Composite Tube Joint Assembly With Tapered Wedge Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composite elements to metallic parts in aircraft actuators and landing gear systems fail to effectively transfer loads, particularly under axial and torsional loads, leading to reduced structural performance and stress concentrations in joints.
Innovation Solution
A composite tube with a tapered end portion and non-circular end rim, combined with a support wedge that complements the tapered section's grooves, enhances load transfer capabilities by distributing loads more efficiently and reducing stress concentrations through a joint assembly that includes an internal and external support wedge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional methods of attaching composite materials to metallic parts are used, then the joint assembly is simple to manufacture, but the structural performance and load transfer capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The composite tube end portion is pre-formed with a tapered section and non-circular end rim geometry before assembly. This preliminary shaping enables the joint to naturally distribute loads more effectively when assembled with the actuator component, improving load transfer capability without requiring complex additional features during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The end rim of the composite tube is designed with a non-circular cross-section that creates an asymmetric geometry. This asymmetry allows for more effective load distribution under both axial and torsional loads, enhancing the joint's structural performance and load transfer capability compared to conventional circular end rims.
2Reliability
If conventional attaching methods are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but stress concentrations occur in the joints under axial and torsional loads
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered section of the composite tube end portion creates a gradual transition in cross-sectional area, providing local quality variation that distributes stress more evenly. This localized geometric modification at the end portion effectively reduces stress concentrations under axial and torsional loads without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Strength
If metallic materials are used for actuator components, then high strength and complex geometries are achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials for the tube components, replacing conventional metallic materials. This substitution maintains the required strength and structural performance while significantly reducing the weight of the actuator components, addressing the weight reduction goal.
4Weight of moving object
If composite elements are used to reduce weight, then component weight decreases, but effective load transfer to metallic parts becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The composite tube end portion is pre-formed with a tapered section and non-circular end rim geometry before assembly. This preliminary shaping enables the joint to naturally distribute loads more effectively when assembled with the actuator component, improving load transfer capability without requiring complex additional features during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The end rim of the composite tube is designed with a non-circular cross-section that creates an asymmetric geometry. This asymmetry allows for more effective load distribution under both axial and torsional loads, enhancing the joint's structural performance and load transfer capability compared to conventional circular end rims.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite tube may include a body having a longitudinal centerline axis and an end portion having a tapered section and an end rim. At least one of a radially outward edge and a radially inward edge of the end rim may be non-circular. The end rim may be circumferentially continuous. The end rim may be an undulating annulus. A joint assembly may include a support wedge that at least partially engages at least one of a radially inward surface of the end portion and a radially outward surface of the end portion of the composite tube.