Abstract:
Washer assemblies for mounting panels to a support without damaging the panels include a countersunk washer and a sleeve. In one implementation, the washer assemblies are configured to at least partially prevent the formation of hoop stresses within a panel, and uniformly transmit forces created by a fastener to a panel. The washer assemblies can be configured to enhance the function, look, feel, or aesthetic of a panel system. In addition, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more supports using one or more washer assemblies and methods of mounting such systems.
Abstract:
A torque tube (10) includes a composite body (12) and an end fitting (14, 16). The composite tube includes a body having a body interior diameter, wall thickness, an end (18, 20) having an edge, and a set of grooves (22, 24). Each groove of the set of grooves passes through the wall thickness. Each groove of the set of grooves begins at the edge and ends in the body. The end fitting includes a sleeve configured to mate with the body interior diameter and a set of ribs (26, 28) configured to mate with the set of grooves.
Abstract:
Assemblies for coupling together two elements are provided and include a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The second coupling member has a body sized and adapted to be fitted into a hollow space defined by the first coupling member. The coupling members are structured to deflect the body of the second coupling member toward a first wall of the first coupling member as the body is passed into the hollow space.
Abstract:
A method of preparing a component (60) to be joined to another component (55). The method comprises growing an array of projections (56, 57) on a bond region of the component (55) in a series of layers, each layer being grown by directing energy and/or material from a head to selected parts of the bond region. The joint may be used to join a pair of structural components, for instance in an aerospace application. For instance the joint may be used to join a reinforcing plate, floating rib foot, or stringer to a panel such as a wing or fuselage cover. Alternatively the joint may be used to join adjacent layers in a laminate structure.
Abstract:
A self fixturing adhesive attachment is provided for securely mounting an attachment component such as a threaded stud on the surface of a substrate. The self fixturing attachment includes a base fixture carrying the attachment component and defining a base surface for receiving a selected curable bonding agent thereon. A resilient pressure sensitive adhesive member has a first portion carried by the attachment component at a blind side thereof, a second portion secured to the base fixture, and a third portion extending therebetween. Following pressed mounting of the base fixture with bonding agent thereon onto the substrate, the attachment component is movable to press the first portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive member into adherence with the substrate, resulting in stretched elongation of the third portion thereof to pull the base fixture with a positive force toward the substrate for the duration of the bonding agent cure time.
Abstract:
A joint structure, such as a bulkhead (22) joined to an annular shell (20), is formed by providing a conformed pattern of ridges (30, 32 & 38) and valleys (39a & 39b) on the facing portions of the elements to be joined. A tensioned band (46) is applied to the external surface of the annular shell (20) overlying one of the ridges in the annular shell (20). The tensioned band (46) stresses the joint in compression, offsetting subsequently applied shear stress so as to negate peeling failure forces. The joint loadings are sustained with a mechanical interlocking, making the use of an adhesive optional.
Abstract:
The joint of concrete building elements includes a system of connecting pins (2), formed by rows of mutually parallel bars, the central parts of which cross the area end sections, concreted in mutually joined building elements. The connecting pins (2) are arranged in a brush system in at least one row in particular, however, into a group of mutually parallel rows of the connecting pins (2) arranged one over the other. The system of connecting pins (2) is concreted, in part of its length, into the contact surfaces of the supporting column head (1), from which the protruding second sections of the length of connecting pins (2) are concreted in the ceiling structure, particularly in the ceiling slab (3) and/or in ceiling girders (4).
Abstract:
A molded plastic automobile body (10) is bonded to a steel frame (12) by depositing an adhesive layer (62) between the body and frame in a concentric circular pattern (72) to facilitate thermal expansion of the body relative to the frame. Anti-peeling bolts (26a, b) with large surface area spring washers (40) are further used to connect body to frame.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for fastening dissimilar materials like steel, plastic and aluminum. A resistance welding fastener having multiple layers may be used with or without a sealant. The fastener may be used to form an aluminum covered steel laminate via a hemming pattern of attachment. The fastener may have a solid shaft or have an extended reach and have features for interacting with the welding electrode. A variety of electrode tips may be employed to cooperate with the fastener.