Swivel Fitting Attachment for Honeycomb Composite Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The absence of exposed stringers or hoop frames in composite monocoque aircraft structures, such as those using honeycomb sandwiched skin panels, makes it difficult to attach clips and brackets for integrating subsystems like stowage compartments and ventilation ducting.
Innovation Solution
A swivel fitting attachment apparatus comprising a ball fitting with a base and a swivel fitting that includes a socket portion to receive a ball, allowing for attachment to a structure and an object, enabling attachment of subsystem components to honeycomb structures without exposed frames, with options for removable or fixed ball attachment and expandable socket portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If composite monocoque structures with honeycomb sandwiched skin panels are used, then weight, strength, and fatigue resistance are improved, but the ability to attach clips and brackets is worsened due to the absence of exposed stringers, longerons, or hoop frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball fitting with a socket as an intermediary attachment mechanism. This mediator component enables attachment to the smooth composite surface without requiring traditional exposed structural elements. The ball fitting can be bonded directly to the honeycomb skin panel, and the socket provides a mechanical interface for connecting subsystem components, thus bridging the gap between the composite structure and attachment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a base plate for bonding to the composite surface, a ball fitting for rotational attachment, and a socket for connecting subsystems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables flexible configuration to meet different attachment needs on the smooth composite surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clips and brackets are attached to honeycomb structures without exposed frames, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the flexibility and ease of attachment at desired locations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ball fitting incorporates rotational freedom, allowing the attached component to swivel and adjust to various angles and positions. This dynamic capability provides attachment flexibility at any desired location on the composite structure without compromising structural integrity, as the ball and socket mechanism absorbs positioning adjustments without transferring stress to the bonded interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball fitting attachment mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides a bonded attachment point to the composite surface, enables rotational adjustment for positioning, and offers a mechanical interface for connecting various subsystem components. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized attachment methods, providing universal adaptability across different attachment scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary, non-limiting swivel fitting attachment apparatus includes a ball fitting and a swivel fitting. The ball fitting includes a base having an attachment portion, such as a flange, arranged for attachment to a structure and a ball attachable to the base. The ball may be removably attachable or fixedly attached to the base. The swivel fitting has a first end having a socket portion that is arranged to receive the ball therein and a second end having an attachment portion that is arranged for attachment to an object. The socket portion of the swivel fitting may be expandable and closeable over the ball, and may include first and second socket portion members that are urgeable toward and away from each other. The second end of the swivel fitting may be couplable to a clevis fitting.