Aircraft Fitting Spacer for Hinge Rib Spacing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional designs for supporting wing flight controls on large passenger aircraft struggle with accurately controlling the distance between adjacent hinge ribs during installation.
Innovation Solution
A fitting comprising a pair of hinge ribs and a spacer is used to maintain a desired distance between the hinge ribs, allowing for accurate installation and optional integration for increased stiffness, with the spacer potentially remaining in place to enhance structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional metallic A-frame hinge ribs are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the distance between adjacent hinge ribs cannot be controlled accurately during installation
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer component is introduced as an intermediary element between the hinge ribs. The spacer has a first portion that interfaces with the first hinge rib and a second portion that interfaces with the second hinge rib, thereby mediating the spacing relationship and ensuring accurate distance control during installation without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge rib assembly is segmented into separate components: the first hinge rib, the second hinge rib, and the spacer. This segmentation allows the spacer to be independently designed and positioned to achieve precise spacing, while each component can be manufactured and installed separately, simplifying the overall installation process
2Ease of operation
If the spacer is removed after installation, then installation flexibility is improved, but the stiffness of the assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed to serve dual purposes: during installation, it provides spacing and can be removed for flexibility; after installation, it can be retained to maximize assembly stiffness. The spacer's removable nature allows the system to transition from an installation-phase configuration to a final operational configuration, optimizing for different requirements at different stages
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily removed or retained. Its primary function during installation is to ensure accurate spacing, and it can be discarded or retained based on the specific application requirements, providing a cost-effective solution that doesn't compromise overall assembly strength
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing an aerodynamic control element on an aircraft structure. The method comprising: attaching a fitting to the aircraft structure, the fitting comprising a pair of hinge ribs extending away from the aircraft structure and a spacer extending between the pair of hinge ribs; maintaining a desired distance between the pair of hinge ribs with the spacer as the fitting is attached; and pivotally mounting the aerodynamic control element to each hinge rib via a respective hinge.