Composite tie rod and method for making the same

• US 8,679,275 B2
• Filed: 08/26/2008
• Issued: 03/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Schalla, James P., Lin, Dennis C., Bobzien, Phillip J.
• Primary Examiner(s): AFTERGUT, JEFFRY H
• Application Number:
  US12/198,783
• Publication Number:
  US 20100054856A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,037 Days
• Field of Search: 156/172, 156/169, 156/173, 156/175, 156/242, 156/245
• US Class Current: 156/169
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 7/02 Constructions of connecting-rods with constant length
• CPC Class Codes: F16C 7/026 made of fibre reinforced resin
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/75 having a joining piece extending through aligned openings in plural members

Abstract

A composite tie rod comprises an open lattice body formed of interlaced filaments held in a solid matrix. A pair of composite fittings bonded to the ends of the body rigidly connect rod ends with the body. The rod ends form attachment points on the tie rod.

Claims

1. A method of producing a composite tie rod, comprising:

forming an open lattice composite body, including interlacing continuous filaments held in a matrix;

forming a resin fitting on each end of the body wherein each of the resin fittings includes a cap covering and surrounding only an outermost end of the body and contacting the continuous filaments; and

,

co-curing the body and at least a portion of the fittings.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

installing a rod end in each of the fittings.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

molding a metal insert into the resin fitting, and

wherein installing the rod end includes securing the rod end within the metal insert.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the resin fitting includes filling the ends of the body with resin.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

placing a metal insert within the resin before the fitting is co-cured; and

installing a rod end in the metal fitting.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a cone shaped portion that is sleeved over and bonded to the outside of said cap.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein said cones shaped portion comprises a tapered solid portion and a cylindrical hollow portion that is sleeved over and bonded to the outside of said cap.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said tapered solid portion comprises a metal or rigid composite.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein said tapered solid portion comprises a threaded central bore for receiving a threaded shank of a rod end.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said rod comprises an eye attachment point at an end distal from said threaded shank.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said cap comprises a plastic material.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said cap comprises a cylindrical cap.

13. A method of producing a composite tie rod, comprising:

forming an open lattice composite body, including interlacing continuous filaments held in a matrix;

forming a resin fitting on each end of the body wherein each of the resin fittings includes a cylindrical cap covering an end of the body and contacting the continuous filaments; and

,

providing a cone shaped portion that is sleeved over and bonded to the outside of said cap; and

,

co-curing the body and at least a portion of each of the fittings.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said cones shaped portion comprises a tapered solid portion and a cylindrical hollow portion that is sleeved over and bonded to the outside of said cap.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said tapered solid portion comprises a metal or rigid composite.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said tapered solid portion comprises a threaded central bore for receiving a threaded shank of a rod end.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said rod comprise an eye attachment point at an end distal from said threaded shank.