# US 2023/0264802 A1 · Flexible connection assembly with integrated vibration damper > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2023/0264802 A1 - Document ID: US20230264802A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 18/172,645 - Filed: 2023-02-22 - Published: 2023-08-24 - Earliest claimed: 2022-02-24 - Assignees: Airbus Operations GmbH - Applicants: Airbus Operations GmbH - Inventors: Hermann BENTHIEN; Andreas POPPE - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20230264802A1 ## CPC - F16B 7/185: {with a node element} - B64C 1/08: Geodetic or other open-frame structures - F16B 21/02: Releasable fastening devices locking by rotation (with snap-action F16B21/06; studs or coupling pins with resilient protrusions F16B21/08) - F16B 21/04: with bayonet catch - F16B 21/12: with locking-pins or split-pins thrust into holes - F16B 21/16: with grooves or notches in the pin or shaft - F16B 37/085: {with at least one unthreaded portion in both the nut and the bolt} - B64C 1/061: {Frames} - B64C 1/064: {Stringers; Longerons} - B64D 11/003: {Stowage devices for passengers' personal luggage} - F16B 7/105: {locking in discrete positions, e.g. in extreme extended position} - F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D) - B64C: AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS - B64D: EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT ## Abstract A connection assembly for connecting a first element to a second element is provided. The connection assembly has a male element and a female element. The female element has a barrel nut. The barrel nut has a conical inner portion positioned at a first longitudinal region and a cylindrical inner portion positioned at a second longitudinal region. The barrel nut has a first engaging element portion and a first plain portion arranged alternatingly around a circumferential direction of the barrel nut. The male element has a cylindrical bolt-like shape and has a second engaging element portion and a second plain portion arranged alternatingly around a circumferential direction of the male element. The male element further has flattened sides at the second plain portion. The second engaging element portion of the male element is configured to engage with a respective one of the first engaging element portion of the barrel nut. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A connection assembly for connecting a first element to a second element, the connection assembly comprising: a male element; and a female element; wherein the female element comprises a barrel nut, wherein the barrel nut comprises a conical inner portion positioned at a first longitudinal region and a cylindrical inner portion positioned at a second longitudinal region, wherein the barrel nut comprises at least one first engaging element portion and at least one first plain portion arranged alternatingly around a circumferential direction of the barrel nut, wherein the male element has a cylindrical bolt-like shape and comprises at least one second engaging element portion and at least one second plain portion arranged alternatingly around a circumferential direction of the male element, wherein the male element further comprises flattened sides at the at least one second plain portion, and wherein each of the at least one second engaging element portions of the male element is configured to engage with a respective one of the at least one first engaging element portion of the barrel nut. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The connection assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a clamp, wherein the male element further comprises a first locking groove running along a longitudinal direction and arranged within one of the second engaging element portions, wherein the barrel nut further comprises a second locking groove running along a longitudinal direction of the barrel nut and arranged within one of the first engaging element portions, and wherein the clamp is configured to engage with the first locking groove and the second locking groove, when the male element is connected to the female element, thereby locking rotational movement of the male element with respect to the female element. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The connection assembly of claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the cylindrical inner portion of the female element at the first plain portions is the same in size as an outer diameter of the second engaging element portions of the male element. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The connection assembly of claim 3, wherein the female element comprises an insert opening; wherein the conical inner portion is arranged immediately at the insert opening, and wherein the cylindrical inner portion is arranged adjacent the conical inner portion opposite the insert opening, such that the conical inner portion is arranged between the insert opening and the cylindrical inner portion. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The connection assembly of claim 4, wherein an inner diameter of the conical inner portion at the insert opening is larger than an inner diameter of the conical inner portion at the cylindrical inner portion, such that the diameter of the conical inner portion is tapered from the insert opening in the direction of the cylindrical inner portion. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The connection assembly of claim 5, wherein the conical inner portion merges directly into the cylindrical inner portion. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The connection assembly of claim 6, wherein each one of the at least one first engaging element portion has at least one groove, wherein the at least one groove runs along the circumferential direction of the barrel nut, and wherein each one of the at least one second engaging element portion has at least one engaging member that is configured to engage with the at least one groove of the at least one first engaging element portion. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The connection assembly of claim 7, wherein each one of the at least one first engaging element portion includes multiple thread-like grooves. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The connection assembly of claim 8, wherein a tapering angle of the conical inner portion is dimensioned to allow a tilting of the male element with regard to the female element between 2 degree and 7 degree when the male element is inserted in the conical inner portion. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The connection assembly of claim 9, wherein the barrel nut comprises two first engaging element portions spaced from each other by 180 degrees about the circumferential direction of the barrel nut, wherein the male element comprises two second engaging element portions spaced from each other by 180 degrees about the circumferential direction of the male element, and wherein the male element and the female element are configured to be connected by inserting the male element into the female element and turning both elements by 90 degrees around a common longitudinal axis. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The connection assembly of claim 10, wherein the female element further comprises a shock absorbing element, and wherein the shock absorbing element surrounds the barrel nut around its outer circumferential direction. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The connection assembly of claim 11, wherein the shock absorbing element is made from a rubber material. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A system, comprising: a first element; a second element; and the first connection assembly and the second connection assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first element is a first tube and the second element is a second tube; wherein the female element of the first connection assembly is dimensioned to match the inner diameter of the first tube and is arranged in an end section of the first tube, wherein the female element of the second connection assembly is dimensioned to match the inner diameter of the second tube and is arranged in an end section of the second tube, and wherein the male elements of the first connection assembly and the second connection assembly are joined with each other so as to project in opposite directions.