JOINT INTERFACE FOR LAMINATE STRUCTURES

• US 20140079523A1
• Filed: 09/14/2012
• Published: 03/20/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Jensen, Jeff A., Martin, Kevin, Nelson, Benjamin, Amstutz, Aaron
• Application Number:
  US13/617,480
• Publication Number:
  US 20140079523A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/727
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2605/00 Vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 3/34 with bucket-arms , i.e. a pair of arms, e.g. manufacturing processes, form, geometry, material of bucket-arms with a single arm E02F3/283 directly pivoted on the frames of tractors or self-propelled machines
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 3/38 Cantilever beams , i.e. booms;, e.g. manufacturing processes, forms, geometry or materials used for booms for booms with cable suspension arrangements E02F9/14 takes precedence; Dipper-arms , e.g. manufacturing processes, forms, geometry or materials used for dipper-arms; Bucket-arms E02F3/34 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/006 Pivot joint assemblies in general F16C11/04
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/17 Three or more coplanar interfitted sections with securing means

Abstract

A laminate structure is provided. The laminate structure includes a plurality of laminate layers. The laminate structure also includes a joint interface. The joint interface includes a retention member at least partially disposed between any two of the plurality of laminate layers. Further, the retention member has an opening for receiving a pin retaining member. The retention member is configured to provide a surface for transitioning the pin retaining member to the laminate structure.

Claims

1. A laminate structure comprising:

a plurality of laminate layers; and

a joint interface comprising a retention member at least partially disposed between any two of the plurality of laminate layers, the retention member having an opening for receiving a pin retaining member, wherein the retention member is configured to provide a surface for transitioning the pin retaining member to the laminate structure.

2. The laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the retention member further includes a plurality of perforations, the plurality of perforations configured to provide mechanical locking between the any two of the plurality of laminate layers.

3. The laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the opening of the retention member has a circular configuration.

4. The laminate structure of claim 1 further including a flange provided at the opening of the retention member.

5. The laminate structure of claim 1 further including a metallic sleeve fitted in contact between the retention member and the pin retaining member.

6. The laminate structure of claim 1 further including threads provided on an inner surface of the pin retaining member, the threads configured to mate with corresponding threads provided on a bolt.

7. The laminate structure of claim 1, wherein a plurality of the retention members is provided in a spaced apart arrangement within the laminate structure.

8. The laminate structure of claim 7, wherein the plurality of retention members are closely spaced at outer edges of the joint interface.

9. The laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the retention member is made of metal.

10. The laminate structure of claim 1 wherein the plurality of laminate layers comprise self reinforced polymer.

11. A linkage member for a machine, the linkage member comprising:

a laminate structure present in at least a portion of the linkage member, the laminate structure including;

a plurality of laminate layers; and

a joint interface comprising a retention member at least partially disposed between any two of the plurality of laminate layers, the retention member having an opening for receiving a pin retaining member, wherein the retention member is configured to provide a surface for transitioning the pin retaining member to the laminate structure.

12. The linkage member of claim 11, wherein the retention member further includes a plurality of perforations, the plurality of perforations configured to provide mechanical locking between the any two of the plurality of laminate layers.

13. The linkage member of claim 11, wherein the opening of the retention member has a circular configuration.

14. The linkage member of claim 11 further including a flange provided at the opening of the retention member.

15. The linkage member of claim 11 further including a metallic sleeve fitted in contact between the retention member and the pin retaining member.

16. The linkage member of claim 11 further including threads provided on an inner surface of the pin retaining member, the threads configured to mate with corresponding threads provided on a bolt.

17. The linkage member of claim 11, wherein a plurality of the retention members is provided in a spaced apart arrangement within the laminate structure.

18. The linkage member of claim 17, wherein the plurality of retention members are closely spaced at outer edges of the joint interface.

19. A machine comprising:

a power source;

a linkage member for the machine, the linkage member including at least one of a stick, a boom, and a bucket; and

wherein the at least one of the stick, the boom, and the bucket is constructed from a laminate structure, the laminate structure including;

a plurality of laminate layers; and

a joint interface comprising a retention member at least partially disposed between any two of the plurality of laminate layers, the retention member having an opening for receiving a pin retaining member, wherein the retention member is configured to provide a surface for transitioning the pin retaining member to the laminate structure.

20. The machine of claim 19, wherein the machine includes any one of an excavator, a backhoe loader, a wheel loader, and a track loader.