Modular Frangible Joint Assembly for Standardized Separation Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frangible joint separation devices require custom design for each unique structural component application, leading to inefficiencies in manufacturing and increased costs due to the need for specific attachment mechanisms and configurations.
Innovation Solution
Modular separation device assemblies featuring standardized frangible joints with interchangeable mounting flanges and expansion devices, allowing for customizable attachment to various structural components without re-designing the joint itself, enabling high-volume manufacturing of uniform joints with adaptable mounting solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed frangible joints are used for each unique structural component application, then the attachment mechanism is specifically optimized for that application, but manufacturing efficiency decreases and costs increase due to the need for custom design and production
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible joint is designed as a universal component with standardized mounting surfaces and attachment mechanisms that can be used across multiple different applications. The joint body maintains consistent geometry and attachment features while allowing different structural components to be mounted to it, eliminating the need for custom joint designs for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into the standardized joint body and separate application-specific mounting elements. This allows the core frangible joint to be mass-produced as a standard component, while only the outer mounting elements need to be customized for specific applications, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed frangible joints are used for each unique structural component application, then the joint is specifically optimized for that application, but manufacturing costs increase due to the need for custom production
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized frangible joint design serves multiple applications across different structural components. The joint body is manufactured once as a standard part, reducing tooling costs and enabling economies of scale, while still providing application-specific functionality through standardized mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The design separates the reusable standardized joint body from the application-specific mounting elements. The standardized joint can be recovered and reused across multiple applications, while only the less expensive mounting elements need to be customized and potentially discarded for each application change.
3Productivity
If standardized frangible joints with interchangeable mounting flanges are used, then manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness improve, but the complexity of ensuring proper attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible joint employs homogeneous, standardized mounting surfaces and attachment features that are consistent across all applications. This uniformity simplifies the attachment process by providing predictable, repeatable mounting procedures and reducing the complexity of ensuring proper attachment, as the same standardized interfaces are used regardless of the specific application.
4Strength
If custom frangible joints are designed for each application, then structural integrity is specifically optimized for that application, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible joint is pre-designed and pre-manufactured as a standardized component with optimized structural integrity built-in. This preliminary action of creating a universal, pre-engineered joint eliminates the need for time-consuming custom design and manufacturing processes for each application, while maintaining the structural integrity required through standardized design optimization.
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
This approach allows for the mass production of standardized frangible joints that can be adapted to different applications, reducing manufacturing costs and improving efficiency by customizing only the attachment elements, while maintaining structural integrity and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion device located within the expansion device cavity
Implementation Method 2
a fracture groove located on each of the separation walls proximate a respective first end member
Implementation Method 3
Linear explosive frangible joints are used to explosively separate two components
Implementation Method 4
The explosive cord is typically initiated at one or more ends of the cord and the cord causing the cord to explosively detonate along its length
Data Source
AI summary
Separation device assemblies include a first plate defining respective contact surfaces and engagement surfaces and a second plate defining a respective contact surfaces and engagement surfaces. A fracture groove is located on separation walls of the first and second plates. A first end member, a second end member, and the separation wall of the first plate define a first plate expansion device channel and the second plate defines a similar second plate expansion device channel. When assembled, the first plate and the second plate form an expansion device cavity and the first and second plates form a frangible joint. The respective engagement surfaces are configured to engage with receiving channels of attachable mounting devices.