A variable arc length arched beam structure

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of flexible structure design, and particularly relates to an arch beam structure with variable arc length, which comprises a sliding groove section, a sliding key section, a corrugated beam, a variable-height support column and a variable-length support rod. The corrugated beam is arranged outside the sliding key section and the sliding groove section, and has a wave crest and a wave trough structure. The sliding key section and the sliding groove section are arranged inside the corrugated beam and are spaced apart. The sliding key section and the sliding groove section are staggered. The corrugated beam, the sliding key section and the sliding groove section are all arc structures. The wave crest and the wave trough of the corrugated beam are arranged along the radial direction of the arc structure. When the shape and the arc length of the arch beam change, the variable-height support column and the variable-length support rod will automatically change in height, thereby driving the sliding key section and the sliding groove section to slide relatively. Meanwhile, the corrugated beam uniformly distributes the change in the arc length between adjacent wave crests, so that the external load is uniformly distributed on the arch beam. Then, the arc length changes, so that the size of the fuselage is correspondingly reduced with fuel consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of flexible structure design technology, and specifically relates to an arched beam structure with variable arc length. Background Technology

[0002] Many aircraft performing round-trip flights require a larger fuselage to carry more fuel at launch in order to extend range and reduce drag. As fuel is consumed, the fuselage size can be reduced accordingly to decrease drag and improve fuel efficiency, thus creating a need for deformable fuselage structures. Current research on deformable aircraft structures focuses primarily on wing deformation, with limited research on fuselage deformation. The fuselage structure is typically elliptical or circular, with the arc length increasing further from the center.

[0003] Due to their excellent load-bearing capacity, arched beams are highly favored by structural designers. Therefore, how to design structures with variable arc lengths is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an arched beam structure with variable arc length to solve the problem in the prior art that it is difficult to achieve a corresponding reduction in fuselage size with fuel consumption.

[0005] The technical solution of this application is: an arched beam structure with variable arc length, including a sliding groove section, a sliding key section, a corrugated beam, a variable height support column, and a variable length support rod; the corrugated beam is located on the outside of the sliding key section and the sliding groove section, and the corrugated beam has a crest and trough structure; the sliding key section and the sliding groove section are located on the inside of the corrugated beam and are spaced apart, with the sliding key section and the sliding groove section being staggered; the corrugated beam, the sliding key section, and the sliding groove section are all arc-shaped structures, and the crests and troughs of the corrugated beam are arranged along the radial direction of the arc-shaped structure;

[0006] The keyway segment and the groove segment are nested together to form an arc-shaped support slide. The trough of the corrugated beam slides within the arc-shaped support slide. The variable-height support column and the variable-length support rod are respectively hinged to both ends of the groove segment. Both the variable-height support column and the variable-length support rod can be height adjusted in the radial direction of the arc-shaped support slide.

[0007] Preferably, the cross-section of the sliding key segment is dovetail-shaped, and the middle of the sliding groove segment is provided with a dovetail groove that mates with the sliding key segment; both the upper bottom surfaces of the sliding key segment and the sliding groove segment are provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0008] Preferably, the reinforcing ribs of the keyway section and the groove section are distributed in the middle and on both sides, respectively, and the upper bottom surfaces of the keyway section and the groove section are on the same plane, forming a support rail that can slide with the corrugated beam; the troughs of the corrugated beam are provided with support pulleys at the positions corresponding to the support rails; each trough of the corrugated beam slides on the support rail through the support pulleys.

[0009] Preferably, the supporting pulley includes a pulley seat and sliding rollers. There are three sets of sliding rollers, each corresponding to one of the three sets of reinforcing ribs. Adjacent sliding rollers are connected by axles. The middle sliding roller is correspondingly arranged with the supporting slide rail on the keyway. The upper end of the pulley seat is bolted to the corrugated beam, and the lower end is slidably engaged with the axle of the sliding roller.

[0010] Preferably, the lower end of the pulley seat is provided with a fork lug, and a notch is opened on the fork lug, the notch being connected to the wheel axle; and the length of the upper end of the pulley seat is greater than the width of the corrugated beam, and the width is greater than the diameter of the sliding roller; the arc end face of the fork lug has a gap with the upper surface of the sliding groove section or the sliding key section, and is lower than the upper surface of the sliding groove section track and the sliding key section track.

[0011] Preferably, the arc-shaped support slide includes 4 sliding groove segments and 3 sliding key segments. The length of the sliding groove segment is L, and the length of the sliding key segment is 1.5 times the length of the sliding groove segment. Each sliding key segment is nested by two adjacent sliding groove segments for 0.5L, and the length not nested in the sliding groove segment is 0.5L.

[0012] The variable arc length arched beam structure of this application allows for height changes in the variable-height support columns and variable-length support rods as the shape and arc length of the arched beam change. This, in turn, causes relative sliding between the keyway and groove sections. Simultaneously, the corrugated beam evenly distributes the arc length change between adjacent crests, ensuring uniform distribution of external loads across the arched beam. This allows both the arched beam and its arc length to be altered, better adapting to structural shape changes and ensuring uniform distribution of external loads across the arched beam. Consequently, the arc length variation results in a corresponding reduction in fuselage dimensions with fuel consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions provided in this application, the accompanying drawings will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application;

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A in the middle;

[0016] Figure 3 This is an exploded sectional view of the slide section and the keyway section of this application;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a sectional view of the connection structure between the slide section and the key section in this application;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the supporting pulley and the corrugated beam in this application;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the supporting pulley connection structure of this application.

[0020] 1. Slide section; 2. Keyway section; 3. Corrugated beam; 4. Variable height support column; 5. Variable length support rod; 6. Support slide rail; 7. Support pulley; 8. Pulley seat; 9. Sliding roller; 10. Wheel axle; 11. Fork lug. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] An arched beam structure with variable arc length, such as Figures 1-2 The system includes a sliding section 1, a sliding key section 2, a corrugated beam 3, a variable-height support column 4, and a variable-length support rod 5. The corrugated beam 3 is located outside the sliding key section 2 and the sliding section 1, and has crests and troughs. The sliding key section 2 and the sliding section 1 are located inside the corrugated beam 3 and are spaced apart, with the sliding key section 2 and the sliding section 1 being staggered. The corrugated beam 3, the sliding key section 2, and the sliding section 1 are all arc-shaped structures, with the crests and troughs of the corrugated beam 3 arranged along the radial direction of the arc-shaped structure. The variable-length support rod 5 is a nested telescopic structure, hydraulically driven, and does not provide lateral support stiffness. The axial direction of the variable-length support rod 5 is variable when extended, which is an existing design.

[0023] The sliding key section 2 and the sliding groove section 1 are nested together to form an arc-shaped support slide. The troughs of the corrugated beam 3 slide on the arc-shaped support slide. The variable height support column 4 and the variable length support rod 5 are hinged to both ends of the sliding groove section 1. Both the variable height support column 4 and the variable length support rod 5 can be height adjusted in the radial direction of the arc-shaped support slide. By adjusting the length of the variable length support rod 5, the two ends of each sliding groove section 1 are aligned with the same arched profile.

[0024] When the shape and arc length of the arch beam change, the variable-height support column 4 and the variable-length support rod 5 will automatically change their height, thereby causing the sliding key section 2 and the sliding groove section 1 to slide relative to each other. At the same time, the corrugated beam 3 evenly distributes the change in arc length between adjacent crests, so that the external load is evenly distributed on the arch beam. This allows the arch height and arc length of the arch beam to be changed, better adapting to the needs of structural shape changes, and ensuring that the external load is evenly distributed on the arch beam.

[0025] The variable height support column 4 and the variable length support rod 5 can preferably be an actuator or an electric push rod. When the arch beam deforms outward, the sliding key section 2 and the sliding groove section 1 move away from each other; when the arch beam deforms inward, the sliding key section 2 and the sliding groove section 1 move closer to each other; thus, the arc length changes, so that the fuselage size decreases accordingly with fuel consumption.

[0026] like Figures 3-4 Preferably, the cross-section of the key section 2 is dovetail-shaped, and the middle of the groove section 1 is provided with a dovetail groove that mates with the key section 2; both the key section 2 and the groove section 1 have reinforcing ribs on their upper bottom surfaces to improve strength. The two sides of the dovetail are connected at the exact middle position along the length of the groove section 1. It is necessary to control the cross-sectional stiffness of the groove section 1 and the key section 2 so that a certain amount of elastic deformation can occur during the shape change of the arch beam, such as by using aluminum alloy, to ensure smooth sliding between the groove section 1 and the key section 2.

[0027] The corrugated beam 3 is formed by bending a long strip of metal plate. The crests and troughs of the corrugated beam 3 have similar structures, and its length is variable. The reinforcing ribs of the key section 2 and the groove section 1 are distributed in the middle and on both sides, respectively. The upper surfaces of the key section 2 and the groove section 1 are on the same plane, forming a support rail 6 that can slide with the corrugated beam 3. Support pulleys 7 are provided at the positions of the troughs of the corrugated beam 3 corresponding to the support rail 6. Each trough of the corrugated beam 3 slides on the support rail 6 through the support pulleys 7. The corrugated beam 3 evenly distributes the change in arc length of the arc-shaped support rail 6 to the arc surface formed by the crests. The arc length on the crest surface deforms uniformly, and the out-of-plane load of the variable arc length arched beam is evenly distributed on the arched beam.

[0028] like Figures 5-6 Preferably, the supporting pulley 7 includes a pulley seat 8 and sliding rollers 9. There are three sets of sliding rollers 9, each corresponding to a set of reinforcing ribs. Adjacent sliding rollers 9 are connected by axles 10. The middle sliding roller 9 is correspondingly positioned with the supporting slide rail 6 on the keyway section 2. The upper end of the pulley seat 8 is bolted to the corrugated beam 3, and the lower end is slidably engaged with the axle 10 of the sliding rollers 9. When the position of the corrugated beam 3 changes, the position of the pulley seat 8 changes, thereby driving the three sets of sliding rollers 9 to slide on the keyway section 2 and the groove section 1 via the axle 10, achieving a uniform change in arc length.

[0029] Preferably, the lower end of the pulley seat 8 is provided with a fork lug 11, and a notch is opened on the fork lug 11, which is connected to the wheel axle 10; and the length of the upper end of the pulley seat 8 is slightly greater than the width of the corrugated beam 3, and the width is slightly greater than the diameter of the sliding roller 9; the arc end face of the fork lug 11 has a certain gap with the upper surface of the sliding groove section 1 or the sliding key section 2, and is lower than the upper surface of the sliding groove section 1 and the sliding key section 2, so as to ensure smooth cooperation between the corrugated beam 3 and the sliding key section 2 and the sliding groove section 1.

[0030] Preferably, the arc-shaped support slide includes four sliding groove sections 1 and three sliding key sections 2. The length of the sliding groove section 1 is L, and the length of the sliding key section 2 is 1.5 times the length of the sliding groove section 1. Each sliding key section 2 is nested by two adjacent sliding groove sections 1 for 0.5L, and the length not nested in the sliding groove section 1 is 0.5L. When deformed to the maximum arc length, each sliding key section 2 slides out of the sliding groove section 1 by 0.3L, and the end of the sliding key section 2 overlaps with the sliding groove section 1 by 0.2L.

[0031] Variable-height support columns 4 and variable-length support rods 5 are respectively supported at one end of two nested sliding sections 1 of a middle sliding key section 2. The other ends of these two sliding sections 1 are supported by variable-length support rods 5. When the variable-height support column 4 extends to its maximum length, the middle sliding key section 2 slides out 0.3L from each of the two sliding sections 1. The other two sliding sections 1 are supported at one end by variable-length support rods 5, and the other end is fixed to the foundation structure. There are a total of 4 variable-length support rods 5. The length of the variable-length support rods 5 is adjusted so that the two ends of each sliding section 1 are on the contour line of the changing arch.

[0032] In a specific example, the shape of the arch beam is approximately circular, with a central angle of 70° and a radius of curvature R of 1.35 meters. The arc-shaped support slide of the variable arc-length arch beam is raised to form a new variable arch shape. The highest point in the middle of the maximum variable arch shape is 0.35 meters higher than the corresponding point of the basic arch shape. The arc-shaped support slide consists of 4 sliding groove segments 1 and 3 sliding key segments 2. The length L of a single sliding groove segment 1 is 0.3 meters, and the length 1.5L of a sliding key segment 2 is 0.45 meters, corresponding to an arc length of 5.5L (1.65 meters) for the basic arch shape. When deformed to the maximum variable arch shape, each sliding key segment 2 slides out 0.3L from each of the two adjacent sliding groove segments 1, and the entire arc length becomes 7.3L (2.19 meters). The arc length of other intermediate states is determined by the proportional length of the sliding key segment 2 sliding out from the sliding groove segment 1.

[0033] according to Figure 1 An arc-shaped support slide is arranged for the deformable arch beam. The arc-shaped support slide consists of four 0.3-meter-long sliding groove sections 1 and three 0.44-meter-long sliding key sections 2. When the basic arch shape is formed, the two ends of the sliding key sections 2 are nested in the adjacent sliding groove sections 1 for 0.145 meters, and the unnested length is 0.15 meters. The arc-shaped support slide is 1.65 meters long. Variable length support rods 5 and variable height support columns 4 are set between the arc-shaped support slide and the foundation structure. The variable height support columns 4 and variable length support rods 5 must have sufficient deformation stroke.

[0034] The sliding key section 2 is 0.44 meters long and has a trapezoidal cross-section. The cross-sectional shape is as follows: Figure 3The upper bottom is 15 mm wide, the lower bottom is 25 mm wide, and the height is 20 mm. The slide section 1 is 0.3 m long and matches the cross-section of the slide key section 2. Its bottom edge is 45 mm wide and 30 mm high, and it is machined using sheet metal or profiles, with the bottom edge closed. A 10 mm wide strip connects the two sides of the dovetail groove at the very center of the slide section 1 along its length (0.15 m from the end). The slide key section 2 has a slide height of 5 mm and a width of 10 mm, while the slide section 1 has a slide height of 5 mm and a width of 8 mm, and their positions match the sliding roller 9. The cross-sectional stiffness of the slide section 1 and slide key section 2 needs to be controlled to allow for a certain degree of elastic deformation during changes in the shape of the machine frame.

[0035] The corrugated beam 3 is made of a 2 mm thick and 15 mm wide steel strip, forming a continuous sine wave with a wave height of 15 mm and a wavelength of 20 mm, with a total length of 1.65 meters. The corrugated beam 3 slides on the support track via the support pulley 7. The support pulley 7 is 20 mm long and 13 mm wide. The height from the axis of the fork lug 11 to its upper end face is 12 mm. The 3 mm notch on the fork lug 11 is adapted to the shaft of the sliding roller 9. The fork lug 11 is 3 mm thick, and the gap between the arc end face of the fork lug 11 and the upper surface of the slide section 1 (slide key section 2) is 3 mm. The curved surface of the upper end face of the support pulley 7 is adapted to the trough surface of the corrugated beam 3. The corrugated beam 3 and the support pulley 7 are connected by M3 screws (see...). Figure 4 The sliding roller 9 has a diameter of 10 mm, the middle roller is 12 mm long, the two side rollers are 9 mm long, and the middle axle 10 has a diameter of 3 mm, which is machined from a cylinder that is 40 mm long and 10 mm in diameter.

[0036] Variable-length support rods 5 and variable-height support columns 4 are arranged between the basic structure and the chute section 1 of the arc-shaped support slide. One end of each of the four variable-length support rods 5 is hinged to one end of the chute section 1, and the other end is hinged to the corresponding position in the basic structure. The angles between the axis of the support rod and the line connecting the highest point of the arc of the support slide to the center of the curvature of the arc are ±16.25° and ±22.75°, respectively. Two variable-height support columns 4 are used to support the two chute sections 1 nested with the middle sliding key section 2. One end of the support column is hinged to one end of the chute section 1, and the other end is fixed to the corresponding position in the basic structure. The support column is raised along its own axis. When the arc-shaped support slide is raised to its highest position (0.35 meters), the middle sliding key section 2 slides out 0.3L (0.09 meters) from the adjacent chute section 1. The length of the variable-length support rods 5 is adjusted so that the two ends of each chute section 1 are on the contour line of the changing arch.

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed in this invention only involve the structures involved in the embodiments disclosed in this invention. Other structures can refer to the general design. In the absence of conflict, the same embodiment and different embodiments of this invention can be combined with each other.

[0038] In conclusion, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An arched beam structure with variable arc length, characterized in that: It includes a sliding groove section (1), a sliding key section (2), a corrugated beam (3), a variable height support column (4), and a variable length support rod (5); the corrugated beam (3) is located outside the sliding key section (2) and the sliding groove section (1), and the corrugated beam (3) has a crest and a trough structure; the sliding key section (2) and the sliding groove section (1) are located inside the corrugated beam (3) and are spaced apart, and the sliding key section (2) and the sliding groove section (1) are staggered; the corrugated beam (3), the sliding key section (2), and the sliding groove section (1) are all arc-shaped structures, and the crests and troughs of the corrugated beam (3) are arranged along the radial direction of the arc-shaped structure; The sliding key section (2) and the sliding groove section (1) are nested together to form an arc-shaped support slide. The trough of the corrugated beam (3) slides within the arc-shaped support slide. The variable height support column (4) and the variable length support rod (5) are respectively hinged to both ends of the sliding groove section (1). The variable height support column (4) and the variable length support rod (5) can both be height adjusted in the radial direction of the arc-shaped support slide.

2. The variable arc length arched beam structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the sliding key section (2) is dovetail-shaped, and the middle part of the sliding groove section (1) is provided with a dovetail groove that matches the sliding key section (2); both the upper bottom surfaces of the sliding key section (2) and the sliding groove section (1) are provided with reinforcing ribs.

3. The variable arc length arched beam structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The reinforcing ribs of the key section (2) and the groove section (1) are distributed in the middle and on both sides respectively. The upper bottom surfaces of the key section (2) and the groove section (1) are on the same plane, forming a support slide rail (6) that can slide with the corrugated beam (3). The troughs of the corrugated beam (3) are provided with support pulleys (7) at the positions corresponding to the support slide rail (6). Each trough of the corrugated beam (3) slides on the support slide rail (6) through the support pulleys (7).

4. The variable arc length arched beam structure as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The supporting pulley (7) includes a pulley seat (8) and a sliding roller (9). There are three sets of sliding rollers (9) and three sets of reinforcing ribs respectively. A wheel axle (10) connects adjacent sliding rollers (9). The middle sliding roller (9) is correspondingly set with the supporting slide rail (6) on the keyway section (2). The upper end of the pulley seat (8) is bolted to the corrugated beam (3), and the lower end is slidably engaged with the wheel axle (10) of the sliding roller (9).

5. The variable arc length arch beam structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The lower end of the pulley seat (8) is provided with a fork lug (11), and a notch is provided on the fork lug (11). The notch is connected to the wheel axle (10). The length of the upper end of the pulley seat (8) is greater than the width of the corrugated beam (3), and the width is greater than the diameter of the sliding roller (9). The arc end face of the fork lug (11) has a gap with the upper surface of the sliding groove section (1) or the sliding key section (2), and is lower than the upper surface of the sliding groove section (1) and the sliding key section (2).

6. The variable arc length arch beam structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The arc-shaped support slide includes 4 sliding groove sections (1) and 3 sliding key sections (2). The length of the sliding groove section (1) is L, and the length of the sliding key section (2) is 1.5 times the length of the sliding groove section (1). Each sliding key section (2) is nested by two adjacent sliding groove sections (1) for 0.5L, and the length not nested in the sliding groove section (1) is 0.5L.

Images