Aircraft Component Alignment With Interlocking Multi-Directional Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft component alignment systems often restrict translational and rotational degrees of freedom, making it difficult to achieve precise alignment and increasing the time and cost of assembly and maintenance, as components are typically fixedly attached, limiting adjustability.
Innovation Solution
A component alignment system featuring interlockable components with shaped projections that repeat in multiple directions, allowing for translational and rotational adjustments along multiple degrees of freedom, enabling precise alignment and secure fastening while allowing for quantized positions and rotational constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If components are fixedly attached during assembly, then structural stability is improved, but rigging adjustability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from static fixed attachment to dynamic adjustable connection. Components can be initially fixed for structural stability, then adjusted for rigging purposes, and re-fixed once aligned. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between needing stability during assembly and adjustability for rigging.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system segments the attachment process into distinct phases: initial fixed attachment for stability, adjustment phase for alignment, and final securing. This segmentation allows each phase to optimize for its specific requirement without compromising the other.
2Productivity
If components are fixedly and nonadjustably fastened, then assembly speed is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows rapid initial attachment followed by controlled adjustment. The adjustable connection enables quick positioning changes without requiring complete disassembly, maintaining assembly speed while achieving precise alignment through the adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are preliminarily attached in approximate positions using the adjustable connection system, then fine-tuned for precise alignment. This preliminary action approach maintains productivity while enabling subsequent precision adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components require structural breaking or unwelding for alignment, then alignment flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable connection system provides inherent alignment flexibility through its design, eliminating the need for destructive structural modifications. The connection can accommodate misalignments and enable positioning adjustments without requiring breaking or unwelding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between components, providing the necessary flexibility for alignment without modifying the structural integrity of the components themselves. This mediator approach maintains component simplicity while achieving alignment flexibility.
4Ease of operation
If one-dimensional translational adjustments are provided, then ease of alignment is improved, but alignment completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends from one-dimensional translational adjustment to two-dimensional adjustment capability. The adjustable connection allows movement and positioning in multiple directions (translational and rotational degrees of freedom), providing complete alignment coverage while maintaining ease of operation through the unified adjustment mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A component alignment system for an aircraft includes a first component having a first surface including first shaped projections that repeat in at least two directions along the first surface. The component alignment system also includes a second component having a second surface including second shaped projections that repeat in at least two directions along the second surface. The first shaped projections are complementary to the second shaped projections such that the first surface is translationally and rotationally constrained relative to the second surface when the first and second shaped projections are in an interlocked position.