Composite Joint Structure With Ridge-Locked Fastener-Free Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint structures in composite links require fasteners to secure the joint to the tube, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A joint structure comprising a first member with circumferentially extending ridge portions, a second member with similar ridge portions, a core shaft, and a covering member made of fiber-reinforced plastic that tightly covers these components, eliminating the need for fasteners by using ridge portions to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fasteners are used to secure the joint to the tube, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fasteners from the joint structure by extracting the fastening function and integrating it into the covering member itself. The covering member is designed with embedded fastening capabilities through its interaction with ridge portions, eliminating the need for separate fastener components while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the covering function and fastening function into a single covering member. Instead of having separate covering and fastening components, the covering member is designed to perform both functions simultaneously by engaging with ridge portions on the members, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If fasteners are used to secure the joint to the tube, then the connection reliability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from separate fastener components and integrates it into the covering member. This eliminates the weight of additional fastener hardware while maintaining secure connection through the covering member's engagement with ridge portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the covering and fastening functions into a single integrated covering member, eliminating the need for separate fastener components and their associated weight. The unified structure achieves both coverage and secure fastening without additional weight penalty.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the covering member is made tightly to cover all components, then moisture infiltration is prevented, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-forming ridge portions on the members before assembly. These ridge portions are designed with specific geometries that guide the covering member into proper positioning and ensure tight fit, thereby reducing the actual manufacturing precision requirements during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing ridge portions at specific locations where the covering member needs to engage. This localized feature concentration allows the covering member to achieve tight fit and moisture protection at critical areas without requiring high precision across the entire structure.
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 secure, weight-reduced connection without fasteners, while preventing moisture infiltration and maintaining structural integrity under tensile, compressive, and torsional loads.
Implementation Method 1
a covering member provided tightly thereon to cover the core shaft, the one or more ridge portions of the first member, and the one or more ridge portions of the second member
Implementation Method 2
heating the covering member to cure while the covering member tightly contacts the core shaft, the one or more ridge portions of the first member, and the one or more ridge portions of the second member
Data Source
AI summary
A joint structure includes a first member configured to be connected rotatably to a mating member, and a second member configured to be connected rotatably to an actuator for driving the mating member. Each of the first and second members has one or more ridge portions that extend circumferentially along an outer peripheral surface. The joint structure further includes a core shaft connecting the first member and the second member, and a covering member provided tightly thereon to cover the core shaft, the one or more ridge portions of the first member, and the one or more ridge portions of the second member.