Variable-Spacing Fixation Assembly for Flush Panel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of multiple objects along a line, such as aircraft cabin panels, becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for different spacers to account for varying tolerances, leading to inconsistent heights and prolonged installation times.
Innovation Solution
A fixation assembly comprising a male and female fastener with alternating ridged and plain sections on their surfaces, allowing for variable spacing and easy adjustment by engaging and rotating the ridges for secure affixing, enabling precise and efficient alignment without the need for multiple spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If different spacers are used for each object to account for varying tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single spacer component is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides a fixed reference distance, enables angular adjustment through rotation, and accommodates tolerance variations. The spacer includes a first part coupled to the installation bar and a second part coupled to the module, with a rotatable element that can be rotated relative to the first part to adjust the angular position of the module.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the spacer, adjustment mechanism, and fixation elements into a single integrated assembly. The rotatable element is directly coupled to the spacer body, eliminating the need for separate adjustment components. This merged structure allows both spacing and angular adjustment to be achieved through one component rather than multiple separate parts.
2Manufacturing precision
If different spacers are used for each object to account for varying tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is pre-assembled with the rotatable element in a standardized configuration during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the entire adjustment mechanism to be installed as a single unit, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components and reducing installation time while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If a standardized fixation structure is used for all objects, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inconsistent heights
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation structure incorporates a dynamic element - the rotatable component that can be rotated relative to the spacer body. This dynamic feature allows the module to be angularly adjusted to achieve proper alignment and flush positioning, transforming a static standardized fixture into an adaptable system that maintains precision across different installation conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A fixation assembly (100, 110, 120, 130) for affixing a first object to and variably spaced from a second object comprises a male fastener (200) and a female fastener (300). The male fastener comprises a bolt-shaped part (210) having a circumferential outer surface, wherein the circumferential outer surface includes alternately at least one ridged section (225) and at least one plain section (230). The female fastener (300) comprises a circumferential inner surface including alternately at least one ridged section (325) and at least one plain section (330). The male fastener is insertable into the female fastener in a state where its at least one ridged section (325) coincides with the at least one plain section (330) of the female fastener, the respective ridges (225, 325) of the ridged sections of the male fastener and the female fastener engaging each other after relative rotation of male and female fastener.