TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Truss Beam with Self-Aligning Adaptors (TOP2-134)

NASA's Technology Transfer Program solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses . THE TECHNOLOGY : The invention is comprised of a truss beam that is assembled using rods, shear web panels, and self-aligning adapters (SAAs). The shape of the SAA provides relatively high joint strength and allows a simple manufacturing process. The SAA is designed so that the fitting yields before the adhesive fails. Joint strength is achieved through precise bond line control which is maintained by a tight fitting bore in the root. The assembly process is streamlined in that the rod can be inserted until it bottoms out and the bore will hold the rod in proper alignment along the length of the glue line. Adhesive is injected after fit-up allowing flexibility in a larger fabrication process. An inspection hole is used to verify that the joint has been properly filled with adhesive and prevent adhesive from detrimentally flowing into the alignment hole. This design presents an attractive option for structural members in applications requiring optimum strength to weight, including but not limited to spacecraft, aircraft, high performance ground vehicles, sports equipment, and tall architectural structures. To express interest in this opportunity, please submit a license application through NASA's Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) by visiting https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/TOP2-134 If you have any questions, please contact Ames Research Center [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at https://technology.nasa.gov/ These responses are provided to members of NASA's Technology Transfer Program for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice .