Segmented Tie Rod Design for Aerospace Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tie rods used in aerospace and other industries are heavy and complex, failing to adequately reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity under high tensile and compressive stresses.
Innovation Solution
A tie rod design featuring at least eight columns arranged in a circumferential formation around a central axis, eliminating the need for diagonal support members and utilizing cross-pieces for additional stability, manufactured using additive layer manufacturing techniques to achieve weight savings and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional hollow cylinder tie rods are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The tie rod is divided into multiple discrete columns (at least eight) arranged in a circumferential formation around a central axis, replacing the conventional hollow cylinder structure. This segmentation allows for weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed columnar configuration that resists buckling and承载 loads effectively.
2Stability of the object's composition
If diagonal support members are added to increase stability, then buckling resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a symmetric circumferential arrangement of columns that inherently provides buckling resistance without requiring additional asymmetric diagonal bracing. The uniform distribution of columns around the central axis creates structural stability through symmetry, eliminating the need for complex diagonal support members.
3Productivity
If conventional manufacturing methods are used, then manufacturing capability is maintained, but production time and cost are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The tie rod is manufactured as a single integrated piece using additive layer manufacturing technology, merging multiple components (columns, cross-pieces, and connections) into one monolithic structure. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly operations, significantly reducing production time and cost while maintaining manufacturing capability through modern additive processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A tie rod includes an elongate tie rod body of substantially uniform cross-section, the tie rod body comprising at least eight columns that run parallel to each other and are placed in a circumferential formation around a central axis of the tie rod.