Composite Duct Ring Connection Without Drilled Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber-reinforced composite materials and metal matrix composites used in lightweight ducts often have poor joining properties with other parts, such as metals, due to inadequate bonding with adhesives and performance degradation when holes are drilled, necessitating improved joining methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an outer and inner ring with a gap configuration that decreases in width to receive a duct, along with axial positioning means like lips, grooves, and snap rings, forming a friction fit or interference fit, and a system for connecting multiple ducts using mating regions and U-shaped coupling rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If fiber-reinforced composite materials or metal matrix composites are used to make lightweight ducts, then weight is reduced, but joining properties with other parts deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection apparatus is divided into an inner ring and an outer ring that can be separately positioned and installed on the duct. The inner ring fits inside the duct while the outer ring fits outside, creating a segmented connection system that distributes mechanical loads and avoids stress concentration at single connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is nested within the duct and the outer ring is nested around both the duct and inner ring. This nested configuration allows both rings to work together in a compact arrangement, providing secure anchoring of the duct between the two rings without requiring holes or adhesive surfaces on the composite material.
2Strength
If holes are drilled in composite materials to receive bolts, then mechanical connection is achieved, but performance is significantly reduced due to stress concentrators
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into internal and external components (inner and outer rings) that apply distributed mechanical pressure to secure the duct, eliminating the need for concentrated stress points created by drilled holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner and outer rings act as intermediary mechanical elements that interface with the duct through friction and normal forces rather than requiring direct penetration or bonding with the composite material, thus preserving the duct's structural integrity.
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 strong, durable connection for lightweight ducts made from composite materials, allowing for efficient joining with metal parts and enabling the use of lighter-weight materials while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
forming a friction fit or interference fit
Implementation Method 2
forming a friction fit or interference fit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for connecting to the end of a duct, the apparatus comprising: an outer ring having a central axis (C) and an inner surface extending between a first axial end and a second axial end of the outer ring; and an inner ring positioned within the outer ring and having a central axis (C) and an outer surface extending between a first and second axial end of the inner ring. A gap is provided between the outer surface of the inner ring at its first end and the inner surface of the outer ring at its first end, the gap extending in the direction of the second ends of the inner and outer rings.