Dyneema-Ribbon Joe Cup Overview:1.
Core Design: - A ribbon or strap made of Dyneema material forms the core of this cup. Dyneema's high strength and lightweight properties make it ideal for this application.
- Each end of the Dyneema ribbon has a loop that holds a small rod. The rod prevents the ribbon from being pulled into the gap when the tubes are joined, creating a flanging effect.
2.
Gap Filling: - The Dyneema ribbon acts as a gap filler between the joined tubes, ensuring a snug fit and preventing wobble.
- For tubes with different OD and ID, additional flat material can be bonded or sewn onto the Dyneema ribbon to adjust the thickness and fill the gap more effectively.
3.
Customizable and Versatile: - The basic Dyneema-Ribbon Joe Cup can be adapted to various tube sizes and gap dimensions by adjusting the thickness of the ribbon or by adding layers.
- This flexibility allows for the use of the same basic design across different TPHG models or even other applications where tubes of varying sizes need to be joined.
4.
Minimal Pack Volume: - When disassembled, the Dyneema-Ribbon Joe Cup, including the small rods and ribbon, can be packed very compactly. The flat nature of the ribbon and the small size of the rods allow them to fit easily into small spaces within the packed hang glider.
Advantages of the Dyneema-Ribbon Joe Cup:-
Flexibility: Can be used for different tube sizes and gap requirements, making it a one-size-fits-many solution.
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Ease of Use: Simple to set up and take down, and the adjustable thickness ensures a tight fit without complex adjustments.
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Lightweight and Compact: Adds very little weight and takes up minimal space when packed, making it ideal for a tiny-packed hang glider.
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Cost-Effective: The use of Dyneema, a durable yet relatively inexpensive material, keeps costs low while ensuring high performance.
Application Potential:-
In TPHGs: The Dyneema-Ribbon Joe Cup can be used to join the spar sections of a hang glider, providing a secure, wobble-free connection that also handles axial compression well.
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In Other Fields: This versatile design could be adapted for use in other portable or collapsible structures, such as tents, portable frames, or even in aerospace applications where lightweight, strong, and compact joints are required.
Conclusion:The
Dyneema-Ribbon Joe Cup is a highly adaptable and efficient solution for joining tubes in a variety of scenarios, particularly in the context of a tiny-packed hang glider. Its ability to handle different tube sizes and its compact, lightweight design make it an excellent choice for maximizing packing efficiency and structural integrity.
Note: An alternative could by Nylon Webbing Joe Cup.