Composite Dovetail Joint Structure for Interlayer Load Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint structures for aircraft components made of different materials, such as fiber reinforced plastic and metallic materials, face a decrease in strength when loads are applied between layers, particularly when using dovetail joints.
Innovation Solution
A joint structure featuring a projection with inclined surfaces on a fiber-reinforced plastic member that fits into a corresponding groove on a metallic member, with fiber-containing layers arranged to extend along these surfaces, utilizing a three-dimensional printing process to maintain high dimensional accuracy and increase fiber content at critical sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dovetail joint is used to attach the first member and second member, then the attachment and detachment process is simplified, but the strength decreases when loads are applied between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber-containing layers are arranged with their fibers extending along the inclined surfaces of the projection, creating local reinforcement at the critical stress points. This local quality enhancement ensures that the fiber orientation matches the stress distribution pattern, thereby strengthening the joint specifically where loads are applied between layers without compromising the overall dovetail joint structure
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure utilizes composite materials by combining the fiber-containing layers (first member) with the metallic material (second member). This composite construction allows the fiber-reinforced plastic to provide tensile strength along the inclined surfaces while the metallic material provides structural support, together achieving both ease of operation and high strength
2Strength
If fiber reinforced plastic and metallic materials are bonded or fastened together, then the joint strength is maintained, but the attachment and detachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure is segmented into a projection on the first member and a corresponding groove on the second member. This segmentation allows the components to be attached by simply inserting the projection into the groove, eliminating the need for complex bonding or fastening procedures while maintaining joint strength through the geometric interlocking and fiber reinforcement
Data Source
AI summary
A joint structure includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a projection having a distal end and a base end. The distal end is thicker than the base end. The second member is made of a material different from a material of the first member and has a fitting groove into which the projection is to be inserted. The projection includes, on its surface, an inclined surface extending from the distal end to the base end and inclined with respect to a facing direction in which the first member and the second member face each other. The projection at least includes a plurality of fiber-containing layers that each have a sections in which a fiber extends along the inclined surface.