Load-bearing structure with passive adaptive contours

Abstract

The invention relates to a load-bearing structure (46) located in a fluid flow (44), characterized in that the load-bearing structure (46) is configured to deform elastically at least in a portion of the load-bearing structure (46) between a static first state in the absence of external stresses and a second state in the presence of external stresses caused by the fluid flow (44) due to a change in direction of the load-bearing structure (46) and / or the fluid flow (44). The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one such load-bearing structure (46).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a load-bearing structure with a passively adaptable profile Background Art

[0002] according to Figure 1 In the known embodiment shown, a load-bearing structure 10 located in a fluid flow includes a first wall 12 in contact with the fluid flow, a second wall 14 in contact with the fluid flow, and a frame 16 connecting the first wall 12 and the second wall 14, wherein the first wall 12 and the second wall 14 are connected at a leading edge 18 upstream and at a trailing edge 20 downstream.

[0003] The frame 16 comprises a number of segments 22.1 to 22.7 connected end to end from the leading edge 18 to the trailing edge 20, the segments being connected in pairs by hinges 24, each hinge having a pivot axis substantially parallel to the leading edge 18 or the trailing edge 20. Thus, each first segment located downstream of a second segment is able to pivot freely in two pivot directions relative to the second segment about the pivot axis to which they are connected. Furthermore, the load-bearing structure 10 comprises a plurality of actuators 26 for controlling the pivoting movement of the segments 22.1 to 22.7 relative to each other and thus changing the profile of the load-bearing structure 10. Each actuator 26 is of the double-acting type and is able to control the pivoting movement of the segments 22.1 to 22.7 relative to each other in two pivot directions.

[0004] Depending on the operating mode, each actuator 26 is driven by an active drive system to control the movement of a different segment 22.1 to 22.7, thereby changing the curvature of the load-bearing structure 10 according to the desired profile.

[0005] This embodiment is not entirely satisfactory, since it is relatively difficult to determine the most suitable profile of the load-bearing structure 10 according to the orientation of the load-bearing structure 10 in the fluid flow. In addition, when the load-bearing structure 10 is part of an aircraft, the different actuators 26 lead to a significant increase in the weight carried. Finally, the actuators and drive systems tend to increase the cost of manufacturing and maintaining the load-bearing structure 10. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0007] To this end, the object of the present invention is a load-bearing structure located in a fluid flow, which load-bearing structure includes: a first wall having a first outer surface in contact with the fluid flow and a first inner surface opposite to the first outer surface; a second wall having a second outer surface in contact with the fluid flow and a second inner surface opposite to the second outer surface; a frame connecting the first wall and the second wall, the first outer surface and the second outer surface are joined at a trailing edge located downstream of the first wall and the second wall, and the load-bearing structure is configured to be in a first state or a second state different from the first state.

[0008] According to the invention, the load-bearing structure is configured to elastically deform at least a portion of the load-bearing structure between a first state without external stress and a second state with external stress induced by the fluid flow due to a change in direction of the load-bearing structure and / or the fluid flow.

[0009] The first advantage is that the change in the profile of the load-bearing structure is obtained in a passive manner without actuators. The profile of the load-bearing structure is adjusted autonomously and automatically depending on the load-bearing structure and / or the direction of the fluid flow without the intervention of complex drive systems.

[0010] According to another feature, the load-bearing structure is configured to deform elastically between a first state and a state of maximum deformation, and the load-bearing structure comprises at least one limit system to prevent deformation of the load-bearing structure beyond the state of maximum deformation.

[0011] According to another feature, the bearing structure comprises at least one pivot connection having a pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the rear edge and connecting the stop system and the frame.

[0012] According to another feature, the stopper system is elongated in shape and comprises an upstream end located near the leading edge of the load-bearing structure and a downstream end located near the trailing edge. In addition, the load-bearing structure comprises a first pivot connection located at the upstream end of the stopper system and near the leading edge of the load-bearing structure, connecting the stopper system to the frame, and a second pivot connection located at the downstream end of the stopper system and near the trailing edge of the load-bearing structure, connecting the stopper system to the frame.

[0013] According to a first embodiment, each limiting system includes at least one support member, which supports a first limiter and a second limiter, wherein the first limiter is configured to abut against a first inner surface of the first wall when the bearing structure is in a state of maximum deformation, and the second limiter is configured to abut against a second inner surface of the second wall when the bearing structure is in a state of maximum deformation.

[0014] According to a second embodiment, each limiting system includes at least one plate having a first edge and a second edge, and each plate is configured so that when the load-bearing structure is in a state of maximum deformation, the first edge and the second edge respectively contact the first inner surface of the first wall and the second inner surface of the second wall.

[0015] According to another feature, the frame includes a plurality of ribs connecting and spacing the first wall and the second wall from upstream to downstream.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the frame comprises a web having a corrugated profile in a transverse plane, the web comprising a first top connected to the first wall, a second top connected to the second wall and an intermediate portion between the first and second tops, the intermediate portion forming a rib.

[0017] According to another embodiment, each rib includes a first edge connected to the first wall by a first hinge and a second edge connected to the second wall by a second hinge, and each of the first hinge and the second hinge is configured so that each rib can pivot relative to the first wall or the second wall along a pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal direction is roughly parallel to the trailing edge.

[0018] According to another feature, the load-bearing structure comprises, at its front edge, a front portion distinct from and connecting the first and second walls, made of a more deformable material than the first and second walls and / or the frame.

[0019] The subject of the invention is also an aircraft comprising at least one load-bearing structure according to any one of the preceding characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a transverse cross section of a load-bearing structure showing an embodiment of the prior art;

[0022] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional picture of the aircraft;

[0023] Figure 3 is a transverse section of a wing including a load-bearing structure in a first state showing an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A transverse cross section of the load-bearing structure shown in the second state;

[0025] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a bearing structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the load-bearing structure shown in FIG. 1 in a non-deformed state;

[0027] Figure 7 is a cross section showing a limiting system of a load-bearing structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A side view of the load-bearing structure shown in FIG. 1 in a deformed state;

[0029] Fig. 9 is a transverse section of a wing including a load-bearing structure showing one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9a is a transverse section of a wing including a load-bearing structure showing another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig.10 is a cross section showing a frame of a load-bearing structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig.11 is a cross section of a frame of a load-bearing structure showing another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig.12 is a cross section of a frame of a load-bearing structure showing another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.13 is a perspective view showing a bearing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0035] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a load-bearing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] exist Figure 2 An aircraft 30 is shown in FIG. 1 , which includes a fuselage 32 , wings 34 disposed on both sides of the fuselage 32 , a vertical tail 36 located at the rear of the fuselage 32 , and two horizontal tails 38 disposed on both sides of the vertical tail 36 .

[0037] according to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the wing 34 , the horizontal tail 38 and the vertical tail 36 each comprise a fixed portion 40 and at least one movable portion 42 (referred to as a flap or an elevator, as the case may be) located in the extension of the fixed portion 40 .

[0038] In flight, the fixed part 40 and the movable part 42 are located in the airflow 44. The fixed part 40 and the movable part 42 form two different load-bearing structures 46, 46' (eg Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), or the fixed portion 40 and the movable portion 42 form a single load-bearing structure 46 (as shown in Fig. 9 shown).

[0039] Although the invention is described as applied to aircraft, it is not limited to the aeronautical field. Thus, the invention can be applied to all load-bearing structures located in a fluid flow (air, water or other), such as a ship, a sail or a load-bearing wing of a boat.

[0040] For the remainder of the description, the terms upstream / downstream or front / rear refer to the flow direction of the airflow 44 , or more generally, the flow direction of the fluid flow, which flows from upstream to downstream or from front to rear.

[0041] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the load-bearing structure 46 includes: a first wall 48, which has a first outer surface 48.1 in contact with the airflow 44 and a first inner surface 48.2 opposite to the first outer surface 48.1; a second wall 50, which has a second outer surface 50.1 in contact with the airflow 44 and a second inner surface 50.2 opposite to the second outer surface 50.1; a frame 52 connecting the first wall 48 and the second wall 50, the first outer surface 48.1 and the second outer surface 50.1 are joined at a trailing edge 54 located downstream of the first wall 48 and the second wall 50. The first outer surface 48.1 and the second outer surface 50.1 can also be joined at a leading edge 56 located upstream of the first wall 48 and the second wall 50.

[0042] For the remainder of the description, the longitudinal direction is generally parallel to the trailing edge 54 , the transverse plane is perpendicular to the trailing edge 54 , and the longitudinal plane is a plane perpendicular to the transverse plane or perpendicular to the trailing edge 54 .

[0043] In a given transverse plane, the bearing structure 46 has a contour 57 which corresponds to the intersection of the first outer surface 48 . 1 and the second outer surface 50 . 1 with the given transverse plane.

[0044] The load-bearing structure 46 is configured to be in Figure 3 The first state (also referred to as the static state) shown and showing a first profile (also referred to as the undeformed profile), or in Figure 4 A second state (also called a deformed state) is shown which is different from the first state and displays a second profile (also called a deformed profile) which is different from the first profile.

[0045] Relative to the airflow 44 , the support structure 46 is in a first orientation in the first state, and in a second orientation in the second state.

[0046] According to a feature of the invention, the bearing structure 46 is configured to elastically deform, at least in part, between a first state without external stress and a second state with external stress caused by the airflow 44 due to a change in direction of the bearing structure 46 and / or the airflow 44 .

[0047] The change in direction may be caused by a change in the direction of the airflow 44, or by Figure 4 The change in direction of the supporting structure 46 shown or Fig. 9 This results in a change of direction of a portion of the support structure 46 shown.

[0048] according to Figure 3 In the first configuration shown in , the load-bearing structure 46 is connected to a fixed part 60 (which may be another load-bearing structure 46 ′) located upstream of the load-bearing structure 46 via a hinge 58, and the direction change of the load-bearing structure 46 is generated by an actuator 62 connecting the fixed part 60 and the load-bearing structure 46.

[0049] according to Fig. 9 In the second configuration shown in , the load-bearing structure 46 includes a front fixed part 64 and a rear movable part 66 connected to the front fixed part 64 by a hinge 68, and the direction change of the load-bearing structure 46 is generated by an actuator 70 inserted between the front fixed part 64 and the rear movable part 66.

[0050] The load-bearing structure 46 is configured in a first state and Figure 8 The load-bearing structure 46 is elastically deformed at least in part between the maximum deformation state shown, in which the load-bearing structure 46 exhibits a maximum curvature. The maximum curvature is determined in particular according to the mechanical strength of the load-bearing structure 46. Depending on the external stress caused by the airflow 44, the load-bearing structure 46 can be in different intermediate states between the first state and the maximum deformation state.

[0051] The load-bearing structure 46 comprises at least one limiting system 72 to prevent the deformation of the load-bearing structure 46 from exceeding a maximum deformation state.

[0052] according to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the first embodiment shown, the limiting system 72 includes at least one support member 74, which supports a first limiter 76 (when the bearing structure 46 is in the maximum deformation state, the first limiter 76 is configured to abut against the first inner surface 48.2 of the first wall 48) and a second limiter 78 (when the bearing structure 46 is in the maximum deformation state, the second limiter 78 is configured to abut against the second inner surface 50.2 of the second wall 50).

[0053] According to this first embodiment, the support 74 is in the form of a plate located in a transverse plane, said plate comprising a first edge 80.1 where the first stop 76 is located and a second edge 80.2 where the second stop 78 is located. According to this embodiment, the first stop 76 and the second stop 78 are located so as not to interfere with the frame 52 during the change of state of the load-bearing structure 46. The first stop 76 and the second stop 78 are also distributed over the entire width of the deformable portion of the load-bearing structure 46 (the distance occupied in the transverse plane).

[0054] According to this first embodiment, each support member 74 can be offset relative to the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 so as not to interfere with the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 during the state change of the load-bearing structure 46. As a variant, the first edge 80.1 and the second edge 80.2 are positioned relative to the first stopper 76 and the second stopper 78 so as not to contact the first inner surface 48.2 and the second inner surface 50.2 when the load-bearing structure 46 is in the maximum deformation state, or to contact the first inner surface 48.2 and the second inner surface 50.2 simultaneously with the first stopper 76 and the second stopper 78 when the load-bearing structure 46 is in the maximum deformation state.

[0055] According to this first embodiment, the stop system 72 comprises a plurality of supports 74 each supporting a first stop 76 and a second stop 78, the plurality of supports 74 being connected together for reinforcement. Thus, the load-bearing structure 46 comprises connectors 82 connecting the supports 74 together. These connectors 82 are positioned so as not to interfere with the frame 52 during the state change of the load-bearing structure 46.

[0056] according to Figure 7 In the second embodiment shown, the limiting system 72 includes at least one plate 84 located in a transverse plane, the plate having a first edge 84.1 and a second edge 84.2, each plate 84 being configured so that when the load-bearing structure 46 is in a state of maximum deformation, the first edge 84.1 and the second edge 84.2 will contact the first inner surface 48.2 and the second inner surface 50.2 respectively.

[0057] According to this second embodiment, the stop system 72 comprises a plurality of plates 84 connected together for reinforcement. Therefore, the load-bearing structure 46 also comprises connectors 86 connecting the plates 84 together. These connectors 86 are positioned so as not to interfere with the frame 52 during the state changes of the load-bearing structure 46.

[0058] The stop system 72 is connected to the frame 52 by at least one pivot connection 88 having a pivot axis A88 parallel to the longitudinal direction. The stop system 72 is elongated in shape and comprises an upstream end 90.1 located near the leading edge 56 and a downstream end 90.2 located near the trailing edge 54. According to a first configuration, the stop system 72 is connected to the frame 52 by the pivot connection 88 located near its upstream end 90.1. According to Figure 6 and Figure 8 In the second configuration shown, the retaining system 72 is connected to the frame 52 by a first pivot connection 88 located near its upstream end 90.1 and the leading edge 56 and a second pivot connection 88' located near its downstream end 90.2 and the trailing edge 54. This second configuration enables the retaining system 72 to follow the orientation of the load-bearing structure 46 during changes in its state.

[0059] exist Figures 5 to 9 , the first stopper 76 is positioned or the first edge 80.1 is configured so that the first wall 48 follows a convex curvature corresponding to the curvature of the profile 57 of the load-bearing structure 46 in the maximum deformation state. At the same time, the second stopper 78 is positioned or the second edge 80.2 is configured so that the second wall 50 follows a concave curvature corresponding to the curvature of the profile 57 of the load-bearing structure 46 in the maximum deformation state. Of course, the present invention is not limited to these curvatures. Therefore, the first stopper 76 and the second stopper 78 can be positioned or the first edge 80.1 and the second edge 80.2 can be configured so that each of the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 follows one or more concave curvatures and / or convex curvatures in the maximum deformation state.

[0060] The first and second walls 48 , 50 and the frame 52 are configured to elastically deform, at least in certain portions, to assume different states.

[0061] according to Figure 8 In the first embodiment shown, the first wall 48 is continuous from the leading edge 56 to the trailing edge 54. Fig. 9 In another embodiment shown, the first wall 48 may include a plurality of separate parts distributed from upstream to downstream. Thus, the first wall 48 may include a fixed upstream part 92.1 and a movable downstream part 92.2 including an upstream material strip 92.3, the size of which ensures the continuity of the outer surface between the fixed upstream part 92.1 and the movable downstream part 92.2 when the load-bearing structure 46 is in the most deformed state.

[0062] As with the first wall 48, the second wall 50 may be continuous or include a plurality of separate portions from the leading edge 56 to the trailing edge 54. For example, Figure 9a As shown, the first wall 48 may include multiple separate sections, while the second wall 50 may be continuous from the leading edge 56 to the trailing edge 54. In another example (not shown), the first wall 48 may be continuous from the leading edge 56 to the trailing edge 54, while the second wall 50 may include multiple separate sections.

[0063] The first wall 48 and the second wall 50 can be metal, or can be made of composite materials or all other materials that allow deformation. In addition, in a specific embodiment, the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 can be realized by a single piece of a single material, and the single material can be a composite type or a type that allows deformation.

[0064] according to Figures 3 to 8In the first embodiment shown in , the frame 52 is deformable from the leading edge 56 to the trailing edge 54 and includes a plurality of ribs 94 that connect the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 from upstream to downstream and space the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 from each other. According to one configuration, each rib 94 is located in the longitudinal plane and extends over the entire length of the load-bearing structure 46 (the dimension occupied by the longitudinal plane). In a specific embodiment, not limited to the first embodiment, the ribs 94 are parallelogram-shaped when the load-bearing structure 46 is in a static state, and when the load-bearing structure 46 is in a deformed state, the ends of the ribs are allowed to bend and assume an "S" shape. For example, the ribs 94 can be made of a composite material, such as a carbon fiber-epoxy resin composite.

[0065] according to Fig. 9 In the second embodiment shown, the frame 52 comprises a rigid first upstream portion 96 and a deformable second downstream portion 98 comprising a plurality of ribs 94 connecting the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 from upstream to downstream and spacing the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 from each other. According to this configuration, each rib 94 is located in a longitudinal plane.

[0066] according to Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment shown, each rib 94 includes a first edge 94.1 connected to the first wall 48 by a first hinge 100.1 and a second edge 94.2 connected to the second wall 50 by a second hinge 100.2. Each of the first hinge 100.1 and the second hinge 100.2 is configured so that each rib 94 can be pivoted relative to the first wall 48 or the second wall 50 along a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0067] according to Fig.10 In the first variant shown, each of the first hinge 100.1 and the second hinge 100.2 includes a flexible column 102 having a first edge accommodated in a groove provided at the first edge 94.1 of the rib 94, and a second edge accommodated in a groove connected to the first wall 48 or the second wall 50.

[0068] according to Fig.11 In the second variant shown, each of the first hinge 100 . 1 and the second hinge 100 . 2 comprises a portion 104 of reduced thickness of the rib 94 .

[0069] According to another embodiment, the frame 52 includes a web 108 having a corrugated profile in a transverse plane, the web 108 including a first top 108.1 connected to the first wall 48, a second top 108.2 connected to the second wall 50, and a middle portion 108.3 located between the first top 108.1 and the second top 108.2, the middle portion 108.3 forming the rib 94.

[0070] The middle portion 108.3 may be flat or curved. The first top portion 108.1 and the second top portion 108.2 may be curved (eg Fig.14 ), or it can be planar (as shown in Fig.13 The length of the web 108 is substantially equal to the length of the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 .

[0071] The web 108 can be made of metal or composite material. The web 108 can be obtained by different processes, such as fused deposition process. In addition, in a specific embodiment, the web 108 can be realized by a single piece of a single material, which can be a metal type, a composite type or an extruded plastic material.

[0072] according to Figure 5 and Fig.13 In the embodiment shown, the rib 94 located most upstream includes a hole 110 oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction, which hole 110 is configured to receive a shaft coupled to the stop system 72. The frame 52 also includes a wedge 112 filling the gap between the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 at the trailing edge 54, the wedge 12 having a slot 114 oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction, which slot 114 is configured to receive a shaft coupled to the stop system 72.

[0073] according to Fig.12 In another embodiment shown, instead of or in addition to the ribs 94, the frame 52 may include a plurality of elongated and flexible connectors 116, each connector 116 connecting the first wall 48 and the second wall 50, and for each connector 116, a spacer 118 mounted around each connector 116 keeps the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 separated. In the specific embodiment of this example, the load-bearing structure 46 is inflatable. In this case, the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 and the connector 116 can be made of a three-dimensional fabric (also called a double-wall fabric or a "drop stitch" (English expression for drop stitch knitting technology or loop design) fabric). In this embodiment, the connector 116 and the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 are configured to withstand a predetermined inflation pressure.

[0074] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment of the frame 52 .

[0075] according to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig.13 In the embodiment shown, the load-bearing structure 46 includes a front portion 120 located at the leading edge 56, which is distinguished from the first wall 48 and the second wall 50, connects the first wall 48 and the second wall 50, and is made of a material that is more easily deformed than the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 and / or the frame 52. For example, the front portion 120 is made of an elastic material. This configuration can limit the stiffness of the upstream portion of the load-bearing structure 46.

[0076] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The working principle of the support structure 46 is described.

[0077] When the airflow 44 does not exert stress on the load-bearing structure 46 or exerts the same stress on the first wall 48 and the second wall 50, the load-bearing structure 46 is in a static first state, such as Figure 3 The first wall 48 and the second wall 50 and the frame 52 do not deform elastically.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, when changing the direction of the airflow 44 and / or the load-bearing structure 46, the airflow 44 exerts different external stresses on the first wall 48 and the second wall 50. These external stresses lead to elastic deformation of the load-bearing structure and passive (without actuator) change of its profile 57. This change of profile 57 is related to the external stress exerted by the airflow 44 and its curvature automatically adapts to the external stress. Therefore, the load-bearing structure 46 autonomously has (without a drive system) a profile adapted to the airflow 44.

[0079] When the external stress of the airflow 44 exceeds a given threshold, the profile 57 no longer changes and the first wall 48 and the second wall 50 and / or the frame 52 are blocked by the stop system 72 .

[0080] Due to its elastic properties, when the airflow 44 does not exert stress on the load-bearing structure 46 or exerts substantially the same stress on the first wall 48 and the second wall 50, the load-bearing structure 46 returns to the first state, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0081] The profile of the load-bearing structure 46 may be adjusted based on its orientation relative to the airflow 44 , thereby increasing lift and reducing aerodynamic drag.

Claims

1. A load-bearing structure located in a fluid flow, the load-bearing structure comprising: a first wall having a first outer surface in contact with the fluid flow and a first inner surface opposite the first outer surface; A second wall having a second outer surface in contact with the fluid flow and a second inner surface opposite to the second outer surface; a frame comprising a plurality of ribs connecting the first wall and the second wall from upstream to downstream and separating the first wall and the second wall, the first outer surface and the second outer surface being joined at a trailing edge located downstream of the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, the second wall and the frame being configured to be in a first state or a second state different from the first state, wherein the first wall, the second wall and the frame are configured to passively elastically deform between a first state in which no external stress exists and a second state in which external stress is caused by the fluid flow due to a change in the direction of the load-bearing structure and / or the fluid flow, at least in a downstream portion of the load-bearing structure extending to the trailing edge.

2. The bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first wall, the second wall and the frame are configured to elastically deform between a first state and a maximum deformation state, and the bearing structure includes a limit system to prevent the first wall, the second wall and the frame from deforming beyond the maximum deformation state.

3. The load-bearing structure according to claim 2, wherein: The limiting system includes a support member, which supports a first limiter and a second limiter. The first limiter is configured to abut against a first inner surface of the first wall when the first wall, the second wall and the frame are in a maximum deformation state, and the second limiter is configured to abut against a second inner surface of the second wall when the first wall, the second wall and the frame are in a maximum deformation state.

4. The bearing structure according to claim 2, wherein: The limiting system includes at least one plate having a first edge and a second edge, each plate being configured such that when the first wall, the second wall and the frame are in a state of maximum deformation, the first edge and the second edge are in contact with a first inner surface and a second inner surface of the first wall and the second wall, respectively.

5. The load-bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The frame comprises a web having a corrugated profile in a transverse plane, the web comprising a first top connected to the first wall, a second top connected to the second wall and a middle portion between the first and second top portions, the middle portion forming a plurality of ribs.

6. The load-bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein: Each rib includes a first edge connected to the first wall by a first hinge and a second edge connected to the second wall by a second hinge, and each of the first hinge and the second hinge is configured so that each rib can pivot relative to the first wall or the second wall along a pivot axis parallel to a longitudinal direction, wherein the longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the trailing edge.

7. The load-bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The load-bearing structure comprises a front portion at a front edge of the load-bearing structure, the front portion being distinct from and connecting the first and second walls and being made of a material that is more deformable than the first and second walls and / or the frame.

8. The load-bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The load-bearing structure is inflatable.

9. The load-bearing structure according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of ribs are constructed from a three-dimensional fabric.

10. The load-bearing structure according to claim 9, wherein: The frame further includes a flexible connector connecting the first wall and the second wall from upstream to downstream and spacing the first wall and the second wall apart, the connector being composed of a three-dimensional fabric.

11. The load-bearing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first wall, the second wall and the frame are configured to enter one or more different intermediate states between a first state and a maximum deformation state according to external stress caused by fluid flow due to a change in direction of the load-bearing structure and / or fluid flow.

12. An aircraft comprising at least one load-bearing structure according to claim 1.

13. A vessel comprising at least one load-bearing structure according to claim 1.

14. A load-bearing structure located in a fluid flow, the load-bearing structure comprising: a first wall having a first outer surface in contact with the fluid flow and a first inner surface opposite the first outer surface; a second wall having a second outer surface in contact with the fluid flow and a second inner surface opposite the second outer surface; a frame connecting a first wall and a second wall, the first outer surface and the second outer surface being joined at a trailing edge located downstream of the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, the second wall and the frame being configured to be in a first state or a second state different from the first state, wherein the first wall, the second wall and the frame are configured to passively elastically deform between a first state in which no external stress is present and a second state in which external stress is present due to a change in direction of the load-bearing structure and / or the fluid flow, at least in a downstream portion of the load-bearing structure extending to the trailing edge, wherein the first wall, the second wall and the frame are configured to elastically deform between a first state and a maximum deformation state, and the bearing structure includes a limit system to prevent the deformation of the first wall, the second wall and the frame from exceeding the maximum deformation state, Wherein, the bearing structure comprises at least one pivot connection member, the pivot connection member has a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal direction and connects the limiting system and the frame, and the longitudinal direction is substantially parallel to the rear edge.

15. The load-bearing structure according to claim 14, wherein: The limiting system is elongated in shape and includes an upstream end located near the leading edge of the supporting structure and a downstream end located near the trailing edge, and the supporting structure includes a first pivot connection located at the upstream end of the limiting system and near the leading edge of the supporting structure, connecting the limiting system and the frame, and a second pivot connection located at the downstream end of the limiting system and near the trailing edge of the supporting structure, connecting the limiting system and the frame.

16. A load-bearing structure in a fluid stream, the load-bearing structure comprising: a first wall having a first outer surface in contact with the fluid flow and a first inner surface opposite the first outer surface; a second wall having a second outer surface in contact with the fluid flow and a second inner surface opposite the second outer surface; a frame connecting a first wall and a second wall, the first outer surface and the second outer surface being joined at a trailing edge located downstream of the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, the second wall and the frame being configured to be in a first state or a second state different from the first state, wherein the first wall, the second wall and the frame are configured to passively elastically deform between a first state in which no external stress is present and a second state in which external stress is present due to a change in direction of the load-bearing structure and / or the fluid flow, at least in a downstream portion of the load-bearing structure extending to the trailing edge, wherein the bearing structure comprises a front portion at a front edge of the bearing structure, the front portion being distinguished from the first wall and the second wall and connecting the first wall and the second wall, and being made of a material that is more deformable than the first wall and the second wall and / or the frame, The frame includes a flexible connector, which connects the first wall and the second wall from upstream to downstream and separates the first wall from the second wall, and the first wall, the second wall and the connector are composed of a three-dimensional fabric.

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