Expandable Timing Washer for Precise Repeatable Component Clocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washers lack precision and repeatability in setting the axial and radial positioning of components, often requiring inappropriate sizes or deformation under torque to achieve desired clocking, which can be difficult and unrepeatable.
Innovation Solution
An expandable timing washer comprising two washer pieces with helical ramps and mating steps, allowing adjustable thickness by rotating the second washer piece relative to the first, with indexing markers for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional washer is used to position components, then the washer can distribute load and prevent loosening, but the positioning precision and repeatability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is divided into two separate washer pieces (first washer piece and second washer piece) that can rotate relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the second washer piece to achieve precise positioning while maintaining repeatable engagement through the helical ramp and step interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer structure transitions from a static fixed thickness to a dynamic adjustable thickness configuration. The second washer piece can be rotated along the helical ramp to change the axial thickness, enabling precise positioning adjustments while maintaining stable engagement through the step interface.
2Manufacturing precision
If the washer thickness is fixed during manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the axial and radial positioning cannot be precisely adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is segmented into two rotatable pieces with standardized helical ramp geometries. This allows the positioning precision to be adjusted after manufacturing through simple rotation, avoiding complex manufacturing processes while achieving precise axial and radial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective thickness parameter of the washer is changed by rotating the second washer piece along the helical ramp. This allows continuous adjustment of the axial thickness without requiring complex manufacturing processes, achieving precise positioning through a simple mechanical adjustment mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If torque is applied to deform the washer for clocking, then the desired positioning can be achieved, but the process is difficult and unrepeatable
Solution Approach 1:
The washer structure allows dynamic adjustment of the second washer piece relative to the first through rotation along the helical ramp. This eliminates the need for difficult and unrepeatable torque application to deform the washer, providing an easy and repeatable clocking process through controlled rotation to the desired step engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical ramp and step interface automatically provides the clocking function through rotation. The structure itself enables the positioning adjustment without requiring external deformation forces, making the operation easy and repeatable through simple rotational movement to engage the desired steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable washer includes a first washer piece comprising a first plurality of steps arranged about a first helical ramp, and a second washer piece comprising a second plurality of steps arranged about a second helical ramp and configured so that at least one step of the second plurality of steps matingly abuts at least one step of the first plurality of steps when the second washer piece is inserted into the first washer piece.