Aircraft Lattice Node Connection System for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lattice structures in aircraft, particularly those connecting propulsion assemblies and wings, are overdimensioned and heavy due to the need for large cylindrical reinforcements to compensate for node failures under excessive stress, leading to increased mass and cost without equivalent mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
A revised lattice structure design featuring a connection system with a smaller diameter boss, housing recess, and evenly distributed fastening elements that ensure immobilization of plates relative to the reinforcement faces, allowing for reduced plate dimensions while maintaining mechanical strength through optimized reaction of tensile forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large cylindrical reinforcements and overdimensioned nodes are used to compensate for node failures, then reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent fastening elements distributed around the boss, rather than relying on a single critical fastening element. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain integrity even if one fastening element fails, improving reliability without requiring excessive reinforcement mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection system by using a boss with smaller diameter than traditional designs and positioning fastening elements at optimized locations around the boss. This parameter optimization reduces the required reinforcement dimensions while maintaining or improving failure compensation capability.
2Strength
If larger plate dimensions are used to ensure structural strength, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the geometric parameters of the plates and boss dimensions to achieve the minimum required strength with reduced mass. By carefully selecting plate thickness, boss diameter, and fastening element positions, the design attains equivalent mechanical strength to traditional designs with smaller, lighter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are positioned at specific locations around the boss that provide optimal force distribution. This partial optimization of fastening element placement achieves sufficient strength without requiring excessive material or larger plate dimensions.
3Reliability
If a tapped hole is passed through the boss for the fastening element, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threaded connection feature from the boss by providing the tapped hole in the housing instead. This separation simplifies boss manufacturing (no threading required) while maintaining reliable threaded connection functionality in the housing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary component that provides the tapped hole for threaded connection. This mediator allows the boss to remain a simple protruding element while the housing performs the function of providing the threaded interface, simplifying the boss manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for an aircraft is disclosed including comprising at least one node which having first and second plates which are pressed against two opposite faces of a first reinforcement, and to which upstream and downstream reinforcements positioned on either side of the first reinforcement are connected. A connection system connecting the first and second plates is disclosed including at least one boss projecting from a surface of one of the plates pressed against the first reinforcement, for each boss, a housing recessed relative to a surface of the other plate pressed against the first reinforcement, configured to house the boss, and at least one fastening element, passing through the first reinforcement, connecting the first and second plates and spaced apart from the boss.