Fibre Composite Connecting Section for Pressure Tank Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting fiber composite materials to components often result in a reduction of connection strength due to fiber interruptions, such as when drilling or trimming, which is not suitable for pressure tanks requiring high strength and resistance.
Innovation Solution
A fiber composite material connecting section with at least one fiber deflection element, where long fibers from the fiber composite material component follow the shape of a fiber deflection section, deflecting their direction without completely wrapping around the fiber deflection elements, allowing for force transmission without a fixed connection, enabling the use of tubular fiber composite structures for pressure tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional joining methods (drilling, trimming) are used to connect fiber composite materials to components, then connection can be achieved, but fiber interruptions occur and joint strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A fiber composite connecting section is introduced as an intermediary component between the fiber composite structure and the connection device. This connecting section contains fiber deflection elements that guide the long fibers around the connection device without cutting or trimming them, thereby maintaining fiber continuity and joint strength while enabling mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into three distinct parts: the fiber composite structure, the fiber composite connecting section (with fiber deflection elements), and the connection device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the connecting section acts as a buffer zone that redirects fibers without interrupting them, solving the contradiction between ease of connection and joint strength.
2Ease of operation
If long fibers are cut or trimmed to insert connection devices, then connection is achieved, but fiber continuity is interrupted and connection strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber deflection elements are pre-formed within the connecting section before the long fibers are routed through them. This preliminary preparation of the fiber path allows the long fibers to be inserted and deflected without cutting or trimming, maintaining their continuity while achieving the necessary connection geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber deflection elements utilize curved or spiral geometries to redirect the long fibers around the connection device. This curved path design allows fibers to change direction smoothly without being cut or trimmed, preserving fiber continuity while enabling connection insertion.
3Strength
If fiber deflection elements are used to redirect long fibers, then fiber continuity is maintained, but the fiber path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber deflection elements are integrated within the fiber composite connecting section, merging the fiber redirection function with the connection interface. This integration consolidates multiple functions (fiber guidance, connection coupling, and structural support) into a single component, reducing overall system complexity despite the curved fiber paths.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the use of a fibre composite material connecting section (210) for connecting a tubular fibre composite material structure to a connector device (260), wherein the connecting section has at least one fibre deflection element (211, 212, 213) on the inside, wherein the path of the long fibres of the fibre composite material component follows the shape of a fibre deflection section of a fibre deflection element (211, 212, 213), such that the fibre direction thereof is deflected at the fibre deflection section, and wherein the long fibres (201a, 202a, 203a) do not completely loop around the fibe deflection elements (211, 313, 213) to which they have each been assigned, wherein the fibre deflection elements (211, 212, 213) consist of a fibre composite material, for a pressure tank.