Methods and apparatuses for universal interface between parts in transport structures
Techniques for providing universal interfaces between parts of a transport structure are disclosed. In one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for joining first and second parts of a transport structure includes an additively manufactured body having first and second surfaces. The first surface may connect to a first part such as, for example, a panel. The second surface may include a fitting for mating with a complementary fitting on a second part.
1. An apparatus for joining parts of a transport structure, comprising:
an additively manufactured interface structure configured to be co-molded with a first part of the transport structure, wherein the interface structure includes,
a uniform first surface configured to be connected to a uniform surface of the first part of the transport structure during the co-molding, and
a second surface that comprises a female fitting configured to be mated with a complementary male fitting disposed on a second part of the transport structure that is configured to be received by the female fitting of the interface structure.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the uniform first surface is shaped to conform to the uniform surface of the first part.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first part comprises a panel.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second part comprises a node.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the uniform first surface is arranged substantially opposite the second surface.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the uniform first surface comprises a porous material.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the female fitting comprises a ball receptacle or a socket for a ball receptacle.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the female fitting comprises a mounting plate or a receptacle for a mounting plate.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the female fitting comprises a co-printed floating nut.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the female fitting comprises one or more flex legs.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the female fitting comprises one of a three-way location or a four-way location.
12. An additively manufactured node for a transport structure, comprising:
a joint member configured to provide at least uniform one structural connection; and
an extended structure coupled to the joint member and comprising a female fitting for connecting to a complementary fitting arranged on a part.
13. The node of claim 12 , wherein the extended structure comprises at least one member coupled to the joint member.
14. The node of claim 13 , wherein the member comprises a protrusion configured to support the fitting.
15. The node of claim 13 , wherein the member comprises a recessed section configured to support the fitting.
16. The node of claim 12 , wherein the female fitting comprises a threaded fastener.
17. The node of claim 16 , wherein the threaded fastener comprises a protrusion for receiving a rod coupled to the part.
18. The node of claim 12 , wherein the part comprises a panel.
19. The node of claim 18 , wherein the panel comprises a vehicle hood.
20. The node of claim 12 , wherein the female fitting comprises one of a ball receptacle or a socket for a ball receptacle.
21. The node of claim 12 , wherein the female fitting comprises one of a mounting plate or a receptacle for a mounting plate.
22. The node of claim 12 , wherein the female fitting comprises a co-printed floating nut.