I recently saw this hole design for mating two parts. I'm trying to figure out the reason for the Teardrop Shaped holes. I first thought it may be for misaligned holes but I don't think that's the case. Any ideas?
Probably to fit two different size hole patterns and the holes are too close together to be individual/easier to punch a larger feature. Big screws for the large end and small screws for the small end.
yes, but why 'tear-drop" shaped ? Maybe it's just a word ?
"slotted holes" would have one diameter (yes?) and are meant to allow things to be bolted together even when the holes don't align ... yes? The whole (forgive the pun) idea is that the slots will over lap and allow a fastener to be installed (where two holes may not). There may also n a mechanical reason ... that the slots allow some flexibility for vibration ?
"tear-drop holes" tell me the slots are tapered, yes? Not really sure why they'd do this ... more difficult to make, less flexible in connecting pieces (the overlap would vary in size).
well taper any thing is generally to lock in place. for getting stuff but I mean nut plate had a little wiggle room. if the added detail or sub assembly was an add on to an assembly
and a precision fit not required. then why not. it just needs to assemble.
Probably to fit two different size hole patterns and the holes are too close together to be individual/easier to punch a larger feature. Big screws for the large end and small screws for the small end.
The tear drop shape is evidently to match two different hole patterns using two different bolt sizes. Such as a machine with two different motor options.
still seems overly complicated ... for my money slotted holes are too elaborate ... just use a nice large hole with a nice thick washer. if you want to "science" it (open holes don't bear) then eccentric bushes work for me.
obviously slotted holes allow for variation in one direction. pair them (at 90deg) and you can manage quite an uncontrolled assembly.
Many ways to skin cats ... each has an advantage, and a cost.
Here is a rough sketch of slotted holes I use for quick instal and removal for fixtures, adapter plates, or top hold down adapter. Allows machinist to quickly install and remove as necessary. 3 or 4 equally spaced
These are for soc head bolts. The head slips thru the hole
The the adapter is rotated the tighten down with an Allen head. I made thousands of fixtures with this design.
You will see that type of pattern on caster wheel mounting plates and other devices. The intent is for the plate to fit two different bolt patterns, one pattern of smaller geometry and smaller bolts as well as another pattern of larger geometry and larger bolts.
