Threaded Locator Bushing for Precise Fixture Plate Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixture plate systems face challenges with damage to surfaces during bushing installation, misalignment issues, and difficulty in removing bushings without damaging the receiving holes, due to the separate nature of bushings and threaded members.
Innovation Solution
A precision threaded locator bushing system that integrates a driver portion and threaded portion in a single, co-axial member with an interference fit, allowing for precise alignment and easy installation and removal, featuring a self-tapping mechanism and a ten-point driver for quick installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a separate bushing is pounded into the fixture plate, then the bushing can be installed to support working devices, but damage to the surface of the fixture plate occurs and removal requires great force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bushing and threaded member into a single integrated component. The bushing is formed with internal threads directly machined or formed within the bushing body itself, eliminating the need for separate threaded inserts. This unified structure allows the entire assembly to be pressed into the fixture plate as one piece, distributing installation forces evenly and preventing surface damage while maintaining the functional benefits of both the bushing and threaded member.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate bushing is used adjacent to the threaded member, then the bushing can locate materials, but misalignment between the bushing and threaded member occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing and threaded member are merged into a single monolithic component with a unified body. The locating surfaces and threading are both part of the same manufactured piece, ensuring perfect alignment between the locating function and the fastening function. This eliminates cumulative tolerances and misalignment issues that occur when two separate components are installed independently.
3Ease of repair
If a separate bushing is pounded into the fixture plate, then the bushing can be installed, but removal damages the receiving holes in the fixture plate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated bushing-threaded member design is installed with proper orientation and depth control from the beginning. The unified structure allows for controlled installation using a press or hammer with a protective surface, preventing damage to the fixture plate surface and receiving holes. The design anticipates future removal needs by ensuring the installation process itself preserves the fixture plate integrity.
4Ease of operation
If great force is used to remove the bushing, then the bushing can be removed, but the receiving holes in the fixture plate are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design allows the entire bushing-threaded member assembly to be removed as one unit using controlled forces. The unified structure distributes removal forces evenly, preventing localized stress concentrations that would damage the receiving holes. This enables easy removal and reinstallation of the entire assembly without compromising the fixture plate.
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
This system enables precise and rapid location of materials, avoids surface damage, simplifies the installation and removal process, and allows for resurfacing of the fixture plate, while maintaining alignment and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element disposed within the axial bore and configured to bias the precision locating stud against the ten-point driver element
Data Source
AI summary
A precision threaded locator fastener bushing includes a driver portion, an exterior precision locating surface, an interior precision locating surface, and an exterior threaded portion. The precision threaded locator fastener bushing allows various fastening and precision locating devices to be precisely located relative to a fixture plate. The driver portion includes a ten-point driver configuration.