Composite Ball Joint Connector With Dual-Friction Anti-Delamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional composite material connectors used in the aeronautical field face issues with delamination under axial and radial loads, leading to weight increase and higher costs due to the integration of mounting rings or self-lubricating fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a body made of composite material with reinforcing fibers, a ball joint, and strategically positioned fibrous strips with varying friction coefficients to prevent delamination and reduce weight, while maintaining effective articulation and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mounting ring is integrated to reduce impact of repeated forces, then the connector can withstand radial and axial loads, but the structure becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mounting ring component entirely and replaces it with a self-lubricating fabric layer applied directly to the ball joint surface. This extraction of the separate mounting ring structure eliminates the additional weight and cost while maintaining load withstanding capability through the friction-reducing fabric layer that prevents delamination under repeated forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the lubrication function and load-bearing function into a single self-lubricating fabric layer applied to the ball joint. This merged solution integrates the protective function previously provided by a separate mounting ring directly into the ball joint interface, eliminating the need for additional structural components while maintaining strength under radial and axial loads.
2Weight of moving object
If a self-lubricating fabric is used to replace the mounting ring, then the connector weight is reduced, but the plies separate under axial and radial loads leading to delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the friction coefficient parameter at the ball joint interface by applying a self-lubricating fabric layer. This parameter change reduces the coefficient of friction to prevent the resin between plies from being tensioned under load, thereby preventing delamination while maintaining the lightweight composite structure without requiring a mounting ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-lubricating fabric acts as an intermediary layer between the ball joint and the composite body plies. This intermediary reduces friction and prevents the transmission of tensile forces that would cause ply separation and delamination, maintaining reliability without the weight penalty of a mounting ring.
3Ease of operation
If the coefficient of friction is reduced to enable effective articulation, then the ball joint swivels smoothly, but the connector becomes vulnerable to delamination under axial and radial loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the friction coefficient parameter to a specific range (0.05-0.15) through the application of self-lubricating fabric. This parameter change achieves the dual benefit of smooth ball joint articulation for ease of operation while simultaneously preventing delamination under load by reducing the tensile forces on the resin between plies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective connector that withstands tensile and compressive loads, ensuring reliable operation and extended service life by minimizing friction and preventing delamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
a first fibrous strip or a coating having a coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.1, positioned between the housing and the ball joint, in contact with the ball joint
Implementation Method 2
The lubricating particles make it possible to lower the coefficient of friction of the first fibrous strip and to limit friction between the body and the ball joint during the swiveling
Implementation Method 3
a second fibrous strip having a coefficient of friction greater than or equal to 0.2, positioned between the housing and the ball joint, in contact with the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting first and second members includes a body formed of a composite material including reinforcing fibers embedded in a plastic matrix made of resin, and having a fastening zone for the first member and a housing. A ball joint is swivelable within the housing of the body and has a bore for the fastening of the second member. A first fibrous strip, or a coating, has a coefficient of friction less than or equal to 0.1 and is positioned between the housing and the ball joint in contact with the ball joint. A second fibrous strip having a coefficient of friction greater than or equal to 0.2 is positioned between the housing and the ball joint in contact with the housing.