BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] Embodiments of the invention are directed to connecting members configured to join structures, and particularly to connecting members having a cross- snap clip configuration.

[0002] Traditionally, structures, such as aerospace structures, are joined or held together by means of rivets, screws, bolts, or similar style fasteners and/or adhesives, bonds, etc. Such fasteners may require holes through or in the structures that are joined. Thus, the structural integrity of the connection may be subject to additional stresses and or be weakened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to one embodiment a connecting member is provided. The connecting member includes a first portion having (i) a first base defining a first surface and an engagement edge, (ii) a first locking member extending from the first surface, and (iii) an aperture passing through the base and a second portion configured to connect to the first portion, the second portion having (i) a second base defining a second surface, (ii) a second locking member extending from the second surface and configured to engage with the first locking member, (iii) a catch extending from the second surface and configured to receive the engagement edge, and (iv) a retainer extending from the second surface and configured to engage with the aperture. The second locking member is configured to bias between a first position and a second position. When the first portion and the second portion are separate, the second locking member is in the first position. When the first portion and the second portion move between being separate and being connected, the second locking member is biased toward the second position. When the first portion and the second portion are locked together the second locking member moves back toward the first position.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the second base is integrally part of a first structural member.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the first base is integrally part of a second structural member.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the first portion is integrally formed with a first part of a component and the second portion is integrally formed with a part of a second part of the component.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the component is an aircraft part.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the first portion and the second portion are formed of the same materials as the first part and the second part, respectively.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the first portion and the second portion are configured to snap-fit together.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the first portion further comprises an extension extending from the first surface.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include that the first locking member is integrally formed with the extension. [0012] Technical effects of embodiments of the invention include connecting members having cross-snap connections that provide a strong structural connection between connected or joined elements, while reducing or eliminating the need for traditional fasteners for connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connecting member in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view comparing an embodiment of the invention with a prior art configuration;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of a connecting member in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0 17] FIG. 4 is a side view of a connecting member in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a connecting member in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 6A is a side view of a component fit together employing an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

[0020] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the component of FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a connecting member 100 in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. Connecting member 100 is configured to provide a snap-fit and/or interlocking mechanism or connection for joining structures or to provide a clip or other feature to a structure. The connecting member 100 is composed of a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are configured to join together to form an interlocking structure. The first portion 102 may be integrally formed with or attached to a first structure (not shown) and the second portion 104 may be integrally formed with or attached to a second structure (not shown) that is intended to be joined to the first structure. In some embodiments, the first portion 102 may be configured to provide a clip, bracket, or other feature and the second portion 104 may be configured to attach the first portion 102 to a structure. In some such embodiments, the second portion 104 may be integrally formed with the structure, and the first portion 102 forms an independent feature.

[0022] The first portion 102 includes a first base 106 that forms a plane, fiat surface, etc. that may be used for joining with the second portion 104. A bracket extension 108 extends from a bottom surface of the first base 106 for a first distance D 1 , which defines the height of the extension 108. The extension 108 may be configured in any shape, but as shown in FIG. 1, the extension 108 is a flat, square surface, which may be configured to support another structural feature once installed to the second portion 1 4. The extension 108 may be divided into two sections, a first section 110 may extend from the bottom surface of the first base 106 to a second distance D2 and a second section 112 may extend from the first section 110 to a third distance 03. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first distance Dl is the second distance D2 plus the third distance D3, that is, the extension 108 is formed from the first and second sections 110, 112. At the distance D2 along the extension 108, between the first and second sections 110, 112, is a first locking member 114. The first locking member may be a recess, groove, etc. that is configured to join with another locking member.

[0023] The extension 108 may be configured as a solid or rigid element that extends from the first base 106. Such rigidity may allow for the extension 108 to support other structures. In some alternative embodiments, the extension 108 may be configured to be spring-like such that it is moveable, bendable, and/or actuateable, allowing for adjustment of the extension 108, or at least some freedom of movement relative to the base 106.

[0024] For substantially the entire length of the extension 108 the material forming the extension 108 may have a substantially uniform thickness. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that variances in thickness may occur during the manufacturing process, and thus may not be completely or perfectly uniform. Further, variances in thickness from the substantially uniform thickness may occur at the first locking member 114, as shown in FIO. 1, as the first locking member 114 is configured as a recess in the material of the extension 108. As noted, the first locking member is configured to receive a matching part that provides locking or securing between the first locking member 114 and the matching part, as described below, such that the first and second portions 102, 104 are securely joined together.

[0025] An aperture 116 may pass through a surface of the first base 106. The aperture 116 is configured to enable proper locating and alignment between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 when the two portions are joined together. As such, the aperture 116 is configured to engage with a part of the second portion 104. The first base 106 also includes or defines an engagement edge 118 that is configured to engage with a part of the second portion 104, as described below.

[0026] The second portion 104 is configured to engage with the first portion 102 in an interlocking and secure manner. The second portion 104 includes a second base 120. Extending from a surface of the second base 120 is a second locking member 122, a catch 124, and a retainer 126.

[0027] The second locking member 122 extends from the surface of the base 120 to a distance D4 that is equal to the distance D2. The second locking member 122 ends in a tip 128. The tip 128 is configured such that the second locking member 122 can engage with the first locking member 114 in a secure and/or locked engagement. The second locking member 122 may be spring-like and/or configured to be moveable, bendable, pliable, actuable, etc., such that the second locking member 122 can displace from a first position to a second position, and return to the first position.

[0028] For example, during engagement between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104, the second locking member 122 may begin in the first position (such as a rest position), then as the first section 110 of the extension 108 of the first portion 102 is moved into engagement with the second portion 104, the second locking member 122 may be actuated or moved outward toward the second position. This may be caused by the tip 128 sliding along the surface of the first section 110 of the extension 108. Then, when the tip 128 reaches the first locking member 114, the two locking members 114, 122 may engage as the tip 128 (and second locking member 122) moves back toward the first position. As such, the tip 128 of the second locking member 122 is configured to fit within or engage with the first locking member 114.

[0029] At the opposite side of the base 120 of the second portion 104 from the second locking member 122 is the catch 124. The catch 124 is configured to receive the engagement edge 118 of the first portion 102. Further, as shown, the retainer 126 is located between the second locking member 122 and the catch 124, but generally it can be located in any place of the connection, depending on the final configuration of the structure. The retainer 126 is configured to engage with the aperture 116 of the first portion 102 to thus align the two portions 102, 104 during the engagement and connecting process.

[0030] To connect, combine, or engage the first portion 102 with the second portion 104 of FIG. 1, the engagement edge 118 is put into engagement with the catch 124. The extension 108 is pressed toward the second portion 104. During this movement, the aperture 116 is aligned with the retainer 126. The first section 110 of the extension 108 is pressed toward the surface of the second base 120. During this movement, the second locking member 122 is biased from the first position toward the second position, i.e., away from the first position. Then, when the base 106 of first portion 102 fully engages with the base 120 of the second portion 104, the second locking member 122 moves toward the first position such that the tip 128 engages with the first locking member 114. When fully engaged or connected, the locking members 114, 122, the aperture 116-retainer 126 engagement, and the edge 118 - catch 124 engagement, provide a structural engagement between the two portions 102, 104 without the need for other types of fasteners joining the two portions 102, 104.

[0031] Although the above description relates to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the shapes and dimensions of the first and second locking members may be adjusted and/or may be dependent based on the connection parameters related to the structural aspects that the connecting member 100 may be used for. Similarly, the geometry of the catch of the second portion may depend on the geometry of the engagement edge of the first portion, such that the two elements can engage.

[0032] In sum, when in the fully engaged or locked position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), the two portions 102, 104 of the connecting member 100 may not be moved relative to each other. The locking members 114, 122 and the edge 118 and catch 124 are configured to prevent the two portions 102, 104 from vertically separating from each other when in the locked or engaged position. The retainer 126 and the aperture are configured to prevent the two portions 102, 104 from moving transversely with respect to each other when in the locked or engaged position.

[0033] The connecting members, in various embodiments of the invention, may be manufactured with metal, such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, etc., in a machining process. Further, in other embodiments, the components may be manufactured from other various materials, including but not limited to plastics, composites, etc. Further, in some embodiments, additive manufacturing may be used to form the elements of the connections, including but not limited to extrusions, depositions, laser sintering, etc. In some embodiments, the first and/or second portions may be formed integral with larger structural members, for example, as described below, and thus may be formed from the materials of the structural members.

[0034] The lengths of the various dimensions of the connecting member may be varied depending on the specific needs and configurations to which the connecting member may be employed. Further, the dimensions of the connecting member may be, in part, dependent on the material properties and global geometry of the structure to which they may be attached. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the locking member may have a ratio, with respect to the height of the locking member, of one to ten (1:10).

[0035] Turning now to FIG. 2, a perspective view comparing an embodiment of the invention with a prior art configuration is shown. As shown in FIG. 2, a structural member 200 is provided. The structural member 200 may be a beam, wall, or other component of a larger structure. On the left side of FIG. 2 is a traditional bracket assembly 202. On the right side of FIG. 2 is a connecting member 204 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Both the bracket assembly 202 and the connecting member 204 are configured to engage with the structural member 200, and may be configured to support other elements, such as electrical equipment, hydraulic equipment, air and/or fuel equipment, and/or other types of equipment and or installations. The bracket assembly 202 is fastened to the structural member 200 by means of a plurality of fasteners 206, such as screws, rivets, etc. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the fasteners 206 pass through the bracket assembly 202 and through and into engagement with the structural member 200. Thus, the structural member 200 will include multiple apertures or holes therethrough to receive the fasteners 206. As a result, the structural member 200 will include stress points and or reduced structural integrity at and/or near the bracket assembly 202, and particularly at the location of the fasteners 206. The stresses created by the fasteners 206 may be increased when the bracket assembly 202 is supporting another element.

[0037] Referring now to connecting member 204, the fasteners employed by the traditional bracket assembly are eliminated, and thus the structural integrity of the structural member 200 may be maintained. In this embodiment, the connecting member 204 may be configured substantially similar to the connecting member 100 of FIG. 1. However, in this embodiment the second portion may be formed integral with the structural member 200. [0038] In this embodiment, a first portion 207 of the connecting member 204 includes a first locking member 208, similar to that described above. The first portion 207 may thus engage with a second portion 209 that is part of the structural member 200. As such, a surface of the structural member 200 may form the base of the second portion (described above with respect to FIG. 1). Extending from the surface of the structural member 200 may be a second locking member 210, configured to engage with the first locking member 208 of the first portion 207. Also extending from the surface of the structural member 200 may be a catch 212, as described above, that is configured to engage with an engagement edge of the first portion 208.

[0039] An aperture 214 is formed in a base of the first portion 208, similar to that described above. The aperture 214 fits over and engages with a retainer 216 that is also formed integral with the structural member 200. As the elements of the second portion are formed integral with the structural member 200, no holes, apertures, etc. need be formed through any surfaces thereof. Further, by employing the connecting mechanism described herein, the connecting member 204 may provide structural integrity and support to other elements, without compromising the structure of the structural member 200.

[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, various exemplary embodiments of connecting members are shown. FIGS. 3-5 each show an exemplary use and/or embodiment of connecting members in accordance with the invention. In these examples, side views of connecting members similar to those described in FIGS. 1 and 2, are shown. FIGS. 3-5 show various configurations of the bracket extension as attached and/or as part of the connecting member. In each case, the second portion of the connecting member is formed integral with the respective structural member, similar to that shown and described with respect to FIG. 2. The embodiments of FIGS. 3-5 are each substantially similar, and thus like features will be provided with similar reference numbers, except preceded by a "3," "4," or "5," depending on the respective FIG. 3, FIG. 4, or FIG. 5.

[0041] A structural member 300, 400, 500, is shown. A connecting member 302, 402, 502 is formed in and configured to engage with the structural member 300, 400, 500, to provide a bracket, support, connector, or other type of element that extends from a surface of the structure 300, 400, 500. The connecting member 302, 402, 502 includes a first portion 304, 404, 504 that is configured to engage with a second portion 310, 410, 510. The second portion 310, 410, 510 may be integral and part of the structural member 300, 400, 500.

[0042] The first portion 304, 404, 504 includes an extension 306, 406, 506 that extends from a base 308, 408, 508 of the first portion 304, 404, 504. The first portion 304, 404, 504 also includes a first locking member 309, 409, 509. As shown in the various embodiments, the first locking member 409, 509 of connecting members 402, 502 are not formed in or as part of the extension 406, 506. In contrast, the first locking members 409, 509 are separate and distinct from the bracket extension 406, 506. The base 308, 408, 508 of the first portion 304, 404, 504 also defines an engagement edge, similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0043] As noted above, the second portion 310, 410, 510 may be formed integral with the structural member 300, 400, 500. As such, a second locking member 312, 412, 512 and a catch 314, 414, 514 are configured to extend from a surface of the structural member 300, 400, 500 and a surface of the structural member 300, 400, 500 forms the second base of the second portion 310, 410, 510.

[0044] The primary difference between the embodiments of FIGS. 3-5 is the configuration of the extension 306, 406, 506 (and the first locking members 309, 409, 509, described above). As shown, the extension 306, 406, 506 may have different configurations and/or orientations with respect to the second portion 310, 410, 510. The connecting member 302 is similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the first locking member 309 is formed as part of the extension 306, and extends from a top (in FIG. 3) of the connecting member 302. In FIG. 4, the extension 406 is formed at the opposite side end of the base 408 from the first locking member 409. In FIG. 5, the extension 506 is formed skew, and is relatively centrally located on the base 508. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. [0045] It is noted that in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 3-5, the second portion 310, 410, 510 is the same, i.e., part of the structural member with the second locking member 312, 412, 512 and the catch 314, 414, 514 are all in the same locations. As such, a single structural member 300, 400, 500 could be configured to have various configurations of connecting members 302, 402, 502, without departing from the scope of the invention. As is evident from the various embodiments, the connecting member in accordance with the invention may be customized depending on the required structural needs.

[0046] Also clearly shown in FIGS. 3-5 is the absence of any fasteners that pass through the structural member 300, 400, 500. The side view presented in FIGS. 3-5 show that the structure of the structural member 300, 400, 500 is not compromised when a connecting member (or bracket assembly) is attached thereto. However, it will be appreciated that fasteners may be used in connection or jointly with the connecting members. For example, the connecting members may be used for a pre-assembly and transferring a portion of the load, but the structure may further employ fasteners to securely join two or more elements, in addition to the connecting members.

[0047] Turning now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, another exemplary embodiment of connecting members in accordance with the invention is shown. In this example, the connecting members are used for construction of an aircraft component. The component 600 may be a control surface, such as an elevator, flap, aileron, etc. of an aircraft. FIG. 6A is a side view of an aircraft component 600 having connecting members 602 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the aircraft component 600 shown in FIG. 6A.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the aircraft component 600 is formed from three separate parts 604, 606, 608. The connecting members 602 are formed integral with, and as part of the parts of the component 600. It is to be understood that the connecting members 602 of FIGS. 6A and 6B operate substantially similarly as the connecting members described above. [0049] As shown, the first part 604 includes three first locking members 610. The first locking members 610 may be substantially similar to the first locking members described above. That is, the first locking members 610 may be configured as receiving elements for second locking members. For example, the first locking members 610 may be configured as recesses in the first part 604.

[00S0] The second part 606 is configured to join with and attach to the first part 604 and also with the third part 608. Accordingly, as shown, the second part 606 includes a second locking member 612 that is configured to securely engage with one of the first locking members 610 of the first part 604. The second part 606 and the third part 608 may be engaged or joined together at a first joint 614.

[0051 ] As shown, the third part 608 includes two second locking members 616 that are configured to enable engagement between the third part 608 and the first part 604. The third part 608 also joins with the first part 604 at a second joint 618. As such, the parts 604, 606, 608 may be joined together to form the component 600 without the need for additional fasteners.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the component 600 is joined or fitted together by means of the connecting members 602. As noted, the elements of the connecting members 602 may be formed as integral parts of the component 600. Thus, the first locking members 610 are integrally formed with the first part 604 and the second locking members 612, 616 are integrally formed with the second part 606 and the third part 608, respectively. Thus, the need for other connecting mechanisms, such as fasteners, adhesives, etc. may be eliminated. Further, because there is no need for other connecting mechanisms or fasteners, the component 600 may be substantially uniform, smooth, and/or aerodynamic once constructed, and the weight of the component 600 may be minimized. Moreover, there is less potential for damage to be done to the component 600 during construction of the component 600.

[0053] It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the elements that extend between and connect the various parts of the component 600 may serve as structural elements. Further, it will be appreciated that the number and configuration of the elements shown in FIGS.6A and 6B may be altered without departing from the scope of the invention. The component 600 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is merely presented to illustrative and explanatory purposes.

[0054] As described above, various exemplary embodiments are shown. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described herein, but these embodiments are merely provided for explanatory and illustrative purposes. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and other configurations may be used without departing f om the scope of the invention.

[0055] Advantageously, embodiments of the invention provide a replacement to traditional methods of connecting structures, such as aerospace structures. For example, current solutions used for connections may include various fasteners, such as riveting and bolting, or adhesives, bonds, etc. These may be time consuming methods that involve potentially large expense of work needed for proper preparation of parts before assembly of structures, e.g., thin walled aerospace structures. In addition, riveted and/or bolted joints may have influence on weight of the assembly and the final structural part, which can be a concern in aerospace structures. Further, in riveting methods there may be a need to use a lot of parts for assembly, and the parts may need to be put in proper positions relative to each other and require special dedicated jigs. Further, for joining structural parts by rivets, a number of drill holes in the joined structures may be needed, such that the rivets may pass therethrough and join the structures. This process may result in errors during assembly and the presence of holes in the structure's) may cause stress concentrations, thus potentially leading to structural failure.

[0056] In contrast, embodiments of the invention described herein allow for the reduction or elimination of the use of riveting, or other joining methods, to be used in joining of structures. Joining and connecting members in accordance with the invention, in some embodiments, are based on a snap-fit solution. Advantageously, such construction can provide a strong, mechanically and structurally, connection between two components or structures without the need to drill holes through the structure. [0057] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the number of connection elements, e.g., the location of the locking members and of walls or other structural features, in the connecting member and the composition thereof may be related or determined by a global design of the structure(s) that are to be joined or connected.

[0058] Advantageously, in various embodiments, on one portion of the joining member there is a stop member and on a second portion of the joining member may be located a stop surface. In some embodiments, the stop surface may include a stop pad or similar element that is configured to reduce the impact between the stop member and the stop surface. The role of the stop member/stop surface can take or form additional elements of the structure of the joining member, which may be designed for this purpose. Thus, the embodiments shown and described herein are thus not limiting, but are rather presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes.

[0059] While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combination, subcombination, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments.

[0060] For example, the connecting member(s) described herein include two parts, however more parts or other configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, although described herein with a particular configuration for the tips on the second locking member that provide part of the locking mechanism, those of skill in the art will appreciate that other con igurations may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the tips may be formed with hooks or other types of engagement and/or locking configurations. Tips with desired geometry can be made on different numbers, lengths, and heights of the locking members), and is some embodiments do not extend the entire width or length of the extensions, as shown in the figures. Thus, the configuration of the tips may be connected or configured based on the global part geometry. Further, although the first and second locking members are shown with one on the first portion and one on the second portion, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the opposite or reversed configuration is possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0061] Further, for example: materials, thicknesses, lengths, and other dimensions can vary without departing from the scope of the invention, and may be determined by the particular needs for joining. Moreover, the numbers and configurations disclosed herein are exemplary, and those of skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible, and similarly may be determined by the particular needs for joining.

[0062] Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.