U.S. patent application number 17/536722 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for systems and methods for joining nodes and other structures.
The applicant listed for this patent is Divergent Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kevin Robert CZINGER, William David KREIG, Antonio Bernerd MARTINEZ, Chukwubuikem Marcel OKOLI, Broc William TENHOUTEN, David Brian TENHOUTEN, Muhammad Faizan ZAFAR.
Application Number | 20220081045 17/536722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220081045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OKOLI; Chukwubuikem Marcel ;
et al. |
March 17, 2022 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR JOINING NODES AND OTHER STRUCTURES
Abstract
An additively manufactured node is disclosed. A node is an
additively manufactured (AM) structure that includes a feature,
e.g., a socket, a channel, etc., for accepting another structure,
e.g., a tube, a panel, etc. The node can include a node surface of
a receptacle extending into the node. The receptacle can receive a
structure, and a seal interface on the node surface can seat a seal
member between the node surface and the structure to create an
adhesive region between the node and the structure, the adhesive
region being bounded by the node surface, the structure, and the
seal member. The node can also include two channels connecting an
exterior surface of the node to the adhesive region. In this way,
adhesive can be injected into the adhesive region between the node
and the structure, and the adhesive can be contained by the seal
member.
Inventors: |
OKOLI; Chukwubuikem Marcel;
(Los Angeles, CA) ; TENHOUTEN; David Brian; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; MARTINEZ; Antonio Bernerd; (El
Segundo, CA) ; ZAFAR; Muhammad Faizan; (Long Beach,
CA) ; KREIG; William David; (Huntington Beach,
CA) ; CZINGER; Kevin Robert; (Santa Monica, CA)
; TENHOUTEN; Broc William; (Rancho Palos Verdes,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Divergent Technologies, Inc. |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/536722 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15961767 |
Apr 24, 2018 |
11214317 |
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17536722 |
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International
Class: |
B62D 29/04 20060101
B62D029/04; B29C 65/54 20060101 B29C065/54; B29C 65/52 20060101
B29C065/52; B62D 27/02 20060101 B62D027/02; B62D 23/00 20060101
B62D023/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: an additively manufactured node having
a receptacle extending into the node, the receptacle including a
first surface, and the node including an exterior surface, a first
channel connecting the exterior surface to the first surface, and a
second channel connecting the exterior surface to the first
surface; a structure inserted in the receptacle, the structure
including a second surface opposing the first surface; a seal
member arranged between the node and the structure, wherein an
adhesive region between the node and the structure is bounded by
the first surface, the second surface, and a surface of the seal
member, the adhesive region connecting to each of the first and
second channels; and an adhesive arranged in the adhesive region,
wherein the adhesive adjoins the seal member surface and attaches
the first surface to the second surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a fill material
filling the first and second channels.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a
hole.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adhesive region is
hermetically sealed.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adhesive region extends
around a perimeter of the structure, a first end of the adhesive
region opposes a second end of the adhesive region, the first
channel connects to the adhesive region proximate to the first end,
and the second channel connects to the adhesive region proximate to
the second end.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a first portion of the
adhesive region overlaps a second portion of the adhesive region in
a direction of insertion of the structure in the receptacle.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adhesive region extends
around a perimeter of the structure and a portion of a first end of
the adhesive region overlaps a portion of a second end of the
adhesive region in a direction of insertion of the structure in the
receptacle, and the first channel connects to the adhesive region
proximate to the first end, and the second channel connects to the
adhesive region proximate to the second end.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the seal member includes a
first seal member portion around the structure, a second seal
member portion around the structure, and a third seal member
portion extending from the first seal member portion to the second
seal member portion and spiraling around the structure, the first
channel connecting to the adhesive region proximate to the first
seal member portion, and the second channel connecting to the
adhesive region proximate to the second seal member portion.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a second seal
member around the structure, wherein the second seal member is
arranged outside the adhesive region.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a third seal
member around the structure, wherein the third seal member is
arranged outside the adhesive region, and the adhesive region is
arranged between the second and third seal members.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the node
includes one or more grooves, and a portion of the seal member is
arranged in the one or more grooves.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seal member includes a
seal attached to the structure.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first surface includes a
chamfered edge of the node, and the seal member attached to the
structure abuts the chamfered edge.
14. An additively manufactured node comprising: a first surface of
a receptacle extending into the node, the receptacle configured to
receive at least a portion of a structure, the first surface
including a seal interface configured to seat a seal member between
the first surface and the structure to create an adhesive region
between the node and the structure, the adhesive region being
bounded by the first surface, the structure, and the seal member; a
second surface; and a portion having a first channel connecting the
second surface to the first surface and having and a second channel
connecting the second surface to the first surface, such that each
of the first and second channels is configured to connect to the
adhesive region.
15. The node of claim 14, wherein the receptacle includes a
hole.
16. The node of claim 14, wherein the seal interface is further
configured to extend around a perimeter of the structure, such that
a first end of the adhesive region opposes a second end of the
adhesive region, the first channel connects to the adhesive region
proximate to the first end, and the second channel connects to the
adhesive region proximate to the second end.
17. The node of claim 16, wherein the seal interface is further
configured such that a first portion of the adhesive region
overlaps a second portion of the adhesive region in a direction of
insertion of the structure in the receptacle.
18. The node of claim 14, wherein the seal interface is further
configured to extend around a perimeter of the structure, such that
a portion of a first end of the adhesive region overlaps a portion
of a second end of the adhesive region in a direction of insertion
of the structure in the receptacle, and the first channel connects
to the adhesive region proximate to the first end, and the second
channel connects to the adhesive region proximate to the second
end.
19. The node of claim 18, wherein the seal interface includes a
portion of the first surface configured to seat a first seal member
portion around the structure, a portion of the first surface
configured to seat a second seal member portion around the
structure, and a portion of the first surface configured to seat a
third seal member portion extending from the first seal member
portion to the second seal member portion and spiraling around the
structure, such that the first channel is configured to connect to
the adhesive region proximate to the first seal member portion, and
the second channel is configured to connect to the adhesive region
proximate to the second seal member portion.
20. The node of claim 14, wherein the seal interface includes a
portion of the first surface configured to seat a second seal
member around the structure, wherein the second seal member is
arranged outside the adhesive region.
21. The node of claim 20, wherein the seal interface further
includes a portion of the first surface configured to seat a third
seal member around the structure, wherein the third seal member is
arranged outside the adhesive region, and the adhesive region is
arranged between the second and third seal members.
22. The node of claim 14, wherein the seal interface includes a
portion of the first surface having a groove configured to receive
a portion of the seal member.
23. The node of claim 14, wherein the seal interface includes a
portion of the first surface configured to receive a seal attached
to the structure.
24. The node of claim 23, wherein the portion of the first surface
configured to receive the seal attached to the structure includes a
chamfered edge.
25. A method comprising: arranging a seal member in a receptacle
extending into an additively manufactured node, the receptacle
having a first surface; inserting a structure into the receptacle,
the structure including a second surface opposing the first
surface, wherein an adhesive region is formed between the node and
the structure, the adhesive region being bounded by the first
surface, the second surface, and the seal member; and injecting an
adhesive into the adhesive region.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: creating a vacuum
in the adhesive region to evacuate the adhesive region, wherein the
adhesive is injected into the evacuated adhesive region.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the node has a channel from an
exterior surface to the first surface, and evacuating the adhesive
region is performed at least through the channel.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein injecting the adhesive includes
injecting the adhesive through the channel.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the node further has a second
channel from the exterior surface to the first surface, and
injecting the adhesive includes injecting the adhesive through the
second channel.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to joints created
between nodes and other structures, and more particularly, to
joints that include an adhesive region for the application of
adhesive between nodes and other structures.
Background
[0002] Space frame and monocoque construction techniques are used
in automotive, structural, marine, and many other applications. One
example of space frame construction is a welded tube frame chassis
construction, often used in low-volume and high-performance vehicle
designs due to the advantages of low tooling costs, design
flexibility, and the ability to produce high-efficiency structures.
Space frames can require the structures that make up the chassis to
be connected at a wide variety of angles and may require the same
connection point to accommodate a variety of structure geometries.
Traditional methods of fabrication of joint members for connection
of such tube frame chassis may incur high equipment and
manufacturing costs. Additionally, monocoque design may lead to
design inflexibility when using planar elements, or high tooling
costs when shaped panels are incorporated.
SUMMARY
[0003] Several aspects of nodes, node-structure connections, and
methods will be described more fully hereinafter.
[0004] In various aspects, an additively manufactured node can
include a node surface that has a receptacle extending into the
node. The receptacle can receive a structure, and a seal interface
on the node surface can seat a seal member between the node surface
and the structure to create an adhesive region between the node and
the structure, the adhesive region being bounded by the node
surface, the structure, and the seal member. The node can also
include two channels connecting an exterior surface of the node to
the adhesive region. In this way, for example, adhesive can be
injected into the adhesive region between the node surface of the
node and the structure, and the adhesive can be contained by the
seal member.
[0005] In various aspects, an apparatus can include an additively
manufactured node having a receptacle extending into the node, the
receptacle including a first surface, and the node including an
exterior surface, a first channel connecting the exterior surface
to the first surface, and a second channel connecting the exterior
surface to the first surface. The apparatus can further include a
structure inserted in the receptacle, the structure including a
second surface opposing the first surface. The apparatus can
further include a seal member arranged between the node and the
structure. An adhesive region between the node and the structure
can be bounded by the first surface, the second surface, and a
surface of the seal member. The adhesive region can connect to each
of the first and second channels. The apparatus can further include
an adhesive arranged in the adhesive region. The adhesive can
adjoin the seal member surface and can attach the first surface to
the second surface.
[0006] In various aspects, a method can include arranging a seal
member in a receptacle extending into an additively manufactured
node, the receptacle including a first surface. The method can
further include inserting a structure into the receptacle, the
structure including a second surface opposing the first surface. An
adhesive region can be formed between the node and the structure,
the adhesive region being bounded by the first surface, the second
surface, and the seal member. The method can further include
applying an adhesive into the adhesive region, for example, by
injecting the adhesive. In this way, for example, the adhesive can
be applied into the adhesive region, and the applied adhesive can
be contained by the seal member.
[0007] Other aspects will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description, wherein is
shown and described only several embodiments by way of
illustration. As will be realized by those skilled in the art,
concepts herein are capable of other and different embodiments, and
several details are capable of modification in various other
respects, all without departing from the present disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Various aspects of joints created between nodes and other
structures, and more particularly, to joints that include an
adhesive region for the application of adhesive between nodes and
other structures will now be presented in the detailed description
by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary vehicle chassis, Blade supercar
chassis, in which aspects of the disclosure may be implemented.
[0010] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate two views of an exemplary node in
accordance with various embodiments.
[0011] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate two views of the exemplary node with a
seal member seated on a seal interface.
[0012] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary structure, and FIG. 4B
illustrates the structure inserted in a receptacle of the exemplary
node.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a more detailed view of the exemplary
structure inserted in the exemplary node.
[0014] FIGS. 6-11 illustrate exemplary processes for adhesive
application to adhere the exemplary node to the exemplary
structure.
[0015] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment including a
node, a structure, and a seal member seated on a seal
interface.
[0016] FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary embodiment including a
node, a structure, and a seal member seated on a seal
interface.
[0017] FIG. 14 illustrates another exemplary embodiment including a
node, a structure, and a seal member seated on a seal
interface.
[0018] FIGS. 15A-B illustrate an exemplary embodiment including a
node, a structure, a seal member, and a second seal member.
[0019] FIGS. 16A-B illustrate another exemplary embodiment
including a node, a structure, and a seal member seated on a seal
interface.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary process
of adhering an additively manufactured node to a structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended to provide a description of
various exemplary embodiments of the concepts disclosed herein and
is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the
disclosure may be practiced. The term "exemplary" used in this
disclosure means "serving as an example, instance, or
illustration," and should not necessarily be construed as preferred
or advantageous over other embodiments presented in this
disclosure. The detailed description includes specific details for
the purpose of providing a thorough and complete disclosure that
fully conveys the scope of the concepts to those skilled in the
art. However, the disclosure may be practiced without these
specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and
components may be shown in block diagram form, or omitted entirely,
in order to avoid obscuring the various concepts presented
throughout this disclosure.
[0022] This disclosure focuses on joint designs utilizing nodes. A
node is an additively manufactured (AM) structure that includes a
feature, e.g., a socket, a receptacle, etc., for accepting another
structure, e.g., a tube, a panel, etc. Nodes can be formed by
fusing a powder material. For example, a 3-D printer can melt
and/or sinter at least a portion of the powder material in multiple
layers to form the node. Nodes may be formed of one or more metal
and/or non-metal materials. The node may be formed of a
substantially rigid material. The materials in a node may include a
metallic material (e.g. aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, brass,
copper, chromoly steel, iron, etc.), a composite material (e.g.
carbon fiber composite, etc.), a polymeric material (e.g. plastic,
etc.), a combination of these materials and/or other materials,
etc.
[0023] Nodes can be particularly useful in joint designs for
connecting various parts of complex structures, for example. In
some designs, nodes can allow for higher levels of dimensional
tolerance acceptance that may be needed when assembling complex
structures. Node-based designs can also allow for reduced weight,
reduced post-processing, and increased ease of assembly. In
addition, nodes can be used as sockets to adjust for tolerance in
designs, and nodes can be co-printed with other parts, which takes
advantage of a unique benefit of 3-D printing to simplify the
assembly process.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary car chassis, i.e., Blade
supercar chassis 100 built by Divergent Technologies, Inc., that
includes nodes and connecting structures, e.g., tubes, attached to
the nodes. Automobile chassis, such as Blade supercar chassis 100,
are examples of structures in which aspects of the disclosure can
be practiced. Although the examples described herein are directed
primarily to vehicle structures, such as chassis, crush zones,
etc., it should be understood that aspects of the disclosure can be
applied to other structures that include node-structure
connections.
[0025] Blade supercar chassis 100 includes structures 101, which
are tubes in this example, connected by one or more nodes 103. Each
node 103 can include, for example, a central body and one or more
ports that extend from the central body. In various embodiments, a
multi-port node may be provided to connect structures, such as
structures 101, to form a two or three-dimensional structure. The
structure may be a frame, for example. In one example, a structure
having tubes with axes in substantially the same plane can be
referred to as a planar frame, while a structure having tubes with
axes in different planes may be referred to as a space frame. A
space frame may define a volume. In some examples, a
three-dimensional space frame structure may be a vehicle chassis.
The vehicle chassis may be have a length, width, and height that
define a space, such as a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
[0026] A vehicle chassis may form the framework of a vehicle. A
vehicle chassis may provide the structure for placement of body
panels of a vehicle, such as door panels, roof panels, floor
panels, or any other panels forming the vehicle enclosure.
Furthermore the chassis may be the structural support for the
wheels, drive train, engine block, electrical components, heating
and cooling systems, seats, storage space, etc. A vehicle may be a
passenger vehicle, a cargo vehicle, etc. Examples of vehicles may
include, but are not limited to sedans, trucks, buses, vans,
minivans, station wagons, RVs, trailers, tractors, go-carts,
automobiles, trains, or motorcycles, boats, spacecraft, or
airplanes (e.g., winged aircraft, rotorcraft, gliders,
lighter-than-air aerial vehicles). The vehicles may be land-based
vehicles, aerial vehicles, water-based vehicles, or space-based
vehicles. Any description herein of any type of vehicle or vehicle
chassis may apply to any other type of vehicle or vehicle
chassis.
[0027] The vehicle chassis may provide a form factor that matches
the form factor of the type of vehicle. Depending on the type of
vehicle, the vehicle chassis may have varying configurations. The
vehicle chassis may have varying levels of complexity. In some
instances, a three-dimensional space frame may be provided that may
provide an outer framework for the vehicle. The outer framework may
be configured to accept body panels to form a three-dimensional
enclosure. In some cases, inner supports or components may be
provided. The inner supports or components can be connected to the
space frame through connection to the one or more joint members of
the space frame. Different layouts of multi-port nodes and
connecting tubes may be provided to accommodate different vehicle
chassis configurations. In some cases, a set of nodes can be
arranged to form a single unique chassis design. In some cases, at
least a subset of the set of nodes can be used to form multiple
chassis designs. In some cases at least a subset of nodes in a set
of nodes can be assembled into a first chassis design and then
disassembled and reused to form a second chassis design. The first
chassis design and the second chassis design can be the same or
they can be different.
[0028] The connecting structures may be formed from rigid
materials. For example, the structures may be formed of metal, such
as steel, aluminum, etc., composite materials, such as carbon
fiber, etc., or other materials, such as plastics, polymers, etc.
The connecting structures may have different cross-sectional
shapes. For example, the connecting tubes may have a substantially
circular shape, square shape, oval shape, hexagonal shape, or an
irregular shape. The connecting tube cross-section could be a
closed cross-section. The connecting tube cross-section could be an
open cross-section, such as a C-channel, an I-beam, an angle,
etc.
[0029] Various aspects of node-to-structure connections presented
in this disclosure may be suitable for use in a vehicle chassis,
such as Blade supercar chassis 100 shown in FIG. 1. The nodes in
the chassis 100 may be designed to fit the connecting structure
angles dictated by the chassis design. The nodes may be fabricated
to desired geometries to permit rapid and low cost assembly of the
chassis. In some embodiments the nodes may be fabricated using 3-D
printing techniques. 3-D printing may permit the nodes to be formed
in a wide array of geometries that may accommodate different frame
configurations. 3-D printing may permit the nodes to be formed
based on a computer generated design file that includes dimensions
of the nodes.
[0030] FIGS. 2A-B, 3A-B, 4A-B, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15A-B, and 16A-B
illustrate exemplary nodes and node-structure joints (a.k.a.,
connections). FIGS. 6-11 illustrate exemplary processes for
adhesive application to adhere a node to a structure. FIG. 17 is a
flowchart that illustrates an exemplary process of adhering a node
to a structure.
[0031] The examples described below include nodes that can have a
receptacle with a seal interface configured to seat a seal member,
such as an O-ring, a curable sealant, etc. Inserting a seal member
and a structure in the node's receptacle can create a sealed
adhesive region between the node and the structure. The adhesive
region can be used to apply an adhesive, such as a glue, an epoxy,
a thermoplastic, a thermoset, etc., between the node and the
structure to create a joint. The seal member can prevent the
adhesive from leaking out of the adhesive region, which may allow
the joint to be formed more efficiently and may provide a
cleaner-looking joint. In addition, the seal member can keep the
node and the structure separated at a desired distance while the
adhesive cures. The distance created by the seal member between the
node and the structure can be designed to prevent or reduce a
reaction between the node and the structure, such as galvanic
corrosion. The seal member can remain after the adhesive cures to
help protect the cured adhesive from the environment, e.g., air,
water, etc., which may reduce damage or degradation of the adhesive
caused by environmental factors. Depending on the composition and
design of the seal member, the seal member may provide other
benefits, such as adding rigidity, flexibility, durability, etc.,
to the joint.
[0032] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate two views of an exemplary node 201.
FIG. 2A shows a first view, and FIG. 2B shows a view in which node
201 is rotated 180 degrees from its position in the first view.
Node 201 can include a receptacle 203 extending into the node that
can receive a structure, a seal interface 205 for seating a seal
member in the receptacle, and two channels (an inlet channel 207
and an outlet channel 209) for an adhesive application process to
adhere the node to the structure. In this example, receptacle 203
is a hole bound by a node surface 211 in node 201 and having a
receptacle floor 212. Node surface 211 can include seal interface
205. In this example, seal interface 205 is a groove that can seat
a rubber seal member in node surface 211. Inlet channel 207 can
connect an opening (an inlet aperture 213) in node surface 211 to
an opening (an inlet port 215) in an exterior surface 217, of node
201. Likewise, outlet channel 209 can connect an opening (an outlet
aperture 219) in node surface 211 to an opening (an outlet port
221) in exterior surface 217. Locating ports on an exterior
surface, i.e., a surface of the node that is accessible after the
structure is inserted, can allow easy access to the ports.
[0033] In various embodiments, a node can include an isolator
interface that can accept an isolator. An isolator can maintain a
desired distance between a surface of the node and a surface of a
structure inserted into the node's receptacle. For example, a node
such as node 203 can include an interface on a receptacle floor
such as receptacle floor 212 on which an isolator such as a nylon
disk can also be arranged. When a structure is inserted into the
receptacle, the nylon disk on the receptacle floor can prevent the
end of the structure from contacting the receptacle floor and can
maintain a desired distance of separation. Maintaining a separation
distance may be helpful to reduce or prevent galvanic corrosion,
particularly in joints in which the node and the inserted structure
are composed of materials with very different electrode
potentials.
[0034] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate two views of exemplary node 201 with a
seal member 301 seated on seal interface 205. As in FIGS. 2A-B
above, FIG. 3A shows a first view, and FIG. 3B shows a view in
which node 201 is rotated 180 degrees from its position in the
first view. Seal interface 205 can be any feature suitable for
seating a seal member at a node surface of a node. In some
embodiments, a seal interface can include a feature of the node
surface itself. For example, a seal interface can be a recessed
feature of the node surface, such as a groove, a protruding feature
of the node surface, such as a protruding lip, or another feature
of the node surface, such as a chamfered edge of the node surface,
a polished portion of the node surface, etc. A chamfered edge
and/or polished portion of the node surface, for example, can be
used as a seal interface for seal members that are attached to the
structure prior to insertion of the structure into the receptacle,
such as in the examples illustrated by FIGS. 16A and 16B. In this
regard, the smooth node surface can help prevent damage to the seal
member while the structure is being inserted into the receptacle,
and the chamfered edge can help guide the structure into a final
position. In some embodiments, a seal interface can be simply an
unrefined node surface. In some embodiments, a seal interface can
be a feature that is added to the node surface. For example, a seal
interface can be an adhesive applied to the node surface, a flange
that is welded to the node surface, a retaining collar that is
inserted in the receptacle, etc.
[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 3A-B, seal interface 205 is a
groove in node surface 211, and seal member 301 is a rubber seal
that is inserted into the groove. Part of seal member 301 rests in
the groove, and part of the seal member protrudes from the groove
into receptacle 203. This protruding portion of the seal member can
engage with the structure upon its insertion into the receptacle,
thereby forming a seal between.
[0036] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary structure 401, and FIG. 4B
illustrates the structure inserted in receptacle 203 of node 201.
Structure 401 can be, for example a connecting structure in a space
frame, such as a vehicle chassis. Structure 401 may be formed from
materials such as metal, composite materials, or other materials,
such as plastics, polymers, etc. Structure 401 has a structure
surface 403 that can have a shape configured to fit into receptacle
203, such that the structure surface opposes node surface 211 when
the structure is inserted in the receptacle. In this regard,
different structures may have different shapes and,
correspondingly, different nodes can have receptacles of different
shapes. For example, structures and node receptacles can have
substantially circular shapes, square shapes, oval shapes,
hexagonal shapes, irregular shapes, etc.
[0037] In various embodiments, a node receptacle can extend around
a perimeter of the structure, such as in the present embodiment in
which receptacle 203 is a hole in node 201. In various embodiments,
the hole can have a bottom (i.e., does not extend completely
through the node). In various embodiments, the hole can extend
completely through the node. In various embodiments, the node
receptacle can extend only partway around a perimeter of the
structure, an example of which is described with reference to FIG.
14 below.
[0038] FIG. 4B shows structure 401 inserted in receptacle 203 and
also shows a direction of insertion 405 of the structure into the
receptacle. When structure 401 is inserted in receptacle 203,
structure surface 403 contacts seal member 301, thus creating a
space bounded by the structure surface, node surface 211, and the
seal member. Structures can be inserted into nodes using various
manual or automated methods. For example, a node can be fixed in a
fixture, and the structure can be inserted and allowed to float in
the receptacle during the adhesion process. Floating a structure in
a fixed node can allow the seal member to provide the primary
forces that position the structure within the receptacle. In this
way, for example, dimensional tolerances of the joint may be
improved. This method can be particularly beneficial when creating
larger, more complex space structures that have many joints because
positioning errors in individual joints can add up to create larger
positioning errors across the space structure.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a more detailed view of structure 401
inserted in node 201, and in particular, shows details of an
exemplary sealed adhesive region 501 created by inserting the
structure into the node. It is noted that node 201 and structure
401 are represented by dashed lines in FIG. 5 and subsequent
figures to provide a clearer view of the corresponding sealed
adhesive regions. In addition, FIG. 5 shows a view of sealed
adhesive region 501 between node 201 and structure 401, and also
shows an unobstructed, magnified view of the sealed adhesive region
so that details of the sealed adhesive region may be easily
seen.
[0040] As described above with reference to FIG. 4B, when structure
401 is inserted in receptacle 203, structure surface 403 contacts
seal member 301, thus creating a bounded space between the
structure surface, node surface 211, and the seal member; this
space is shown as sealed adhesive region 501 in FIG. 5. In other
words, sealed adhesive region 501 is a space bounded by node
surface 203, structure surface 403, and a portion of the surface of
seal member 301, which is shown as seal member surface 503 in FIG.
5. In this example, sealed adhesive region 501 is an adhesive
region that has a thin, rectangular cross-section and that extends
around the perimeter of structure 401 with one end located at inlet
aperture 213 and the other end located at outlet aperture 219.
[0041] In this regard, it can be seen that seal interface 205 of
node 201 and seal member 301 are configured to extend around the
perimeter of structure 401 inserted in receptacle 203, such that
sealed adhesive region 501 extends around the perimeter of the
structure with a first end of the sealed adhesive region opposing a
second end of the sealed adhesive region. Inlet channel 207
connects to sealed adhesive region 501 proximate to the first end
through inlet aperture 213, and outlet channel 209 connects to the
sealed adhesive region proximate to the second end through outlet
aperture 219. In this way, for example, one end of sealed adhesive
region 501 can be open to exterior surface 217 of node 201 through
inlet channel 207, and the other end of the sealed adhesive region
can be open to the exterior surface of the node through outlet
channel 209. Therefore, sealed adhesive region 501 can be
accessible through inlet port 215 and outlet port 221 for an
adhesive application process that will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 6-11.
[0042] FIGS. 6-11 illustrate exemplary processes for adhesive
application to adhere node 201 to structure 401. As shown in FIG.
6, an adhesive hose 601 can be connected to inlet port 215. The
other end of adhesive hose 601 can be connected to an adhesive
injector 603 that can inject adhesive through the adhesive hose.
Likewise, a vacuum hose 605 can be connected to outlet port 221.
The other end of vacuum hose 605 can be connected to a vacuum pump
607 that can draw a vacuum through the vacuum hose.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 7, vacuum pump 607 can operate to draw a
vacuum in sealed adhesive region 501 through outlet channel 209.
Evacuating air 701 can be drawn through sealed adhesive region 501
and out outlet channel 209 to establish a vacuum in the sealed
adhesive region. The quality of the vacuum can be just sufficient
to aid the flow of adhesive through sealed adhesive region 501. In
various embodiments, the inlet port can include a mechanism, such
as a valve, that can be shut in order to seal off the inlet channel
while the sealed adhesive region is evacuated. In various
embodiments, the inlet port can be a simple opening to which the
adhesive hose can attach, and the air in the adhesive hose can be
drawn through the inlet channel and evacuated along with the air in
the sealed adhesive region.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 8, adhesive injector 603 can operate to
inject an adhesive 801 through inlet channel 207 into sealed
adhesive region 501. In various embodiments, the vacuum pump can
continue to operate while the adhesive is being injected into the
sealed adhesive region, which may be helpful if the vacuum pump is
not powerful enough to draw a substantial vacuum in the sealed
adhesive region. In various embodiments, the outlet port can
include a mechanism, such as a valve, that can be shut in order to
seal off the outlet channel while the adhesive is injected. In
various embodiments, no vacuum is drawn in the sealed adhesive
region, and the outlet channel can be open to the atmosphere to
allow air to escape from the sealed adhesive region when the
adhesive is injected.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows the injection of adhesive 801 at a later time
when the adhesive has flowed through more of sealed adhesive region
501. FIG. 10 shows the injection of adhesive 801 after the adhesive
has travelled through the entire length of sealed adhesive region
501. The proximity of inlet channel 207 to the first end and the
proximity of outlet channel 209 to the second end can be just
sufficient to allow adhesive 801 to reach the first and second ends
of sealed adhesive region 501 during the adhesive application
process.
[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary final product, joint 1101,
of the adhesive application process described above to adhere node
201 to structure 401. In this example, fill material 1103 is
deposited in inlet channel 207 and outlet channel 209, and adhesive
801 is allowed to cure. In various embodiments, fill material is
not deposited in the adhesive and outlet channels, that is, the
channels are left open.
[0047] In various embodiments, a vacuum pump is not used. For
example, adhesive can be applied through the inlet port using an
adhesive injector without use of a vacuum pump, e.g., using the
positive injection pressure of the injector to cause the adhesive
to flow through the adhesive region to the outlet port. In various
embodiments, adhesive can be applied by pouring a liquid adhesive
into the inlet port, e.g., using gravity to cause the adhesive to
flow through the adhesive region to the outlet port.
[0048] In various embodiments, seal members can be configured to
meet specific design requirements of the joints. For example, seal
members can create a variety of separation distances between
components of joints. In various embodiments, seal members can
create larger separation distances between components in order to
reduce or prevent a reaction between the components. For example, a
larger separation distance may be helpful to reduce or prevent
galvanic corrosion, particularly in joints that have adjacent
components with very different electrode potentials. Seal members
can be made of a variety of materials, such as rubber, adhesive,
plastic, etc. The material composition of a seal member can be
designed to provide a particular benefit during assembly of the
node and the structure prior to adhesive application, such as
providing flexibility of movement among joint components, providing
rigidity to reduce or prevent movement among joint components. Upon
adhesive application and subsequent curing of the adhesive, the
seal members can make the joint water resistant or waterproof and
improve the joint's resistant to other substances, such as oil,
grease, dirt, etc. In various embodiments, seal members can isolate
structures from each other. For example, FIGS. 15A-B illustrate an
example including a seal member that is provided at the bottom of
the node surface such that the structure rests on the seal member
after insertion into the node's receptacle. In this way, for
example, seal members can be used as a measure to prevent galvanic
corrosion between the node and the structure when they are made of
dissimilar materials.
[0049] FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15A-B, and 16A-B illustrate various other
exemplary nodes and node-structure joints. In particular, FIGS. 12
and 13 illustrate examples in which portions of the sealed adhesive
region can overlap in a direction of insertion of the structure.
FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which the receptacle of the node
can be a slot. FIGS. 15A-B illustrate an example in which an
additional seal member can be included for the purpose of, for
example, providing the adhesive with additional protection from
environmental factors such as dust, humidity, etc. FIGS. 16A-B
illustrate an example in which the seal member can include a
portion attached to the structure, which can be seated on a
chamfered edge of the node surface. In various embodiments, the
entire seal member can be attached to the structure.
[0050] It should be noted that the seal members in the following
figures are represented by solid lines for the purpose of clarity.
In addition, the nodes and structures in FIGS. 12-14 are
represented by dashed lines to provide a clearer view of the sealed
adhesive regions of these embodiments.
[0051] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment including a node
1201, a structure 1203, and a seal member 1205 seated on a seal
interface 1207. Node 1201, structure 1203, and seal member 1205 can
fit together to form a sealed adhesive region 1209 when the
structure is inserted in a receptacle 1211 of the node in a
direction of insertion 1213. In this example, seal interface 1207
can be configured to seat sealed adhesive region 1209 such that a
first portion of the sealed adhesive region forms an overlap 1215
with a second portion of the sealed adhesive region in the
direction of insertion 1213. In this way, for example, overlap 1215
can provide additional strength of the attachment between node 1201
and structure 1203.
[0052] In particular, seal interface 1207 can be configured to
extend around a perimeter of structure 1203, such that a portion of
a first end of sealed adhesive region 1209 forms overlap 1215 with
a portion of a second end of the sealed adhesive region in the
direction of insertion 1213. Node 1201 can include an inlet channel
1217 that connects to sealed adhesive region 1209 proximate to the
first end, and can include an outlet channel 1219 that connects to
the sealed adhesive region proximate to the second end. The
proximity of inlet channel 1217 to the first end and the proximity
of outlet channel 1219 to the second end can be just sufficient to
allow an adhesive injected into the inlet channel to reach the
first and second ends of sealed adhesive region 1209 during an
adhesive application process, such as the process described above
with respect to FIGS. 6-11.
[0053] More specifically, inlet channel 1217 can connect an opening
in a node surface 1221 of receptacle 1211 to an opening in an
exterior surface (not labeled) of node 1201 with a port and inlet
similar to those described above with reference to node 201.
Likewise, outlet channel 1219 can connect an opening in node
surface 1221 to an opening in the exterior surface of node 1201
with a port and inlet similar to those described above with
reference to node 201.
[0054] Structure 1203 can have a structure surface 1223 that
opposes node surface 1221 when the structure is inserted in
receptacle 1211. When structure 1203 is inserted in receptacle
1211, structure surface 1223 contacts seal member 1205, thus
creating a space bounded by the structure surface, node surface
1221, and the seal member; this space is sealed adhesive region
1209. In other words, sealed adhesive region 1209 is a space
bounded by node surface 1221, structure surface 1223, and a portion
of the surface of seal member 1205, which is shown as seal member
surface 1225 in the unobstructed, magnified view of the sealed
adhesive region in FIG. 12.
[0055] In this example, sealed adhesive region 1209 is an adhesive
region that has a thin, rectangular cross-section and that extends
around the perimeter of structure 1203 with one end located at an
inlet aperture 1227, which is the opening in node surface 1221 to
inlet channel 1217, and the other end located at an outlet aperture
1229, which is the opening in the node surface to outlet channel
1219. Furthermore, a first portion of sealed adhesive region 1209
forms overlap 1215 with a second portion of the sealed adhesive
region in the direction of insertion 1213.
[0056] In this regard, it can be seen that seal interface 1207 of
node 1201 and seal member 1205 are configured to extend around the
perimeter of structure 1203 inserted in receptacle 1211, such that
sealed adhesive region 1209 extends around the perimeter of the
structure with a first end of the sealed adhesive region opposing a
second end of the sealed adhesive region. Inlet channel 1217
connects to sealed adhesive region 1209 proximate to the first end
through inlet aperture 1227, and outlet channel 1219 connects to
the sealed adhesive region proximate to the second end through
outlet aperture 1229. In this way, for example, one end of sealed
adhesive region 1209 can be open to the exterior surface of node
1201 through inlet channel 1217, and the other end of the sealed
adhesive region can be open to the exterior surface of the node
through outlet channel 1219. Therefore, sealed adhesive region 1209
can be accessible through an inlet port (not labeled) of inlet
channel 1217 and an outlet port (not labeled) of outlet channel
1219 for an adhesive application process such as the example
process described above with reference to FIGS. 6-11.
[0057] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment including a node
1301, a structure 1303, and a seal member 1305 seated on a seal
interface 1307. Node 1301, structure 1303, and seal member 1305 can
fit together to form a sealed adhesive region 1309 when the
structure is inserted in a receptacle 1311 of the node in a
direction of insertion 1313. In this example, seal interface 1307
can be configured to seat seal member 1305, the seal member
including a top ring portion 1315 around structure 1303, a bottom
ring portion 1317 around the structure, and a spiral portion 1318
extending from the top ring portion to the bottom ring portion and
spiraling around the structure. In this way, for example, multiple
portions of sealed adhesive region 1309 can overlap each other in
direction of insertion 1313. In this example, every portion of
sealed adhesive region 1309 overlaps with one or two other portions
of the sealed adhesive region. In this way, for example, the
overlapping of sealed adhesive region 1309 can provide additional
strength of the attachment between node 1301 and structure
1303.
[0058] Node 1301 can include an inlet channel 1319 that connects to
sealed adhesive region 1309 proximate to a first end of the sealed
adhesive region bounded by top ring portion 1315, and can include
an outlet channel 1321 that connects to the sealed adhesive region
proximate to a second end of the sealed adhesive region bounded by
bottom ring portion 1317. The proximity of inlet channel 1319 to
the first end and the proximity of outlet channel 1321 to the
second end can be just sufficient to allow an adhesive injected
into the inlet channel to reach the first and second ends of sealed
adhesive region 1309 during an adhesive application process, such
as the process described above with respect to FIGS. 6-11.
[0059] More specifically, inlet channel 1319 can connect an opening
in a node surface 1323 of receptacle 1311 to an opening in an
exterior surface (not labeled) of node 1301 with a port and inlet
similar to those described above with reference to node 201.
Likewise, outlet channel 1321 can connect an opening in node
surface 1323 to an opening in the exterior surface of node 1301
with a port and inlet similar to those described above with
reference to node 201.
[0060] Structure 1303 can have a structure surface 1325 that
opposes node surface 1323 when the structure is inserted in
receptacle 1311. When structure 1303 is inserted in receptacle
1311, structure surface 1325 contacts seal member 1305, thus
creating a space bounded by the structure surface, node surface
1323, and the seal member; this space is sealed adhesive region
1309. In other words, sealed adhesive region 1309 is a space
bounded by node surface 1323, structure surface 1325, and a portion
of the surface of seal member 1305, which is shown as seal member
surface 1327 in the unobstructed, magnified view of the sealed
adhesive region in FIG. 13.
[0061] In this example, sealed adhesive region 1309 is an adhesive
region that has a thin, rectangular cross-section and that extends
around the perimeter of structure 1303 as a spiral with one end
located at an inlet aperture 1329, which is the opening in node
surface 1323 to inlet channel 1319, and the other end located at an
outlet aperture 1331, which is the opening in the node surface to
outlet channel 1321.
[0062] In this regard, it can be seen that seal interface 1307 of
node 1301 and seal member 1305 are configured to form a spiral
around the perimeter of structure 1203 and to form boundaries at
the top and bottom of the spiral, such that sealed adhesive region
1309 extends around the perimeter of the structure as a spiral with
a first end of the sealed adhesive region at the top of the spiral
and a second end of the sealed adhesive region at the bottom of the
spiral. Inlet channel 1319 connects to sealed adhesive region 1309
proximate to the first end through inlet aperture 1329, and outlet
channel 1321 connects to the sealed adhesive region proximate to
the second end through outlet aperture 1321. In this way, for
example, one end of sealed adhesive region 1309 can be open to the
exterior surface of node 1301 through inlet channel 1319, and the
other end of the sealed adhesive region can be open to the exterior
surface of the node through outlet channel 1321. Therefore, sealed
adhesive region 1309 can be accessible through an inlet port (not
labeled) of inlet channel 1319 and an outlet port (not labeled) of
outlet channel 1321 for an adhesive application process such as the
example process described above with reference to FIGS. 6-11. FIG.
13 includes arrows illustrating the direction of an adhesive flow
1333 through sealed adhesive region 1309 from inlet aperture 1329
to outlet aperture 1331.
[0063] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment including a node
1401, a structure 1403, and a seal member 1405 seated on a seal
interface 1407. Node 1401, structure 1403, and seal member 1405 can
fit together to form a sealed adhesive region 1409 when the
structure is inserted in a receptacle 1411. In this example,
receptacle 1411 can be a slot in node 1401. In other words,
receptacle 1411 extends only partway around a perimeter of
structure 1403. In this example, structure 1403 can be inserted
into node 1401 in different directions of insertion.
[0064] Node 1401 can include an inlet channel 1419 that connects to
sealed adhesive region 1409 proximate to a first end of the sealed
adhesive region, and can include an outlet channel 1421 that
connects to the sealed adhesive region proximate to a second end of
the sealed adhesive region. The proximity of inlet channel 1419 to
the first end and the proximity of outlet channel 1421 to the
second end can be just sufficient to allow an adhesive injected
into the inlet channel to reach the first and second ends of sealed
adhesive region 1409 during an adhesive application process, such
as the process described above with respect to FIGS. 6-11.
[0065] More specifically, inlet channel 1419 can connect an opening
in a node surface 1423 of receptacle 1411 to an opening in an
exterior surface (not labeled) of node 1401 with a port and inlet
similar to those described above with reference to node 201.
Likewise, outlet channel 1421 can connect an opening in node
surface 1423 to an opening in the exterior surface of node 1401
with a port and inlet similar to those described above with
reference to node 201.
[0066] Structure 1403 can have a structure surface 1425 that
opposes node surface 1423 when the structure is inserted in
receptacle 1411. When structure 1403 is inserted in receptacle
1411, structure surface 1425 contacts seal member 1405, thus
creating a space bounded by the structure surface, node surface
1423, and the seal member; this space is sealed adhesive region
1409. In other words, sealed adhesive region 1409 is a space
bounded by node surface 1423, structure surface 1425, and a portion
of the surface of seal member 1405, which is shown as seal member
surface 1427 in the unobstructed, magnified view of the sealed
adhesive region in FIG. 14.
[0067] In this example, sealed adhesive region 1409 is an adhesive
region that has a thin, rectangular cross-section and that extends
only partway around the perimeter of structure 1403 with one end
located at an inlet aperture 1429, which is the opening in node
surface 1423 to inlet channel 1419, and the other end located at an
outlet aperture 1431, which is the opening in the node surface to
outlet channel 1421. Inlet channel 1419 connects to sealed adhesive
region 1409 proximate to a first end of the sealed adhesive region
through inlet aperture 1429, and outlet channel 1421 connects to
the sealed adhesive region proximate to a second end of the sealed
adhesive region through outlet aperture 1421. In this way, for
example, one end of sealed adhesive region 1409 can be open to the
exterior surface of node 1401 through inlet channel 1419, and the
other end of the sealed adhesive region can be open to the exterior
surface of the node through outlet channel 1421. Therefore, sealed
adhesive region 1409 can be accessible through an inlet port (not
labeled) of inlet channel 1419 and an outlet port (not labeled) of
outlet channel 1421 for an adhesive application process such as the
example process described above with reference to FIGS. 6-11. FIG.
14 includes arrows illustrating the direction of an adhesive flow
1433 through sealed adhesive region 1409 from inlet aperture 1429
to outlet aperture 1431.
[0068] FIGS. 15A-B illustrate an exemplary embodiment including a
node 1501, a structure 1503, a seal member 1505, and a second seal
member 1506. Seal member 1505 and second seal member 1506 can be
seated on a seal interface 1507. Node 1501, structure 1503, and
seal member 1505 can fit together to form a sealed adhesive region
1509 when the structure is inserted in a receptacle 1511 in a
direction of insertion 1513. In this example, seal member 1505 can
include a top ring portion 1515 around structure 1503 and a bottom
ring portion 1517 around the structure. Second seal member 1506 can
form a seal between node 1501 and structure 1503 to provide, for
example, further protection of the adhesive bond from environmental
conditions, additional guidance for insertion of the structure into
receptacle 1511, enhanced rigidity of the finished joint, a more
rigid structure for keeping the node and the structure separated,
etc.
[0069] Node 1501 can include an inlet channel 1519 that connects to
sealed adhesive region 1509 proximate to a first end of the sealed
adhesive region, and can include an outlet channel 1521 that
connects to the sealed adhesive region proximate to a second end of
the sealed adhesive region. In this example, sealed adhesive region
1509 has two separate channels for adhesive to flow from inlet
channel 1519 to outlet channel 1521; the channels are illustrated
in FIG. 15B by arrows of a first path 1523 of adhesive flow in
sealed adhesive region 1509 and a second path 1525 of adhesive flow
in sealed adhesive region 1509. The proximity of inlet channel 1519
to the first end and the proximity of outlet channel 1521 to the
second end can be just sufficient to allow an adhesive injected
into the inlet channel to reach the first and second ends of sealed
adhesive region 1509 during an adhesive application process, such
as the process described above with respect to FIGS. 6-11.
[0070] FIGS. 16A-B illustrate an exemplary embodiment including a
node 1601, a structure 1603, and a seal member 1605 seated on a
seal interface 1607. Node 1601, structure 1603, and seal member
1605 can fit together to form a sealed adhesive region 1609 when
the structure is inserted in a receptacle 1611 of node 1601 in a
direction of insertion 1613. In this example, seal member 1605 can
include a top ring portion 1615 that is positioned on structure
1603. In various embodiments, for example, top ring portion 1615
can be inserted into a groove around structure 1603, can be
attached to the structure with an adhesive, can be held in place
with a flange around the structure, etc. The surface of receptacle
1611 can include a chamfered edge 1616, and the chamfered edge can
be a part of seal interface 1607. In particular, chamfered edge
1616 can receive top ring portion 1615 when structure 1603 is
inserted in receptacle 1611, such that the top ring portion is
seated on the chamfered edge. In this way, for example, chamfered
edge 1616 and top ring portion 1615 can be configured to stop the
insertion of structure 1603 when the structure has reached a
desired position in receptacle 1611, at which point the top ring
portion is seated on the chamfered edge. In addition, chamfered
edge 1616 can help to center structure 1603 within receptacle 1611
as top ring portion 1615 is guided by the configuration of the
chamfered edge prior to settling in the seated position. Seal
member 1605 can also include a bottom ring portion 1617 positioned
in receptacle 1611 of node 1601.
[0071] Node 1601 can include an inlet channel 1619 that connects to
sealed adhesive region 1609 proximate to a first end of the sealed
adhesive region, and can include an outlet channel 1621 that
connects to the sealed adhesive region proximate to a second end of
the sealed adhesive region. In this example, sealed adhesive region
1609 has two channels for adhesive to flow from inlet channel 1619
to outlet channel 1621; the channels are illustrated in FIG. 16B by
arrows of a first path 1623 of adhesive flow in sealed adhesive
region 1609 and a second path 1625 of adhesive flow in the sealed
adhesive region. The proximity of inlet channel 1619 to the first
end and the proximity of outlet channel 1621 to the second end can
be just sufficient to allow, during an adhesive injection process
such as the process described above with respect to FIGS. 6-11, the
portion of the adhesive traveling through first path 1623 to reach
outlet channel 1621 at substantially the same time as the portion
of the adhesive traveling through second path 1625.
[0072] In various embodiments, the bottom ring portion can be
positioned on the structure, instead of in the receptacle. In other
words, both a top ring portion and a bottom ring portion can be
positioned on the structure prior to the structure's insertion into
the receptacle of the node. The bottom ring portion can be, for
example, inserted into a groove around the structure, can be
attached to the structure with an adhesive, can be held in place
with a flange around the structure, etc. The bottom ring portion
can be configured to slide on the surface of the receptacle when
the structure is inserted into the receptacle. When the top ring
portion becomes seated on the chamfered edge, the bottom ring
portion can come to rest and be seated on another part of the seal
interface. For example, the bottom ring portion can come to rest on
a polished portion of the node surface, can slide into a groove in
the node surface and come to rest in the groove, can slide to abut
a flange on the node surface and come to rest against the flange,
etc.
[0073] FIG. 17 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary process
of adhering an additively manufactured node to a structure. The
node can include a receptacle extending into the node. A seal
member can be arranged (1701) in the receptacle, and the structure
can be inserted (1702) into the receptacle. The structure can
include a surface that opposes a surface of the receptacle, such
that an adhesive region can be formed between the node and the
structure. The adhesive region can be bounded by the surface of the
receptacle, the surface of the structure opposing the node surface,
and the seal member.
[0074] In some embodiments, the seal member can be arranged in the
receptacle prior to insertion of the structure into the receptacle.
For example, the seal member can be seated on a seal interface at a
surface of the receptacle prior to insertion of the structure, as
in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B, 3A-B, 4A-B, 5, 12-14,
and 15A-B.
[0075] In some embodiments, a portion of the seal member or the
entire seal member can be positioned on the structure prior to
insertion of the structure into the receptacle, as in the example
of FIG. 16A-B in which a portion of the seal member is positioned
on the structure. In this case, the seal member can be arranged in
the receptacle after the structure is inserted into the receptacle
and comes to rest at a final position, at which point the seal
member can be seated on the seal interface of the node surface. In
this regard, the temporal order of arranging (1701) the seal member
in the receptacle and inserting (1702) the structure into the
receptacle can be reversed, i.e., inserting the structure occurs
before arranging the seal member in the receptacle.
[0076] In some embodiments, part of the seal member can be attached
to the structure and part of the seal member can be arranged in the
receptacle of the node prior to insertion of the structure into the
receptacle, as in the example illustrated in FIG. 16. In this case,
it may not make sense to think of the arranging and the inserting
as occurring in a particular temporal order. Therefore, the
arranging (1701) and the inserting (1702) in the flowchart of FIG.
17 should not be interpreted as occurring in a particular temporal
order, but should be interpreted as including various ways to
achieve the arranging of the seal member in the receptacle.
[0077] Once a sealed adhesive region is formed, an adhesive can be
injected (1703) into the sealed adhesive region to adhere the node
to the structure. In various embodiments, a vacuum can be created
in the sealed adhesive region to evacuate the sealed adhesive
region, and the adhesive can be injected into the evacuated sealed
adhesive region. The quality of the vacuum can be just sufficient
to aid the flow of adhesive through the sealed adhesive region. In
various embodiments, creating the vacuum can include evacuating the
sealed adhesive region through a channel (e.g., a vacuum channel
described in the foregoing examples) that extends from an exterior
of the node to the sealed adhesive region. In various embodiments,
injecting the adhesive can include injecting the adhesive through a
channel (e.g., an inlet channel described in the foregoing
examples). In various embodiments, the outlet channel and the inlet
channel can be the same channel. For example, a vacuum pump can be
attached to single channel to evacuate the sealed adhesive region,
the single channel can be closed off, an adhesive injector can be
attached to the single channel, the single channel can be opened,
and the adhesive injector can inject adhesive into the evacuated
sealed adhesive region. In various embodiments, the vacuum channel
and the inlet channel can be separate channels.
[0078] The previous description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described
herein. Various modifications to these exemplary embodiments
presented throughout this disclosure will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art. Thus, the claims are not intended to be
limited to the exemplary embodiments presented throughout the
disclosure, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with
the language claims. All structural and functional equivalents to
the elements of the exemplary embodiments described throughout this
disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of
ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the
claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be
dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is
explicitly recited in the claims. Combinations such as "at least
one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "at least one of
A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, C, or any
combination thereof" include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and
may include multiples of A, multiples of B, and/or multiples of C.
Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C,"
"one or more of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," "one or
more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" may
be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B
and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member
or members of A, B, or C. No claim element is to be construed under
the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f), or analogous law in
applicable jurisdictions, unless the element is expressly recited
using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the
element is recited using the phrase "step for."
* * * * *