Composite Tubular Rod Joint Assembly for Wedge Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in joining composite seat structures in aircraft seats to ensure reliable load transfer and meet aviation guidelines, with existing fastener-based and adhesion-based joints posing structural risks and installation challenges for wedge-based joints.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly for tubular composite rods featuring a first wedge ring on the internal surface, a second wedge ring radially outward, and a third wedge ring formed of segments, allowing for efficient load transfer and installation without axial movement, using connections like threads or fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fastener-based joints are used to join composite seat structures, then structural connection is achieved, but structural risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional fastener-based mechanical joining systems with an adhesive bonding system. The adhesive layer bonds the first composite component to the second composite component, eliminating the need for fasteners that create stress concentrations and structural risks in composite materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the joining mechanism from mechanical (fasteners) to chemical (adhesive bonding). This parameter change in the joining method eliminates structural risks associated with fasteners while maintaining strong structural connection through adhesive bonds between composite components.
2Force
If adhesion-based joints are used to join composite seat structures, then load transfer is achieved, but installation challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a structured adhesive layer as an intermediary between the first and second composite components. This adhesive intermediary enables reliable load transfer while the structured application method (using dispensing tools or pre-applied adhesive films) simplifies the installation process compared to traditional adhesive bonding methods.
3Force
If wedge-based joints are used for composite rods, then load transfer efficiency is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wedge-based joint system into separate, pre-fabricated components: the first composite component with an integrated wedge geometry, the adhesive layer, and the second composite component. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and optimized independently, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining load transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge geometry is preliminarily integrated into the first composite component during its manufacturing process, rather than being added as a separate installation step. This preliminary action eliminates complex field assembly operations and reduces installation complexity while preserving the load transfer efficiency of wedge-based joints.
4Weight of moving object
If composite seat structures are used, then weight reduction is achieved, but joining reliability becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials for both the structural components and the adhesive layer. The first and second composite components are bonded using a composite adhesive system that is compatible with the composite substrates, ensuring joining reliability that matches the high performance of the composite structure itself while maintaining weight reduction benefits.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A joint assembly may include a first wedge ring (204), where the first wedge ring (204) is arranged on an internal surface of the tubular composite rod (210), having a wedge-shaped radially outward geometry to form a wedge-shaped end portion. The joint assembly may include a second wedge ring (210), where the second wedge ring (210) is arranged radially outward of an external surface of the tubular composite rod (210). The joint assembly may include a third wedge ring (214), where the third wedge ring (214) is arranged between the second wedge ring (210) and the tubular composite rod (210), where the third wedge ring (214) is formed of two or more segments placed in a hoop direction. The first and the second wedge ring (210)s may be connected, for example, by thread joining.