Patent Description:
Multi-hole components are coupled to adjacent structures using various methods. Typically, a first hole of the component is aligned with a first bolt and a second hole of the component is aligned with a second bolt. Therefore, it is desirable to manufacture corresponding holes to align with each other to ensure the parts fit together. Such arrangements may need tight tolerances to ensure that the holes align. One way around tight tolerances is to manufacture over-sized bolt holes to ensure sufficient clearance to compensate for misalignment of bolt axes; bolts are then inserted and tightened with the component in the correct angular position. Another way, which also provides angular adjustment of a part, is to manufacture elongated slots into which bolts are inserted and tightened with the component at the correct angular position. Both these arrangements are vulnerable to potentially-undesirable angular free-play in the event that bolt preload is not properly achieved during installation, or is lost during service. <CIT> relates to a positioner and image diagnostic apparatus.

An adjusting arrangement is disclosed, comprising a position-sensitive component comprising a first aperture and a second aperture, a first sleeve comprising a first eccentric aperture, wherein the position-sensitive component is configured to receive the first sleeve in the first aperture, a second sleeve comprising a second eccentric aperture, wherein the first sleeve is configured to receive the second sleeve in the first eccentric aperture, a first rod configured to extend through the first aperture, the first rod comprising a first centerline axis, and a second rod configured to extend through the second aperture, the second rod comprising a second centerline axis. Rotation of the first sleeve with respect to the position-sensitive component and the second sleeve is configured to drive rotation of the position-sensitive component about the second centerline axis.

In various embodiments, the first centerline axis is parallel to the second centerline axis.

In various embodiments, the first sleeve is friction fit into the first aperture.

In various embodiments, the adjusting arrangement further comprises a relief cut disposed in the position-sensitive component, the relief cut forming two opposing fingers whereby a size of the first aperture is adjustable for compressing and releasing the first sleeve.

In various embodiments, the two opposing fingers are pulled apart to release the first sleeve.

In various embodiments, an inner diameter of the first aperture is less than an outer diameter of the first sleeve in response to the two opposing fingers being in a natural state.

The adjusting arrangement further comprises a mounting structure, wherein the first rod and the second rod are coupled to the mounting structure.

In various embodiments, a first diameter of the first aperture of the position-sensitive component is greater than a second diameter of the second aperture of the position-sensitive component.

In various embodiments, the adjusting arrangement further comprises a nut configured to thread onto the first rod to secure the second sleeve within the first sleeve.

A method for installing a position-sensitive component is disclosed, comprising disposing a first sleeve comprising a first eccentric aperture into a first aperture disposed in the position-sensitive component, disposing a second sleeve comprising a second eccentric aperture into the first eccentric aperture, and rotating the first sleeve with respect to the second sleeve to adjust an angular position of the position-sensitive component.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises disposing a first rod to extend through the second eccentric aperture.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises expanding opposing fingers of the position sensitive component to enlarge the first aperture before moving the first sleeve into the first aperture.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises disposing a second rod to extend through a second aperture disposed in the position-sensitive component.

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments employing the principles described herein and are a part of this specification. The illustrated embodiments are meant for description only, and they do not limit the scope of the claims, and in which:.

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein described without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Provided herein, according to various embodiments, are systems and methods for angular adjustment and locking of position-sensitive components, such as within the landing gear of an aircraft. While various details are included herein pertaining to aircraft components, such as landing gear components, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be applied to any component where precise angular position is desired.

Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide a step-less adjustment arrangement for achieving a precise angular position. A dual sleeve arrangement is provided, wherein rotation of an outer eccentric sleeve with respect to an inner eccentric sleeve and the position-sensitive component drives rotation of the position-sensitive component. Opposing fingers may clamp around the outer eccentric sleeve to lock the dual-sleeve assembly to lock the position-sensitive component in place. Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide the ability to maintain tight clearances in a multi-hole assembly, thereby reducing potential of excessive free play. Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide the ability to retrofit parts in service where holes in one component may have significant variation in distance between said holes.

With reference to <FIG>, a dual-sleeve adjusting arrangement <NUM> (also referred to herein as a locking adjusting arrangement, an adjusting arrangement, or an arrangement) for a position-sensitive component <NUM> (also referred to herein as a component) is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Arrangement <NUM> generally comprises the component <NUM>, a first eccentric sleeve <NUM> (also referred to herein as a first sleeve), and a second eccentric sleeve <NUM> (also referred to herein as a second sleeve). Component <NUM> may be adjustably mounted to a mounting structure <NUM> via a first rod <NUM> and a second rod <NUM>. Component <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to second rod <NUM>. Second rod <NUM> may comprise a centerline axis <NUM>. Aperture <NUM> (also referred to herein as a second aperture) and rod <NUM> may be coaxially aligned. As described herein in further detail, component <NUM> may rotate about centerline axis <NUM> in response to rotation of first sleeve <NUM> and/or second sleeve <NUM>.

Component <NUM> may be any type of component for which fine adjustment is desired during installation. Furthermore, arrangement <NUM> may allow for the relative positions of first rod <NUM> and second rod <NUM> to be installed without highly precise tolerances. One example of a position-sensitive component <NUM> is an aircraft landing gear sensor system used to detect an angular position of a landing gear component based upon the relative position of a sensor and sensor target. The sensor may detect movement of the target and an angular position of a landing gear component may be determined based on the position of the target. The relative position of the sensor and the target may be important to the function of the sensor system. For example, it may be desirable to have the target and the sensor parallel to each other and/or at a predetermined distance from each other. Therefore, it may be desirable to adjust or fine tune the angular position of the sensor and/or target during installation. In this regard, component <NUM> may comprise a sensor or a sensor target, such as an electro-optical sensor, a reflective surface, a variable inductance proximity sensor, or a ferromagnetic target, among other types of sensors and sensor targets or the like, in accordance with various embodiments.

First sleeve <NUM> may comprise a round outer diameter surface and an eccentric aperture <NUM> (also referred to herein as a first eccentric aperture). A first aperture <NUM> may be disposed in the body <NUM> of component <NUM>. First aperture <NUM> may be configured to receive first sleeve <NUM>. In various embodiments, body <NUM> of component <NUM> may further comprise a relief cut <NUM>. Relief cut <NUM> may form two opposing fingers (i.e., finger <NUM> and finger <NUM>) whereby a size of the first aperture <NUM> is adjustable for compressing and releasing the first sleeve <NUM>. Body <NUM> and the opposing fingers <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a single, monolithic structure. In various embodiments, the inner diameter of first aperture <NUM> is less than the outer diameter of first sleeve <NUM> in response to finger <NUM> and finger <NUM> being in a natural, unflexed, relaxed state. However, finger <NUM> and finger <NUM> may be pulled apart or flexed, thereby increasing the width of relief cut <NUM> to increase the diameter of first aperture <NUM>. In various embodiments, finger <NUM> may comprise an aperture <NUM> and finger <NUM> may comprise an opposing aperture <NUM>. A tool, such as snap ring plier type tool, may be inserted into aperture <NUM> and aperture <NUM> for expanding fingers <NUM>, <NUM>. With the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> pulled apart, first sleeve <NUM> may be placed in first aperture <NUM>. With first sleeve <NUM> in first aperture <NUM>, the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> may be released to reduce the width of relief cut <NUM> and compress first sleeve <NUM> in first aperture <NUM>. Conversely, and with first sleeve <NUM> in first aperture <NUM>, the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> may be pulled or flexed apart to increase the width of relief cut <NUM> and release the friction lock of first sleeve <NUM> in first aperture <NUM> for removal of first sleeve <NUM> or for rotating first sleeve <NUM> with respect to component <NUM>. Thus, the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> may provide a friction lock to secure the angular position of first sleeve <NUM> with respect to component <NUM> without additional hardware. Stated differently, first sleeve <NUM> may be friction fit into aperture <NUM>.

Second sleeve <NUM> may comprise a round outer diameter surface and an eccentric aperture <NUM> (also referred to herein as a second eccentric aperture). Eccentric aperture <NUM> may be configured to receive second sleeve <NUM>. The inner diameter surface of first sleeve <NUM> may be complementary to the outer diameter surface of second sleeve <NUM>. First sleeve <NUM> may be configured to rotate within, and with respect to, second sleeve <NUM>. The diameter of eccentric aperture <NUM> may be substantially equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of second sleeve <NUM>. In various embodiments, the diameter of eccentric aperture <NUM> is between zero and ten thousands of an inch greater than the outer diameter of second sleeve <NUM>. In various embodiments, the diameter of eccentric aperture <NUM> is between one tenth of a thousandth inch and four thousands of an inch greater than the outer diameter of second sleeve <NUM>. In this manner, movement or "play" of second sleeve <NUM> within first sleeve <NUM> is mitigated, while still allowing second sleeve <NUM> to rotate within eccentric aperture <NUM>.

In various embodiments, first sleeve <NUM> and/or second sleeve <NUM> may be made from plastic, metal, composite materials, or any other suitable material. In various embodiments, first sleeve <NUM> and/or second sleeve <NUM> may be made from a metal or metal alloy, such as cast iron, steel, stainless steel, austenitic stainless steels, ferritic stainless steels, martensitic stainless steels, titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, galvanized steel, copper alloys, or any other suitable metal or metal alloy. In various embodiments, first sleeve <NUM> and/or second sleeve <NUM> may be made from a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic, a polyethylene-based material, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), among others.

First rod <NUM> may extend through eccentric aperture <NUM>. First rod <NUM> may comprise a centerline axis <NUM>. In various embodiments, centerline axis <NUM> is parallel to centerline axis <NUM>. Second sleeve <NUM> may rotate about first rod <NUM>. The diameter of eccentric aperture <NUM> may be substantially equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of first rod <NUM>. In this manner, movement or "play" of component <NUM> about second rod <NUM> is mitigated, while still allowing second sleeve <NUM> to rotate with respect to first rod <NUM> during angular positioning of component <NUM>. Stated differently, second sleeve <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to rod <NUM>. Second rod <NUM> may extend through aperture <NUM>. The diameter of aperture <NUM> may be substantially equal to or slightly greater than the outer diameter of second rod <NUM>. In this manner, movement or "play" of second sleeve <NUM> about first rod <NUM> is mitigated. In various embodiments, first rod <NUM> and second rod <NUM> are mounted to mounting structure <NUM>. In various embodiments, the relative position of first rod <NUM> and second rod <NUM> is fixed.

With respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, elements with like element numbering, as depicted in <FIG>, are intended to be the same and will not necessarily be repeated for the sake of clarity.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a dual-sleeve adjusting arrangement <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Arrangement <NUM> may be similar to arrangement <NUM>, except that first rod <NUM> and/or second rod <NUM> may each comprise a threaded bolt for receiving a first nut <NUM> and a second nut <NUM>, respectively, to secure component <NUM> to mounting structure <NUM> after achieving the desired angular orientation, in accordance with various embodiments. First nut <NUM> may be configured to thread onto the first rod <NUM> to secure the second sleeve <NUM> within the first sleeve <NUM> (i.e., to prevent second sleeve <NUM> from translating along centerline axis <NUM> with respect to first sleeve <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, arrangement <NUM> is illustrated with the component <NUM> rotated to a first maximum angular position. Component <NUM> is shown with a target surface <NUM> rotated to an angle <NUM> with respect to an imaginary reference line <NUM> extending from centerline axis <NUM> to centerline axis <NUM>. Target surface <NUM> may be at a maximum angle <NUM> in response to first sleeve <NUM> being rotated with respect to second sleeve <NUM> such that a location <NUM> of minimum wall thickness of the first sleeve <NUM> is aligned with and in contact with a location <NUM> of minimum wall thickness of the second sleeve <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments.

With reference to <FIG>, arrangement <NUM> is illustrated with the component <NUM> rotated to a second maximum angular position. In the illustrated embodiment, component <NUM> is rotated in an opposite direction as component <NUM> depicted in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, arrangement <NUM> is illustrated with the component <NUM> rotated to an intermediate angular position.

With reference to <FIG>, arrangement <NUM> is illustrated with the component <NUM> rotated to an intermediate angular position. Target surface <NUM> may be parallel with imaginary reference line <NUM> in response to first sleeve <NUM> being rotated with respect to second sleeve <NUM> such that the location <NUM> of minimum wall thickness of the first sleeve <NUM> is disposed opposite rod <NUM> from the location <NUM> of minimum wall thickness of the second sleeve <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments.

With reference to <FIG>, a flow chart for a method <NUM> for installing a position-sensitive component is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Method <NUM> includes disposing a first sleeve comprising a first eccentric aperture into a first aperture disposed in the position-sensitive component (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes disposing a second sleeve comprising a second eccentric aperture into the first eccentric aperture (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes rotating the first sleeve with respect to the second sleeve to adjust an angular position of the position-sensitive component (step <NUM>).

With combined reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, step <NUM> may include moving first sleeve <NUM> into first aperture <NUM>. Step <NUM> may include moving second sleeve <NUM> into first eccentric aperture <NUM>. Step <NUM> may include rotating the first sleeve with respect to the second sleeve to adjust an angular position of the position-sensitive component (step <NUM>). The method <NUM> may further include disposing first rod <NUM> to extend through second eccentric aperture <NUM>. The method <NUM> may further include disposing second rod <NUM> to extend through aperture <NUM>.

With combined reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>, step <NUM> may include pulling apart finger <NUM> and finger <NUM> to increase the width of relief cut <NUM> and increase the diameter of first aperture <NUM>. With opposing forces applied to fingers <NUM>, <NUM>, a torsional force-e.g., by hand or with a tool-may be applied to first sleeve <NUM> to rotate first sleeve <NUM> with respect to component <NUM>. With both rod <NUM> and rod <NUM> fixed to mounting structure <NUM>, as first sleeve <NUM> rotates with respect to component <NUM>, second sleeve <NUM> counter-rotates with respect to first sleeve <NUM>, and component <NUM> to rotate about second rod <NUM>. In this regard, torsion applied to first sleeve <NUM> causes first sleeve <NUM> to rotate with respect to both second sleeve <NUM> and component <NUM>. Stated differently, rotation of the first sleeve <NUM> with respect to component <NUM> may be configured to drive rotation of component <NUM> about second rod <NUM>. For example, first sleeve <NUM> may be rotated from a first position, as illustrated in <FIG> for example, to a second position, as illustrated in <FIG> for example, to adjust the angular position of component <NUM>. When a desired angular position is achieved, finger <NUM> and finger <NUM> may be released to lock first sleeve <NUM> in first aperture <NUM>. With first sleeve <NUM> locked from rotation with respect to component <NUM>, first rod <NUM> locks second sleeve <NUM> from rotation. Stated differently, the angular position of component <NUM> may be locked in response to first sleeve <NUM> being locked to component <NUM>. In this regard, locking first sleeve <NUM> from rotation within component <NUM> locks the entire arrangement from rotation.

With reference to <FIG>, a first sleeve <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. First sleeve <NUM> may be similar to first sleeve <NUM> of <FIG>, except that first sleeve <NUM> further comprises a rotation assistance feature <NUM>. Rotation assistance feature <NUM> may comprise a slot disposed in an exposed surface of first sleeve <NUM>, wherein a tool may be inserted to provide a mechanical advantage in turning first sleeve <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a first sleeve <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. First sleeve <NUM> may be similar to first sleeve <NUM> of <FIG>, except that first sleeve <NUM> further comprises a rotation assistance feature <NUM>. Rotation assistance feature <NUM> may comprise a boss feature extending from an exposed surface of first sleeve <NUM>. Rotation assistance feature <NUM> may be used to provide a mechanical advantage in turning first sleeve <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a first sleeve <NUM> is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. First sleeve <NUM> may be similar to first sleeve <NUM> of <FIG>, except that first sleeve <NUM> further comprises a rotation assistance feature <NUM>. Rotation assistance feature <NUM> may comprise a flange extending from an exposed surface of first sleeve <NUM>. Rotation assistance feature <NUM> may be used to provide a mechanical advantage in turning first sleeve <NUM>. Rotation assistance feature <NUM> may comprise a flange configured to receive a tool, such as a socket or a wrench for example, for turning first sleeve <NUM>. For example, rotation assistance feature <NUM> may comprise a polygonal shape, such as a square, a hexagon, an octagon, or any other geometry suitable for receiving or being captured by a tool for turning first sleeve <NUM>.

" It is to be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to "a," "an," and/or "the" may include one or more than one, and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural.

Moreover, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B, and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts, but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are only illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present, representative disclosure.

Any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts or areas, but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

Claim 1:
An adjusting arrangement, comprising:
a position-sensitive component (<NUM>) comprising a first aperture and a second aperture;
a first sleeve (<NUM>) comprising a first eccentric aperture, wherein the position-sensitive component is configured to receive the first sleeve in the first aperture;
a second sleeve (<NUM>) comprising a second eccentric aperture, wherein the first sleeve is configured to receive the second sleeve in the first eccentric aperture;
a first rod (<NUM>) configured to extend through the first aperture, the first rod comprising a first centerline axis;
a second rod (<NUM>) configured to extend through the second aperture, the second rod comprising a second centerline axis;
wherein rotation of the first sleeve with respect to the position-sensitive component and the second sleeve is configured to drive rotation of the position-sensitive component about the second centerline axis; and
a mounting structure (<NUM>), wherein the first rod and the second rod are coupled to the mounting structure.