A rib butt-based airfoil connection structure
By setting grooves and slide rails on the left and right wing ribs of the aircraft wing, and combining them with a lug structure, the problems of inconvenient installation and low load transfer efficiency of existing wing connection structures are solved, achieving the effects of rapid assembly and disassembly and efficient load transfer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BEIJING AERONAUTIC SCI & TECH RES INST OF COMAC
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing aircraft wing connection structures suffer from problems such as inconvenient installation, low disassembly efficiency, low load transfer efficiency, and insufficient safety. In particular, lug-type, plug-in, and overlapping structures have defects in space utilization and load transfer.
The airfoil connection structure based on rib butt joint is adopted. By setting grooves or slide rails on the opposite surfaces of the left and right wing ribs, and setting lugs between the upper and lower edges of the ribs, sliding fit and fixed connection are achieved by using butt plates and connectors to transfer airfoil bending moment and shear load.
It enables rapid assembly and disassembly of aircraft wings, improves load transfer efficiency, is suitable for the connection structure design of small aircraft, and has high bending moment transfer efficiency and safety.
Smart Images
Figure CN224466107U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of aircraft airframe structure design technology, specifically relating to a wing surface connection structure based on rib docking. Background Technology
[0002] To improve aerodynamic efficiency, aircraft wings generally have a large span. However, the long wings cause difficulties in aircraft transportation, movement and parking. Therefore, segmented detachable wings, folding wings and retractable wings have emerged. For the above solutions, a fast and reliable wing connection solution is essential.
[0003] For detachable wings, the connection methods between the two wing sections typically include trunnion, plug-in, and lap joint structures. Trunnion connections usually involve trunnions at the ends of the wing spars, offering quick and convenient installation; however, they require significant vertical installation space within the wing box and have lower efficiency in transferring bending moments from the wing surface. Plug-in structures rely on the contact of the plug joints to transfer interface shear and bending moment loads, resulting in higher local stresses at the plug joints and reduced safety. Lap joint structures typically achieve load transfer through the lap joint between the wing spars and the skin, requiring the removal and installation of numerous fasteners, leading to lower installation and disassembly efficiency.
[0004] Existing technologies (CN 218258680 U, CN 221969725 U, CN221914671U) and related academic research (Research on the connection design and optimization method of composite material wing separation surface - Master's thesis - Author Wang Qiming (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)) all have corresponding structural defects, and the sliding rail and groove connection method for wing end rib docking is not disclosed. Utility Model Content
[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, this utility model provides a wing surface connection structure based on rib docking to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.
[0006] A wing surface connection structure based on rib docking for an aircraft is disclosed. The structure includes a left wing rib, a right wing rib, a docking plate, and a connector. The left wing rib and the right wing rib are fixed by the docking plate and the connector. The left wing rib and the right wing rib have grooves or slide rails on their opposite surfaces. The grooves or slide rails are located at the upper and lower edges of the opposite surfaces of the left wing rib and the right wing rib. A lug is provided between the upper and lower edges of the left wing rib.
[0007] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the center lines of the grooves on the upper and lower edges of the left wing rib are arcs with different radii of curvature, consistent with the wing surface profile of the aircraft, and the outer boundary is vertically aligned with the wing surface profile; the lugs include a front lug and a rear lug located at the middle position in the rib height direction.
[0008] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the radii of curvature of the upper edge groove and the lower edge slide rail of the right wing rib are the same as the radii of curvature of the upper groove and the lower groove of the left wing rib, respectively; and the front ear piece and the rear ear piece of the ear piece respectively mate with the openings of the front ear piece and the rear ear piece of the left wing rib.
[0009] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the front part of the slide rail is provided with a threaded hole and the rear part is provided with a limiting boss.
[0010] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementation, a further implementation is provided in which the mating plate includes a left slide rail, a right slide rail, a front threaded hole and a rear limiting boss, wherein the left slide rail and the groove on the upper edge of the left wing rib are engaged, and the right slide rail and the groove on the upper edge of the right wing rib are engaged.
[0011] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementation, a further implementation is provided in which the connector includes a first connector connected to the upper edge groove of the left wing rib and the upper edge groove of the right wing rib, a second connector connected to the lower edge groove of the left wing rib and the lower edge slide rail of the right wing rib, a third connector connecting the front ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib, and a fourth connector connecting the rear ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib.
[0012] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the front ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib, the rear ear piece of the left wing rib and the rear ear piece of the right wing rib are respectively provided with coaxial openings of the same diameter, and the third connector and the second and fourth connectors are connected through the openings.
[0013] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the upper edges of the left and right ribs are grooves, the lower edge of the left rib is a groove, and the lower edge of the right rib is a slide rail.
[0014] In addition to the aspects and any possible implementations described above, a further implementation is provided in which the upper edges of the left and right wing ribs are both slide rails, the lower edge of the left wing rib is a groove, and the lower edge of the right wing rib is a slide rail.
[0015] In addition to the aspects described above and any possible implementation, a further implementation is provided in which the curvature centers of the upper and lower edge grooves of the left or right wing rib are the same as the curvature centers of the slide rails at the upper and lower edges of the right or left wing rib.
[0016] Beneficial effects of this utility model
[0017] This utility model discloses a wing surface connection structure based on rib butt joints for aircraft. The structure includes a left wing rib, a right wing rib, a butt joint plate, and a connector. The left and right wing ribs are fixed by the butt joint plate and the connector. The left and right wing ribs have grooves or slide rails on their opposite surfaces, located at the upper and lower edges of their opposite surfaces. A lug is provided between the upper and lower edges of the left wing rib. This structure features convenient assembly and disassembly and high bending moment transmission efficiency. The slide rails and grooves on the two end ribs allow for sliding and mutual engagement to transmit wing surface bending moments. Simultaneously, lugs are arranged in the web height direction to transmit wing surface shear loads. The end rib design is based on the airfoil profile, achieving high load transmission efficiency and making it suitable for connection structure design of small aircraft wings. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wing surface connection structure based on wing rib docking according to this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the left wing rib structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the right wing rib structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the docking plate structure of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connector of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the initial position of the structural assembly and connection of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the completed assembly of the lower edge of the wing rib of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the completed installation of the connector of this utility model.
[0026] Figures 9a)-9c) This is a schematic diagram of the left wing rib, right wing rib, and connecting plate structure in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.
[0027] Figures 10a-10b) This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the left and right wing ribs in Embodiment 3 of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the content of this utility model includes, but is not limited to, the specific embodiments described below. Similar technologies and methods should be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the advantages of this utility model clearer, a detailed description will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0029] It should be understood that the embodiments described in this utility model are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0030] The terminology used in the embodiments of this utility model is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the utility model. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this utility model and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0031] A wing surface connection structure based on rib docking for an aircraft is disclosed. The structure includes a left wing rib, a right wing rib, a docking plate, and a connector. The left wing rib and the right wing rib are fixed by the docking plate and the connector. The left wing rib and the right wing rib have grooves or slide rails on their opposite surfaces. The grooves or slide rails are located at the upper and lower edges of the opposite surfaces of the left wing rib and the right wing rib. A lug is provided between the upper and lower edges of the left wing rib.
[0032] Furthermore, the center lines of the grooves on the upper and lower edges of the left wing rib are arcs with different radii of curvature, consistent with the wing surface profile of the aircraft, and the outer boundary is vertically aligned with the wing surface profile; the lugs include a front lug and a rear lug located at the middle position in the rib height direction.
[0033] Furthermore, the radii of curvature of the upper edge groove and the lower edge slide rail of the right wing rib are the same as the radii of curvature of the upper groove and the lower groove of the left wing rib, respectively; the front ear piece and the rear ear piece of the ear piece respectively match the openings of the front ear piece and the rear ear piece of the left wing rib.
[0034] Furthermore, the slide rail has a threaded hole at the front and a limiting boss at the rear.
[0035] Furthermore, the mating plate includes a left slide rail, a right slide rail, a front threaded hole, and a rear limiting boss. The left slide rail and the groove on the upper edge of the left wing rib are engaged, and the right slide rail and the groove on the upper edge of the right wing rib are engaged.
[0036] Furthermore, the connector includes a first connector connected to the upper edge groove of the left wing rib and the upper edge groove of the right wing rib, a second connector connected to the lower edge groove of the left wing rib and the lower edge slide rail of the right wing rib, a third connector connecting the front ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib, and a fourth connector connecting the rear ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib.
[0037] Furthermore, the front ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib, the rear ear piece of the left wing rib and the rear ear piece of the right wing rib are respectively provided with coaxial openings of the same diameter, and the third connector and the fourth connector pass through the openings for connection.
[0038] Furthermore, the upper edges of the left and right wing ribs are grooves, the lower edge of the left wing rib is a groove, and the lower edge of the right wing rib is a slide rail.
[0039] Furthermore, the upper edges of the left and right wing ribs are both slide rails, the lower edge of the left wing rib is a groove, and the lower edge of the right wing rib is a slide rail.
[0040] Furthermore, the curvature centers of the upper and lower edge grooves of the left or right wing rib are the same as the curvature centers of the slide rails at the upper and lower edges of the right or left wing rib.
[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the wing surface connection structure based on wing rib docking of this utility model includes a left wing rib 1, a right wing rib 2, a docking plate 3, and a connector 4. In the figure, the x-direction is defined as the chord direction, the z-direction as the spanwise direction, and the y-direction as the vertical direction.
[0042] Left flank rib Figure 2 As shown, the wing includes an upper edge groove 11, a lower edge groove 12, a front lug 13, a rear lug 14, and a wing rib base 15. The centerlines of grooves 11 and 12 are arcs, generally consistent with the wing surface profile, with radii of curvature R1 and R2 respectively. These radii may be the same or different, differing only in their centers of curvature. In some extreme cases, such as symmetrical wing airfoils, the radii of curvature of the centerlines of grooves 11 and 12 can be the same; that is, they can be segments of two circles with different centers but the same radius. The front lug 13 and rear lug 14 are located at the midpoint of the rib height direction and have openings in their centers. Furthermore, the outer boundaries of grooves 11 and 12 are vertically aligned with the outer contour of the wing surface.
[0043] Right flank Figure 3As shown, it includes an upper edge groove 21, a lower edge slide rail 22, a front ear piece 23, a rear ear piece 24, and a wing rib base 25. The radii of curvature of the upper edge groove 21 and the lower edge slide rail 22 are the same as or the same as the radii of curvature of the upper groove 11 and the lower slide rail 22 of the left wing rib, respectively. In addition, the lower edge slide rail 22 has a threaded hole at the front and a limiting boss at the rear. The front ear piece 23 and the rear ear piece 24 have central openings that mate with the ear piece openings of the left wing rib.
[0044] docking plate, such as Figure 4 As shown, it includes a left slide rail 31, a right slide rail 32, a front threaded hole 33, and a rear limiting boss 34. Slide rails 31 and 32 respectively mate with the left wing rib groove 11 and the right wing rib groove 21.
[0045] connectors such as Figure 5 As shown, the system includes a connector 41 that mates with the upper edge groove 11 of the left wing rib and the upper edge groove 21 of the right wing rib, i.e., the first connector; a connector 42 that mates with the lower edge groove 12 of the left wing rib and the lower edge slide rail 22 of the right wing rib, i.e., the second connector; the connectors restrict the relative movement between the grooves and the slide rails, keeping their positions relatively fixed. The system also includes a connector 43 that connects the front ear piece 13 of the left wing rib and the front ear piece 23 of the right wing rib, i.e., the third connector; and a connector 44 that connects the rear ear piece 14 of the left wing rib and the rear ear piece 24 of the right wing rib, i.e., the fourth connector.
[0046] Therefore, the left and right wing ribs of this invention are integral structures, with the groove 12 at the lower edge of the left wing rib and the slide rail 22 at the lower edge of the right wing rib in a contact fit relationship. When the upper edge grooves 11 and 21 of the two wing ribs are not connected by the mating plate 3, and the lugs of the two wing ribs are not connected by the connecting piece, the slide rail 22 can slide along the center line of the groove 12 without restriction. When the sliding of the contact fit relationship is restricted, the positions of the two wing ribs are relatively fixed.
[0047] The front ear piece 13 of the left wing rib and the front ear piece 23 of the right wing rib, the rear ear piece 14 of the left wing rib and the rear ear piece 24 of the right wing rib have coaxial openings of the same diameter and are fixedly connected by connectors.
[0048] The mating plate 3 forms a contact fit with the upper edge grooves of the two ribs via slide rails 31 and 32, respectively, and the mating plate 3 can slide along the center line of the grooves. When the threaded hole 33 at the front end of the mating plate 3 mates with the connector, its position relative to the two ribs is fixed.
[0049] The assembly process of this utility model is as follows: First, when assembling and connecting the two wing-shaped sections, their initial positions are as follows: Figure 6As shown (the base of the left wing rib is not shown). The rear ear piece 14 of the left wing rib is located inside the front ear piece 23 of the right wing rib, and the groove 12 at the lower edge of the left wing rib and the slide rail 22 at the lower edge of the right wing rib are in a mutually cooperating position.
[0050] The second step involves sliding the groove 12 on the lower edge of the left wing rib backward along the slide rail 22 on the lower edge of the right wing rib to its limiting boss, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown. Then, the docking plate 3 is installed. The slide rails 31 and 32 of the docking plate 3 are respectively engaged with the left wing rib groove 11 and the right wing rib groove 21. The docking plate is pushed so that its limiting boss contacts the rear end face of the left wing rib groove 11 and the right wing rib groove 21.
[0051] The third step, after the mating plate is installed, is to install the connectors, achieving the connection and positioning of the corresponding connecting lugs on the left and right wing ribs, and the connection and positioning of the upper and lower edges, such as... Figure 8 As shown.
[0052] The following specific embodiments illustrate the structural configuration of this utility model.
[0053] Example 1:
[0054] The upper edges of both ribs are grooved, and the lower edges have grooves and slide rails respectively, which cooperate with each other. The sides of the mating plate are slide rails that cooperate with the grooves on the upper edges of the two ribs. The two ribs are as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the slide rail is as follows Figure 4 As shown.
[0055] For the wing surface, the main loads it bears are force Fx and Fy, bending moment Mx and torque Mz. Fx can be transmitted along the heading by the arc-shaped grooves and slide rails of the left and right wing ribs. At the same time, connectors 41 and 42 can also transmit Fx from one side of the wing surface to the other side. Fy is transmitted by the clamping load of the connector through the lug holes. Mx is transmitted along the spanwise by the grooves and slide rails of the left and right wing ribs. Mz is also transmitted by the grooves and slide rails of the left and right wing ribs. At the same time, the lug connection also participates in the load transmission of Mz.
[0056] Example 2:
[0057] The upper edges of the two ribs are both slide rails, and the lower edges are grooves that mate with the slide rails. The mating plates have grooves on both sides, as shown below. Figures 9a)-9c) As shown, Figure 9a The upper edge of the left wing rib is a slide rail; Figure 9b The upper edge of the slide rail is also a slide rail. Figure 9c The two sides of the connecting plate are grooves.
[0058] Example 3:
[0059] The upper and lower edge grooves of one rib form arcs with the same center of curvature, while the upper and lower edges of the other rib have corresponding slide rails. This connection method eliminates the need for mating plates and allows for simultaneous sliding assembly of the upper edge grooves of both ribs with the slide rails, and the lower edge grooves with the slide rails. Figures 10a-10b) As shown, Figure 10a The upper and lower edge grooves of the left wing rib in the ) are respectively with Figure 10b The upper and lower edge slide rails of the right wing rib have the same center of curvature.
[0060] The foregoing description illustrates and describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, as previously stated, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the inventive concept described herein through the foregoing teachings or related technical or knowledge. Any modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be protected within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A wing-surface connection structure based on rib docking, for use in aircraft, characterized in that, The structure includes: a left wing rib, a right wing rib, a mating plate, and a connector, wherein the left wing rib and the right wing rib are fixed by the mating plate and the connector, and the left wing rib and the right wing rib are provided with grooves or slide rails on their opposite surfaces, wherein the grooves or slide rails are provided on the upper and lower edges of the opposite surfaces of the left wing rib and the right wing rib; an ear is provided between the upper and lower edges of the left wing rib.
2. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The center lines of the grooves on the upper and lower edges of the left wing rib are arcs with different radii of curvature, which are basically consistent with the wing surface profile of the aircraft. The outer boundary is flush with the wing surface profile in the vertical direction. The lugs include a front lug and a rear lug located in the middle of the rib height direction.
3. The structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The radii of curvature of the upper edge groove and the lower edge slide rail of the right wing rib are the same as the radii of curvature of the upper groove and the lower groove of the left wing rib, respectively; the front ear and the rear ear in the ear plate respectively match the openings of the front ear and the rear ear plate of the left wing rib.
4. The structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The slide rail has a threaded hole at the front and a limiting boss at the rear.
5. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking plate includes a left slide rail, a right slide rail, a front threaded hole, and a rear limiting boss. The left slide rail and the groove on the upper edge of the left wing rib are engaged, and the right slide rail and the groove on the upper edge of the right wing rib are engaged.
6. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a first connector connected to the upper edge groove of the left wing rib and the upper edge groove of the right wing rib, a second connector connected to the lower edge groove of the left wing rib and the lower edge slide rail of the right wing rib, a third connector connecting the front ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib, and a fourth connector connecting the rear ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib.
7. The structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The front ear piece of the left wing rib and the front ear piece of the right wing rib, the rear ear piece of the left wing rib and the rear ear piece of the right wing rib are respectively provided with coaxial openings of the same diameter, and the third connector and the second and fourth connectors are connected by passing through the openings.
8. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper edges of the left and right wing ribs are grooves, the lower edge of the left wing rib is a groove, and the lower edge of the right wing rib is a slide rail.
9. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper edges of the left and right wing ribs are both slide rails, the lower edge of the left wing rib is a groove, and the lower edge of the right wing rib is a slide rail.
10. The structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature centers of the upper and lower edge grooves of the left or right wing rib are the same as the curvature centers of the slide rails at the upper and lower edges of the right or left wing rib.