Composite Metallic Joint with Variable Thickness Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching composite materials to metal components in load-bearing structures, such as aircraft landing gear, often compromise the strength of the composite material and are inadequate for transferring loads applied along the rod at points other than the ends.
Innovation Solution
A composite metallic joint assembly featuring a metal liner with varying radial thickness and an integral load transfer linkage, coupled with a composite material and locking collars, allows for effective transfer of non-axial loads through a load transfer linkage that is integral with or coupled to the metal liner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods (threading or drilling holes) are used to attach other materials to composite rods, then attachment capability is improved, but the strength of the composite material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A metal liner is introduced as an intermediary component between the composite rod and the attachment point. The metal liner receives the attachment (such as a load transfer linkage) and transfers the load to the composite rod without requiring holes or threads in the composite material itself, thereby maintaining composite strength while enabling attachment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hybrid composite structure combining metal liner and composite material. The metal liner provides the attachment interface while the composite material provides structural strength and weight savings, creating a composite system that leverages the advantages of both materials
2Device complexity
If composite rods are designed to transfer loads at the ends only, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to handle loads applied along the rod at intermediate points is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The composite rod is segmented into different functional zones: end portions for axial load transfer and intermediate portions with exposed metal liner for non-axial load transfer. This segmentation allows the rod to handle multiple types of loads at different locations without requiring complex internal structures throughout the entire rod
Solution Approach 2:
The metal liner is exposed at specific intermediate locations where non-axial loads need to be applied, rather than being uniformly present throughout the rod. This local exposure provides attachment capability exactly where needed while maintaining structural simplicity in other regions
Data Source
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AI summary
A composite metallic joint assembly may include a composite metal rod (44) having a metal liner (50) and a composite material (52) disposed around the metal liner. A first portion (54) of the composite metal rod may comprise the composite material and the metal liner and a second portion of the composite metal rod may comprise the metal liner exposed at a radially outer surface of the composite metal rod. The metal liner may have a first radial thickness at a first axial position corresponding to the first portion of the composite metal rod and a second radial thickness at a second axial position corresponding to the second portion of the composite metal rod. The second thickness may be greater than the first thickness.