Tapered Composite Strut Fittings for High-Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite tubular assemblies face challenges in efficiently transmitting axial tensile and compressive loads, bending, and torque while maintaining a lightweight structure, particularly in applications where end fittings or connectors are required to prevent separation and sliding of contact surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A composite tapered tubular assembly with internal and external annular wedges and nuts is designed, where the tapered tube is sandwiched between wedges at both ends, with the second nut featuring a lip to enhance compression, allowing for efficient load transfer and reduced mass by optimizing the size and configuration of the nuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If composite tubular assemblies are used to transmit axial tensile and compressive loads, then load transmission capability is improved, but the assembly requires heavy end fittings or connectors to prevent separation and sliding of contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is segmented into multiple functional components: an internal annular wedge that fits inside the tubular assembly, an external annular wedge that fits outside, and a nut that threads onto the internal wedge. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (load distribution, friction prevention, adjustment) while collectively providing the necessary load transmission capability without requiring a single heavy connector mass
Solution Approach 2:
The internal annular wedge is nested inside the tubular assembly, the external annular wedge is nested outside, and the nut is nested on the internal wedge. This nested configuration allows the end fitting components to be compact and lightweight while still providing sufficient contact area and mechanical interlocking to prevent separation and sliding under axial loads
2Strength
If the tube is tapered with smaller radius at one end, then structural efficiency and load distribution are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular assembly has a tapered geometry with a smaller radius at one end and a larger radius at the other end. This local variation in cross-sectional area optimizes structural efficiency by providing greater material section at the end experiencing higher loads, while the corresponding end fittings are designed to match these local geometric variations, allowing straightforward manufacturing of each component to its specific specification
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered tube is manufactured as a separate component with precise taper specifications, and the end fittings (internal wedge, external wedge, nut) are manufactured as separate components with matching geometries. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific shape and material requirements, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to attempting to manufacture the entire assembly as a single integrated component
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 solution effectively transfers significant tensile and compressive loads, prevents surface separation and abrasion, and reduces the assembly's mass by allowing smaller nut sizes at the larger end, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and longevity of the composite assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first internal annular wedge provided to be in contact with an inner surface of the tube at the first end and a first external annular wedge provided to be in contact with the outer surface of the tube at the first end
Implementation Method 2
configured to transfer significant tensile and compressive loads
Implementation Method 3
The tube being tapered so as to have a smaller radius R1 at the first end than a radius R2 at the second end; configured to transfer significant tensile and compressive loads
Data Source
AI summary
A composite tapered tubular assembly includes a composite tapered tube extending between a first end and a second end and tapered so as to have a smaller radius R1 at the first end than a radius R2 at the second end. The assembly also includes a first internal annular wedge that is in contact with an inner surface of the tube at said first end and a first external annular wedge in contact with the outer surface of the tube at said first end. The assembly further includes a first nut provided at said first end that is configured to be connected to said first internal wedge and a second external annular wedge provided on an outer surface of the tube and a second internal annular wedge in contact with the inner surface of said composite tube at said second end, and a second nut connected to an internal surface.