Embedded Hardpoint Connectors in Composite Floor Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo vehicles constructed with composite materials face challenges in strengthening connections between composite floor assemblies and other vehicle components, such as coupler assemblies, which can lead to instability and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of embedded hardpoint connectors within the composite floor assembly, which are securely fastened using mechanical fasteners, allows for robust coupling of the cargo body to the vehicle, enhancing structural integrity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If composite materials are used to construct the cargo vehicle, then weight is reduced and fuel efficiency is improved, but connection strength between the composite floor assembly and other vehicle components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple components: composite floor assembly, embedded hardpoint connectors, and coupler assembly with king pin. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall connection strength despite using lightweight composite materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardpoint connectors are embedded within the composite floor assembly beams, creating a nested structure where the connector is integrated into the composite material. This nesting provides secure attachment points without compromising the weight advantages of the composite construction.
2Ease of manufacture
If composite materials are used to construct the cargo vehicle, then construction is simplified and corrosion is reduced, but connection stability between composite components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hardpoint connectors are positioned and embedded within the composite floor assembly during the manufacturing process, before final assembly of the cargo vehicle. This preliminary action ensures proper placement and secure integration of connectors, maintaining connection stability while preserving the simplified construction advantages of composite materials.
3Strength
If embedded hardpoint connectors are added to the composite floor assembly, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The hardpoint connectors are merged with the composite floor assembly by embedding them within the composite beams during manufacturing. This merging creates an integrated structure where the connector and composite material work together as a unified system, providing enhanced connection strength without requiring separate, complex assembly procedures.
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 embedded connectors effectively strengthen the connection between the composite floor assembly and other vehicle components, improving the overall structural integrity and stability of the cargo vehicle, thereby enhancing its performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
expanding the core material around the at least one connector in the outer skin to form a composite beam
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo vehicle is disclosed having a composite floor assembly with at least one embedded hardpoint connector. The embedded connector may be used to securely couple other vehicle components to the composite floor assembly, such as a coupler assembly with a king pin.