Double shear bonded joint and method for making same

Abstract

Described are channel joints (1) for bonding a tube or tubular member (30) to an end fitting (20) in double shear. The channel joint may include a receiving channel (25) in the end fitting (20) that is complementary in shape to the tube, tubular member, or other hollow member (30) that is to be fitted and bonded with the end fitting. The use of a channel joint allows for simplified assembly because the receiving channel acts as a reservoir for the bonding agent or adhesive (50). Upon insertion of the tube, tubular member, or other hollow member into the adhesive-loaded receiving channel, the adhesive will backflow to fill the voids in the joint and expel the excess adhesive. The resulting joint is less likely to have voids, has additional bonding area compared to lap joints, and prevents the adhesive or bonding agent from experiencing tensile loads.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.