May 19, 2026

US12631433 - Rotational alignment system

Techniques are provided for rotational alignment of platform sections. An aeronautical platform implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a first section; a second section comprising a threaded interface; and a threaded retainer disposed around an end of the first section, that is be coupled to the second section. The threaded retainer is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first section while rotationally advancing into the threaded interface of the second section. The platform also includes a plurality of alignment pins disposed on the end of the first section and a plurality of alignment holes disposed on the second section. Each of the alignment pins is configured to engage with a corresponding one of the alignment holes to maintain alignment of the first section to the second section as the threaded retainer rotationally advances into the threaded interface.

Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Inventors: Kenneth D. Cleveland, Sean Smith, Jared B. Foster, Emile A. Desrochers
Filing date: 2025-02-07

The patent describes a rotational alignment system for an aeronautical platform that includes a first and second section, with a threaded retainer allowing for rotational advancement while maintaining alignment through pins and holes. This design ensures that the sections remain properly aligned during the coupling process.

Claim 1

1 . An aeronautical platform comprising: a first section; a second section comprising a threaded interface; a threaded retainer disposed around an end of the first section, the end to be coupled to the second section, wherein the threaded retainer is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first section while rotationally advancing into the threaded interface of the second section; a plurality of alignment pins disposed on the end of the first section; and a plurality of alignment holes disposed on the second section, wherein each of the alignment pins is configured to engage with a corresponding one of the alignment holes to maintain alignment of the first section to the second section as the threaded retainer rotationally advances into the threaded interface. a first section; a second section comprising a threaded interface; a threaded retainer disposed around an end of the first section, the end to be coupled to the second section, wherein the threaded retainer is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first section while rotationally advancing into the threaded interface of the second section; a plurality of alignment pins disposed on the end of the first section; and a plurality of alignment holes disposed on the second section, wherein each of the alignment pins is configured to engage with a corresponding one of the alignment holes to maintain alignment of the first section to the second section as the threaded retainer rotationally advances into the threaded interface.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12631433

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12631433