Elastic Snap-Fit Coupling Structure for Thermal Insulation Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer insulation (MLI) systems using nonwoven fabrics or meshes face decreased thermal insulation performance due to member contact, and adhesive-fixed spacers in space environments lead to thermal coupling and out-gas issues, while coupling members require smooth fitting, easy assembly, and strong but difficult decoupling.
Innovation Solution
A fitting structure with a shaft portion and a diameter-enlarged portion, where the second section is elastically deformable and includes a protrusion that engages with a recess, allowing for easy connection and preventing rotation, and a coupling member design with similar features for secure yet easily assembled connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If adhesive is used to fix spacers and thermal-insulating films, then thermal coupling is strengthened, but thermal insulation performance is decreased and out-gas is generated in space environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive from the system entirely, replacing it with a mechanical snap-fit connection using elastic deformation. The second section is designed to elastically deform and engage with the first section without any chemical bonding agents, thereby eliminating out-gas generation while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an elastic deformation mechanism as an intermediary between the two sections. The second section acts as a flexible mediator that can deform to accommodate the connection, providing both mechanical coupling and thermal insulation without requiring adhesive materials.
2Force
If nonwoven fabric or mesh is used to reduce contact area between thermal-insulating films, then heat conduction is decreased, but thermal insulation performance is decreased due to contact between members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible thin-walled second section that can elastically deform to maintain proper spacing between thermal-insulating films. This flexible structure provides consistent separation without the need for nonwoven fabrics or meshes, preventing direct contact between members while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If coupling members require strong coupling making decoupling difficult, then connection strength is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes dynamic elastic deformation in the second section to enable both strong coupling and easy assembly. The elastic material allows the section to deform during assembly for easy insertion, then springs back to provide strong holding force. For disassembly, applying sufficient force overcomes the elastic retention, allowing straightforward removal without permanent deformation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight fitting structure with enhanced thermal insulation performance, easy assembly, and strong yet manageable connections, reducing out-gas issues in space environments.
Implementation Method 1
the second section extends in the radial direction of the shaft portion and is elastically deformable at least in the radial direction of the shaft portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting structure and a coupling member including the fitting structure are provided. The fitting structure includes: a first section (100) including a shaft portion (110) and a diameter-enlarged portion (120) provided at one end of the shaft portion (110); and a second section (200) enclosing the first section (100) from the outside in a radial direction of the shaft portion (110). A diameter of the diameter-enlarged portion (120) is larger than a diameter of the shaft portion (110). The shaft portion (110) includes a recess (113) recessed inward in the radial direction of the shaft portion (110). The second section (200) extends in the radial direction of the shaft portion (110) and is elastically deformable at least in the radial direction of the shaft portion (110). The second section (200) includes a protrusion (210a, 210b) corresponding to the recess (113). The protrusion (210a, 210b) engages with the recess (113).