| 20100047613 | Advanced end fitting design for composite brace, strut, or link - A composite brace, strut, or link for any application requiring the transfer of a concentrated load uses a stepped insert at the lug end to distribute the applied loads into a composite structure formed of a stacked arrangement of internal and external plies of composite material. The manufacture of the brace, strut, or link is performed in a cost effective manner. The composite lay-up is done so that many individual parts can be cut from the initial multi-part assembly, allowing the economy of scale to lower fabrication costs of the individual manufactured parts. The structure provides a system whereby the concentrated load applied at the stepped inserts can be distributed into the composite material without any gapping or separation as would occur in a traditionally configured end fitting joint between a circular metallic bushing and the adjacent composite material interface. | 02-25-2010 |
