Curved Truss Mounting Interface for Alignment and Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft construction, the alignment and flexibility of trusswork members to support structures like frames and stringers require complex connectors, which can be inefficient and prone to corrosion, with existing solutions not adequately addressing the need for improved load transfer and tolerance compensation.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a body featuring concentrically arranged portions and a central opening with a curved inner wall, allowing for pivoting motion and reduced corrosion through a rotary nut interface, which provides tolerance compensation and optimized load path, integrated into the primary structure for reduced material usage and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex connectors are used to achieve correct alignment and flexibility during assembly, then alignment and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body features a curved engagement surface that interfaces with a flat support structure, enabling pivoting motion and tolerance compensation. This curved geometry allows the connector to adapt to misalignments during assembly without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining simple device structure.
2Strength
If traditional connectors are used for load transfer, then connection strength is achieved, but material usage increases and corrosion resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two portions with a curved engagement surface between them, creating an optimized load path that distributes stresses more efficiently. This segmentation allows for reduced material usage while maintaining load transfer capability, and the design eliminates areas prone to corrosion by simplifying the overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are used in the connector design, then adaptability and tolerance compensation are improved, but assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the curved engagement surface provides both pivoting motion for tolerance compensation and the structural connection for load transfer. This merging of functions maintains adaptability while simplifying assembly by reducing the number of parts that need to be handled and installed.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for truss work members to a support structure for a mounting interface of a trusswork. The connector has a body with a first portion and a second portion. A central opening is provided in the body having an inner wall configured for receiving a connection end of a truss member. The first portion and the second portion are arranged concentrically. The first portion has first circumferential edge sections, and the second portion has second circumferential edge sections. The first and second circumferential edge sections are spaced apart by gap sections that are configured to receive connecting flanges of a support structure. The gap sections are forming segments along a virtual surface that is curved at least in one direction.