Connector Assembly Recessed Section Anti-Puncture
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Solution Overview
Problem
In applications where weight is a critical consideration, such as in the aircraft industry, connectors made of composite materials like fibers embedded in resin face the challenge of avoiding damage from harder materials like steel washers that can puncture or cut the composite material when loaded.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a fitting and washers that include a recessed section to prevent the washer's outer edge from contacting the composite material, creating a clearance gap that prevents puncturing or cutting, even when the fitting is subjected to loading or bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel washers are used to connect composite material members, then the connection strength is improved, but the composite material may be punctured or cut by the harder steel washer
Solution Approach 1:
A recessed section is introduced as an intermediary structural feature between the washer and the composite material surface. This recessed section acts as a mediator that allows the washer to bear against the recessed area rather than directly against the composite material, thereby preventing puncturing or cutting while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed section creates a localized area with different geometric properties (depressed surface) specifically at the washer contact zone. This local modification of the surface geometry allows the washer to function properly without damaging the surrounding composite material, as the recessed area is specifically designed to accommodate the washer load.
2Weight of moving object
If composite material fittings are used instead of steel, then weight is reduced, but the material becomes more susceptible to damage from harder components
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed section serves as a protective intermediary structure that shields the composite material from direct contact with harder components like steel washers. This mediator structure allows the lightweight composite material to maintain its weight advantage while being protected from the harmful effects of harder materials through the recessed geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed section provides beforehand cushioning by creating a pre-designed depression that anticipates and absorbs the potential harmful effects of washer contact. This prior structural preparation ensures that when the washer is installed, the composite material is already protected from puncturing or cutting forces.
3Device complexity
If the washer is positioned directly on the composite material surface, then the assembly is simpler, but the washer may contact and damage the composite material under load
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed section creates a localized geometric feature specifically at the washer contact area, modifying only the local surface topology where the washer is positioned. This local modification maintains the overall simplicity of the assembly while providing the necessary protection against washer contact damage through the depressed surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting surface is segmented into different zones: the recessed section that accommodates the washer and the surrounding elevated composite material surface. This segmentation separates the washer contact zone from the rest of the composite material, allowing the washer to be positioned directly on the surface without damaging the main structural areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a fitting having first and second mounting portions having integrally connected inner ends and opposing outer ends. The first mounting portion is connectable to the first member and the second mounting portion is inclined with respect to the first portion and connectable to the second member. The first mounting portion has inner and outer surfaces, one or more mounting holes extending between the surfaces and a load surface section extending about each mounting hole. The first mounting portion also has a recessed section located between each mounting hole and the second mounting portion and adjacent to the washer load surface section. A washer is disposeable upon the first portion load surface section and sized such that an outer portion of the washer extends over the recessed section so that a clearance gap is defined between a washer inner surface and the first mounting portion.