Dovetail Joint Structure With 3D Fiber Alignment for Load Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint structures between different material types, such as fiber-reinforced plastic and metallic materials, experience a decrease in strength when loads are applied due to the arrangement of fiber layers, particularly in dovetail joints used in aircraft construction.
Innovation Solution
A joint structure featuring a projection with inclined surfaces and fiber-containing layers that extend along these surfaces and the end face, allowing for high-dimensional accuracy and strength preservation through the use of a three-dimensional printer for precise layer arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dovetail joint is used to connect fiber-reinforced plastic and metallic materials, then the ease of attachment and detachment is improved, but the strength decreases when loads are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber layers are arranged with different orientations in different sections: parallel to the inclined surface in the inclined section and parallel to the end face in the end face section. This local variation in fiber orientation optimizes strength in each specific region while maintaining the dovetail joint structure for ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber layers are arranged in three-dimensional space with specific orientations relative to the inclined surface and end face. This spatial arrangement of fibers in multiple dimensions enhances the joint's load-bearing capacity while preserving the dovetail configuration.
2Manufacturing precision
If fiber layers are arranged parallel to the inclined surface, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the strength decreases when loads are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber orientation is locally optimized: parallel to the inclined surface in the inclined section for manufacturing precision, and parallel to the end face in the end face section for strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacturing and load-bearing capacity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Ajoint structure (100) includes a first member (110) and a second member (120). The first member (110) includes a projection (114) having a distal end (114b) and a base end. The distal end (114b) is thicker than the base end. The second member (120) is made of a material different from a material of the first member (110) and has a fitting groove (124) into which the projection (114) is to be inserted. The projection (114) includes, on its surface, an inclined surface (114d, 114e) extending from the distal end (114b) to the base end and inclined with respect to a facing direction in which the first member (110) and the second member (120) face each other. The projection (114) at least includes a plurality of fiber-containing layers (116) that each have a sections in which a fiber extends along the inclined surface (114d, 114e).