Radome Segment Connector Assembly Without Special Tooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radome connectors are prone to failure and are difficult to use, requiring special tooling and being unsuitable for reliable interconnection of radome segments.
Innovation Solution
A novel connector assembly using a bolt and interior threaded flange nut system, mounted equidistant along the radome's inner perimeter, which is easy to assemble without specialized tools and provides secure interconnection of radome segments, with the bolt and nut encapsulated in adhesive for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art connectors are used to interconnect radome segments, then the radome structure can be assembled, but the connectors are prone to failure and require special tooling
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed to be self-contained with the bolt and flange nut integrated into the radome segments themselves. The bolt passes through aligned bores in both segments and the flange nut threads onto the bolt end, creating a self-servicing connection that requires no external tooling or specialized assembly equipment, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connector components (bolt, flange nut, and mounting structures) are merged directly into the radome segment design. The flange nut is embodied within a cavity in the first wall, and the bolt head is receivable within a countersink in the second wall, combining multiple functions into integrated structures that eliminate the need for separate fastening hardware and special tooling
2Ease of manufacture
If prior art connectors are used to interconnect radome segments, then the radome structure can be assembled, but the connectors are difficult to use and require specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into discrete, pre-positioned components: the bolt is received in a bore of the second wall, the flange nut is embodied in a cavity of the first wall, and the adhesive is applied to the protrusion surface. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and positioned, simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing the need for complex tooling
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt and flange nut are pre-positioned within their respective cavities and bores during radome segment manufacturing. The adhesive is pre-applied to the protrusion surface before final assembly. These preliminary actions eliminate the need for complex assembly tooling during field installation, making the connector easy to manufacture and assemble
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 connector assembly ensures reliable and secure interconnection of radome segments, enhancing the durability and ease of assembly, making it suitable for use by unskilled workers without the need for specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
the bolt and nut encapsulated in adhesive for added stability
Data Source
AI summary
A radome constructed from a plurality of interconnectable segments and a novel connector assembly for use in connecting together the radome segments.