Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is provided. The vehicle chassis may comprise one or more vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures that are formed from a plurality of customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes. The customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes may be formed of one or more metal and/or non-metal materials. The customized chassis nodes may be formed with connecting features to which additional vehicle panels or structures may be permanently or removeably attached. The vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures may be interchangeably and removeably connected to provide a vehicle chassis having a set of predetermined chassis safety or performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a joint designed to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The method may generate joints with variable geometry and fine features which may reduce production costs, reduce production time, and generate joints configured for highly specific applications. The joint may include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is provided. The vehicle chassis may comprise one or more vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures that are formed from a plurality of customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes. The customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes may be formed of one or more metal and/or non-metal materials. The customized chassis nodes may be formed with connecting features to which additional vehicle panels or structures may be permanently or removeably attached. The vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures may be interchangeably and removeably connected to provide a vehicle chassis having a set of predetermined chassis safety or performance characteristics.

Abstract: A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for joining nodes, extrusions, and panels are presented herein. Nodes, extrusions, and panels can be joined together using adhesive joining techniques. The adhesive joining techniques can be applied to additively manufactured nodes or extrusions, and sandwich panels. Sandwich panels can be additively manufactured and/or commercial off the shelf (COTS) components. There can be more than one type of a joint formed by the joining techniques. Exemplary types of j oints can use a liquid adhesive in conjunction with a vacuum and/or a film foam adhesive.

Abstract: One aspect is an apparatus including a node having a socket configured to receive a component and a detachable additively manufactured nozzle co-printed with the node and arranged for adhesive injection between the component and the socket. Another aspect is an additively manufactured apparatus including a first additively manufactured component having an area configured to receive a second additively manufactured component. The first component includes an adhesive channel for injecting adhesive into the area when the second component is being connected to the first component. Another aspect is an apparatus including a plurality of additively manufactured components each having an adhesive injection channel. The components are connected together such that adhesive injection channels are aligned to form an adhesive path that allows adhesive flow between the components.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a joint designed to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The method may generate joints with variable geometry and fine features which may reduce production costs, reduce production time, and generate joints configured for highly specific applications. The joint may include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a joint designed to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The method may generate joints with variable geometry and fine features which may reduce production costs, reduce production time, and generate joints configured for highly specific applications. The joint may include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a joint designed to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The method may generate joints with variable geometry and fine features which may reduce production costs, reduce production time, and generate joints configured for highly specific applications. The joint may include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is provided. The vehicle chassis may comprise one or more vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures that are formed from a plurality of customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes. The customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes may be formed of one or more metal and/or non-metal materials. The customized chassis nodes may be formed with connecting features to which additional vehicle panels or structures may be permanently or removeably attached. The vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures may be interchangeably and removeably connected to provide a vehicle chassis having a set of predetermined chassis safety or performance characteristics.

Abstract: A joint design to provide an adhesive injection path to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow. Adhesive can be injected into a connection space between the joint and the tube through one or more integrated structural features in the joint that can provide a channel for directing adhesive to the connection space.

Abstract: A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.