Segmented Tongue-and-Groove Joint Assembly for Adhesive Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for fabricating attachment structures for space frame construction, such as welded frame chassis, are costly and complex, requiring high equipment and manufacturing costs due to the need for intricate connections at various angles and geometries.
Innovation Solution
A segmented joint architecture incorporating tongue-and-groove features with multiple groove and tongue segments, allowing for customizable and robust connections using adhesives, which can include different cure rates and materials, and enabling easier manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional welding methods are used for space frame construction, then strong structural connections are achieved, but manufacturing costs and equipment requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The joint architecture is divided into discrete segments including tongue segments, groove segments, and web segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using simpler, lower-cost manufacturing processes while maintaining overall structural strength through the modular assembly of these segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intricate attachment structures are designed to accommodate various angles and geometries, then connection versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove components are pre-formed with specific geometries and angles during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the complex angles and geometries to be established in the manufacturing process rather than requiring complex assembly operations, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different segments of the joint architecture have specialized local geometries optimized for specific functions. The tongue segments, groove segments, and web segments each have locally tailored shapes and properties that accommodate various connection requirements, allowing the overall structure to be versatile while each individual component remains relatively simple to manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If continuous adhesive application is used in joint assembly, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but contamination and adhesive voids increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application areas are segmented into discrete groove segments separated by web segments. This segmentation allows adhesive to be applied in controlled, isolated sections rather than continuously, reducing the risk of contamination and void formation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. Each groove segment can be independently filled with adhesive.
4Reliability
If segmented joint architecture with multiple walls is implemented, then robustness against contamination and fatigue is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into multiple segments separated by web segments that create discrete compartments. This segmentation isolates potential contamination and fatigue cracks to specific groove segments, preventing their propagation throughout the entire joint. The segmented architecture achieves enhanced reliability through compartmentalization while the modular nature keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
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 segmented joint structure enhances robustness against contamination, premature failures, corrosion, and fatigue, while allowing for increased manufacturing accuracy and flexibility, and improved durability and resistance to corrosion and adhesive voids.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive in the groove, the first adhesive bonding the plurality of tongue segments in the plurality of groove segments such that the first and second structures are fixed together
Data Source
AI summary
The present aspects include an assembly having discretized and segmented joint architecture. The assembly comprises a first structure including an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the outer wall and the inner wall extend from a base of the first structure, and define a groove, and a plurality of connecting walls extending between the outer wall and the inner wall such that the groove is divided into a plurality of groove segments defined by the outer wall, the inner wall, and the plurality of connecting walls. The assembly further comprises a second structure including a plurality of tongue segments which extend into the plurality of groove segments. A first adhesive is inserted into the groove, thereby bonding the plurality of tongue segments within the plurality of groove segments such that the first and second structures are fixed together.