Double Tang Articulating Hub Assembly for Collapsible Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hub assemblies for collapsible structures are limited by high part count, lack of interchangeability, reliance on adhesives or special tools for assembly and repair, and inadequate lateral stiffness, leading to flexibility and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A double tang design articulating hub assembly with a forked-plug and integral post, which provides high lateral stiffness, allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and securely grips tubes without adhesives or rivets, enabling easy interchangeability and robust structure formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single tang design is used to connect tubes to the hub assembly, then the assembly is simpler to manufacture, but the lateral stiffness is inadequate and the structure becomes flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The single tang is divided into two separate tangs that are positioned opposite each other, creating a balanced structure that resists lateral forces more effectively while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The two tangs are combined with a common roll pin and rivet assembly that unifies them into a single functional unit, providing both lateral stiffness and structural integrity
2Strength
If a rivet is used to secure the tang's tail to the plug and tube, then the connection is strong, but the rivet is a small easily misplaced part requiring special tools for removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly is designed to be self-sufficient with all necessary components integrated into the main body, eliminating the need for separate replacement parts and special tools while maintaining strong connections
3Ease of manufacture
If holes are provided in the side wall of the tube ends to accept the rivet, then the rivet can be installed, but the holes weaken the tube making it more susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet installation process is extracted from the tube wall by using the existing tang structure and roll pin assembly, eliminating the need to create holes in the tube walls and preserving tube integrity
4Strength
If adhesives or welding methods are used to secure tubes to the hub assembly, then the connection is permanent and strong, but the tubes cannot be easily replaced or interchanged
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from static permanent bonds (adhesive/welding) to a dynamic mechanical interface using the roll pin and rivet that allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and replacement while maintaining strong connections
Data Source
AI summary
A double tang articulating hub assembly used in combination with a collapsible self-supporting structure. The double tang articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required. The hub employs a plurality of one piece “forked plugs” each containing a cylindrical plug with two tangs and an integral post connecting the tangs allowing the forked plug to rotate.