Certainly! Here’s your recent prompt and response formatted using `` style for posting on the USHawks.org forum.
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**Prompt**
An advanced Joe Cup will do all the following:
1. limit insertion of the smaller tube into the larger tube,
2. protect the larger tube's end from hoop expansion,
3. fill the gap between the smaller tube's OD and the larger tube's ID,
4. provide opportunity for adjusting the insertion depth of the smaller tube,
5. be easy to assemble being fully apart from the tubes during TPHG tote,
6. be easy to disassemble after the flight session,
7. be well labeled for its position on the TPGH along with naming the two tubes involved,
8. be low mass,
9. be low tote volume, and
10. be easy to DIY make.
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**Response:**
Development Note for an Advanced Joe Cup: Fabrication of a Precision Collar
This note outlines a DIY approach for creating a precision collar as part of the advanced Joe Cup system. The collar surrounds the end of the larger tube (mother tube) while the rest of the Joe Cup limits the insertion of the smaller tube (child tube).
Collar Roles:
1. Protects the hoop of the mother tube: The collar reinforces the open end to prevent hoop expansion during axial compression in flight.
2. Prevents over-insertion: The collar acts as a stopper, ensuring the smaller tube does not slide too far into the larger tube.
3. Provides additional structural support: The collar creates a more robust connection at the rigging anchor.
DIY Fabrication Method:
- Wrap Dyneema Thread: Over the end of the mother tube or a similarly-sized mandrel, wrap epoxy-wetted Dyneema thread in layers.
- Build the Collar: Tie knots at intervals to strengthen the wrap and form a durable shell segment around the tube.
- Inner Surface Treatment: Apply dry lubricant to the inside for easy removal.
- Sew the Joe Cup Body to the Collar: While the epoxy is still wet, sew the flexible webbing or straps to the outer surface of the collar to integrate both components.
- Cure the Material: Allow the collar to cure on the mandrel to maintain precision.
Benefits:
- Low cost
- High precision fit
- Easy integration with the Joe Cup body
This method offers a reliable and cost-effective way to manufacture precise collars for the advanced Joe Cup system. Other methods and optimizations will be explored in future developments.
Efficient Storage and Protection of Telescopic Tubes for TPHG
When aiming for high-density storage of telescopic tubes, particularly for the ease of transport in a compact tote, it's essential to avoid any structures that interfere with full concentric nesting without adding to the overall length of the nest. Elements like collars, pins, or interior mechanisms that project into the structure can cause unwanted length buildup, which compromises the compactness necessary for urban transport.
However, with the tubes free of such protrusions, protecting the open ends during handling, transport, and even assembly or disassembly becomes crucial. A possible solution involves using temporary end-tube cushions or specialized plugs. These would be applied upon de-telescoping or when separating the tubes from the nest to safeguard the ends.
For designs utilizing a Joe Cup coupler, consider placing a rounding plug in the insertion end of the child tube. If the plug does not project laterally, it could potentially be permanent, leaving the opposite end open. While this introduces a slight compromise in maintaining 100% avoidance of length increase, such a minimal trade-off could be beneficial in the broader design. However, a better solution might involve temporary, rather than permanent, plugs to maintain the goal of full nesting without lengthening.
To prevent inadvertent spillage of tubes during transport, consider firmly capping both ends of the nested set. A practical approach could involve using two end caps connected by a cable, which keeps the caps "kited" together. One cap would be applied first, followed by the second, ensuring the nest is securely enclosed and the caps remain tethered and on the tube set ends; such stops spillage.
a meta spar will use three or four sizes of spar segments requiring two or three sizes of Joe Cups to make the joins that make up the meta spars.
Response:
Here are some additional thoughts:
- Design Versatility: Using multiple sizes of Joe Cups means you can create a highly adaptable structure that can handle different wing configurations and experimental setups.
- Connection Strength: Ensuring that the joins between the different sizes of spar segments and Joe Cups maintain structural integrity will be essential for safety and performance.
- Ease of Assembly: Consider how intuitive the assembly will be for users. Having clear instructions or diagrams can help facilitate a smooth setup process.
- Weight Distribution: The varying sizes will also allow for better weight distribution along the wing, which can positively affect handling and stability during flight.
- Testing Variations: Once you have your Joe Cups and segments ready, testing different configurations will be key. You might discover optimal arrangements that enhance performance.
This thoughtful design strategy should lead to exciting results for your TPHG. How do you envision the process of creating and testing these configurations?
Joe Cup Coupler Realization for Meta Spar of Three Spar Segments Maybe Useful for Kingpost and Queenposts[/b]
In a meta spar consisting of three spar segments, the design uses a stepwise double-tapered configuration. The central segment serves as the mother tube, while two outer segments—called child tubes—insert into the ends of the mother tube. This assembly employs two Joe Cup couplers, but with an important twist: one Joe Cup faces one direction, while the other faces the opposite way. This configuration is particularly useful for maintaining structural integrity and resisting axial loads in applications like kiting and hang gliding.
A good example of this arrangement is the crossbar in a Malay kite, where the double-taper stepwise design utilizes a central tube with two end sticks joined via oppositely facing Joe Cup couplers. In a Tiny Packed Hang Glider (TPHG), this three-part configuration can be applied to the kingpost and two queen posts.
Resistance to Buckling:
The tapered design, with the mother tube as the central strong section and the two child tubes tapering outward, gives the system a significant advantage in resisting compressive buckling. The thicker central segment provides stability where it's most needed, while the tapered outer segments help reduce overall weight without sacrificing structural integrity.
Axial Compression and Rigging:
In both kiting and TPHG, rigging plays a critical role in maintaining axial compression along the meta spars. The tension exerted by the sail keeps the spars under compression, allowing the structure to remain stable without the need for additional locking mechanisms. The use of oppositely facing Joe Cups ensures that each child tube locks securely into the mother tube, preventing misalignment and further supporting the axial compression.
Application in TPHG:
In the case of the kingpost, the three-part arrangement consists of a central mother tube, with two planetary child tubes forming the outer segments. Each queen post follows a similar design, where each post is a separate meta spar made up of a mother tube and two child tubes. The Joe Cup couplers provide a simple, lightweight way to assemble each spar segment, while the sail tension and rigging keeps everything in axial compression during flight. The resistance to buckling and ease of assembly make this an efficient solution for compact, portable glider designs.
In the case of dandelion seeds, the parachute-like structure creates vortex rings around the seed as it falls, forming a low-pressure "air pocket." This pocket helps slow the descent of the seed, allowing it to float farther. These vortex structures and pockets are critical to the seed's aerodynamic dispersal.
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