Threaded Duct Connection for Precise Alignment in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft duct systems, existing connectors face challenges with misalignment due to their design, which can propagate from minor misalignments into larger issues as the system grows, necessitating easily alignable and repeatable connections within confined fuselage spaces.
Innovation Solution
A threaded connection system featuring a pin member with a male thread and a box member with a female thread, including specific transition and protrusion areas that facilitate alignment and secure engagement, providing tactile and audible cues for correct positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional connectors with angled portions are used to connect duct segments, then the duct system can be assembled, but minor misalignments propagate into large misalignments as the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection design incorporates alignment features (such as keyed elements or shaped thread profiles) that pre-establish the correct angular relationship between duct segments during the threading operation itself. This preliminary alignment action prevents misalignment propagation before it can occur, allowing workers to simply thread the connection without requiring precise pre-alignment of angled portions.
2Volume of moving object
If connectors are designed to fit tightly within the fuselage to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but the complexity of achieving proper alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection incorporates self-aligning features where the connection geometry itself (such as non-circular thread profiles, keyed elements, or shaped engagement surfaces) automatically guides the segments into the correct angular relationship during assembly. This self-service alignment mechanism eliminates the need for external alignment tools or complex positioning procedures, maintaining simplicity despite tight space constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple angled portions are used to achieve specific duct configurations, then the duct system can navigate fuselage contours, but misalignment errors accumulate across multiple connections
Solution Approach 1:
Each threaded connection is designed with built-in alignment features that pre-establish the correct angular relationship at every joint. This preliminary alignment action at each connection point prevents error accumulation, allowing multiple duct segments with various angles to be assembled with consistent precision throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin member of threaded connection includes a body and a male thread positioned on the body. The male thread includes a male thread principal portion, a male thread transition portion with a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the male thread principal portion, and a male thread protrusion with a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of the male thread transition portion with the male thread transition portion positioned between the male thread principal portion and the male thread protrusion.