Modular formed nodes for vehicle chassis and their methods of use
AssigneeDivergent Technologies, Inc.
InventorsKevin R. Czinger, William Bradley Balzer, Praveen Varma Penmetsa, Zachary Meyer Omohundro, Matthew M. O'Brien
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Abstract
A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.
Claims9
A joint member for connection of a plurality of connecting tubes forming a space frame, said joint member comprising:
- a plurality of acceptor ports, wherein each acceptor port comprises (i) an inner protrusion with an outer diameter less than or equal to an inner diameter of a corresponding connecting tube of the space frame, said inner protrusion sized and shaped to be inserted into an end of the corresponding connecting tube, (ii) an outer protrusion with an inner diameter greater than or equal to an outer diameter of the corresponding connecting tube, said outer protrusion sized and shaped to fit over at least a portion of an outer surface of the end of the corresponding connecting tube, and (iii) a seal disposed between the inner and outer protrusions and extending around the outer diameter of the inner protrusion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.