Aircraft Fuselage Connecting Element Combining Solid and Lattice Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connecting elements between the fuselage skin and frames of aircraft do not contribute effectively to energy dissipation during dynamic loads, such as impacts, due to their low intrinsic energy dissipation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element comprising a solid structure and a lattice structure, where the solid structure dissipates static forces and fatigue up to a predetermined threshold, and the lattice structure provides additional energy dissipation, allowing for better overall behavior and reduced design constraints on surrounding components, with the lattice structure optionally covering the solid structure and being manufactured using three-dimensional printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional connecting elements are used to attach fuselage skin to frames, then the structure meets basic connection requirements, but the energy dissipation capability during dynamic loads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element combines two distinct structural configurations: a solid structure portion and a lattice structure portion. The solid structure provides high strength and fatigue resistance for static loads, while the lattice structure provides superior energy dissipation through controlled deformation. This composite structural approach allows the single connecting element to simultaneously achieve both strength and energy dissipation capabilities that were previously mutually exclusive.
2Loss of energy
If the connecting element uses a solid structure to ensure strength and fatigue resistance, then the connection is reliable under static loads, but the energy dissipation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a solid structure portion for strength and fatigue resistance, and a lattice structure portion for energy dissipation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into a single manufacturable component. The solid portion maintains structural integrity under static and cyclic loads, while the lattice portion deforms controllably to absorb impact energy.
3Loss of energy
If surrounding structural elements are designed to contribute to energy dissipation, then overall energy dissipation improves, but design constraints and complexity of surrounding parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipation function is extracted from the surrounding structural elements (frames, cross-members, bunker rods) and concentrated into the connecting element itself. By incorporating the lattice structure directly into the connecting element, the patent creates a dedicated energy dissipation zone at the critical skin-to-frame interface without requiring modifications to the surrounding structure. This reduces design constraints on adjacent components while achieving the desired overall energy dissipation performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
- A connecting element between a first and a second structural element of an aircraft fuselage, allowing for improved stress dissipation. - The connecting element (1) comprises a first part (5) formed of a solid structure and at least a second part (6) formed of a truss structure (7). The first part (5), formed of the solid structure, is configured to dissipate static stresses and to resist fatigue up to a predetermined maximum stress and fatigue threshold. This configuration allows for improved dissipation of the stresses exerted on the connecting element (1).