention inverts the approach: the fastener itself (the shank) is made conical/tapered while the holes remain cylindrical. This allows misalignment absorption through the conical shank geometry without requiring complex conical hole preparation, simplifying manufacturing.
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 system effectively corrects significant misalignments between structural elements, facilitates multiple assembly/disassembly cycles, reduces assembly time, and allows for easy access and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The shank also comprises a curved outer face, i.e., its outer surface, comprising at least one tapered longitudinal section pointed towards the posterior longitudinal zone of the threaded bolt. During assembly of the joining system, the tapered section of the shank aligns the elements to be joined as it advances together with the threaded bolt.
Implementation Method 2
The threaded bolt also creates the force required for assembly by rotating within the clamping element, such as a nut.
Implementation Method 3
The threaded bolt, together with the clamping element, is responsible for the transfer of axial loads.
Implementation Method 4
In turn, the shank transfers the shear load.
Data Source
AI summary
A joining system, between a first anterior element and a second posterior element, comprising a through hole. The joining system has a threaded bolt for passing through the through hole of the first element and the second element, a shank configured to be located concentrically to the threaded bolt in at least the anterior longitudinal zone of the threaded bolt and to move together with the threaded bolt, the shank comprising an outer face comprising at least one tapered longitudinal section, a housing attached to the second posterior element and comprising a conical inner face for housing the shank, and a clamping element configured for the threading of the posterior longitudinal zone of the threaded bolt for fastening the joining system.