Load Slider Assembly for Threshold-Based Structural Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical structures are not designed to handle excessive loads without compromising performance, and upgrading them to accommodate higher loads is often infeasible due to issues like thermal expansion mismatches, excessive weight, or limited access for installation.
Innovation Solution
A slider assembly with a bracket and fasteners that transfer excess load from a first section to a second section by maintaining a gap below a threshold and eliminating it above the threshold to distribute load via the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing members are installed directly onto existing metal components to handle higher loads, then load capacity is improved, but thermal expansion mismatches occur
Solution Approach 1:
A slider assembly acts as an intermediary component between the existing metal structure and the reinforcing members. The slider includes a bracket that connects to the existing structure and a fastener that connects to the reinforcing member, allowing the slider to mediate the thermal expansion differences and prevent direct stress concentration at the interface between dissimilar materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider assembly introduces a movable interface that changes the mechanical parameters of the connection. The fastener can move through openings in the bracket, allowing relative movement that accommodates thermal expansion while maintaining load transfer capability when needed.
2Strength
If additional strengthening members are added to aircraft structures, then load capacity is improved, but weight increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing structure is segmented into discrete components: a slider assembly with a bracket, fasteners with openings, and retaining members. This segmentation allows the reinforcement to be applied only where needed and enables the use of lighter materials and designs compared to solid reinforcing members.
Solution Approach 2:
The fasteners are designed to move through the openings in the bracket, creating a dynamic connection that can adapt to load conditions. This dynamic capability allows the structure to use less material while maintaining strength, as the connection can engage and disengage based on applied loads.
3Strength
If reinforcing structures are installed on engine components, then load capacity is improved, but access for installation becomes infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The slider assembly is designed to be installed in a preliminary manner that does not require engine removal or disassembly of major components. The bracket can be attached to existing engine structures through accessible points, and the fasteners can be installed through openings without requiring internal engine access.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider assembly serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the existing engine structure and the required reinforcement. It can be installed through accessible external points on the engine, avoiding the need to disassemble internal engine components for reinforcement installation.
4Reliability
If the structure is designed to handle expected normal operation loads, then performance is maintained, but excessive loads cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener-bracket connection is designed as a dynamic system that can adapt to different load conditions. Under normal operation, the fastener maintains a gap position that allows thermal movement without transferring excessive loads. When excessive loads occur, the fastener moves through the openings to engage the bracket, transferring the excess load to the reinforcing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system changes its mechanical parameters based on load conditions. The relative position between the fastener and bracket changes from a gapped state during normal operation to an engaged state during excessive loading, allowing the structure to maintain normal performance while providing protection against excessive loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A slider assembly configured to transfer excess load from a first section of a structure to a second section of a structure. The slider assembly includes a bracket and fasteners that are movably connected to the bracket. The fasteners are configured to move through the bracket when a load applied to the first section is below a threshold to maintain a gap between the bracket and the first section to permit the transfer of load from the first section to the second section without loading the slider assembly. The fasteners are further configured to move through the bracket a greater amount when the load applied to the first section is above the threshold to eliminate the gap to transfer at least a portion of the load from the first section to the second section via the slider assembly.