Aircraft Modular Assembly for Mission-Based Lift Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft designs are integrated, requiring specialized technicians for installation and disassembly, and do not easily adapt to varying operational conditions such as air taxi and air ambulance, necessitating a modular assembly method that meets different functional requirements without altering the flight platform structure.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly method for aircraft using quickly detachable outer canard wing segments and outboard arms to increase lift in fixed-wing and rotary-wing modes, respectively, without changing the aircraft's structure, incorporating positioning and locking parts for quick attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If integrated design is used for aircraft, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability to different operational conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is divided into a permanent flight platform and detachable modular components (outer canard wing segments and outboard arms). This segmentation allows the core structure to maintain strength while enabling flexible reconfiguration by attaching or detaching modules based on operational requirements such as air taxi or air ambulance missions.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft configuration is made dynamic through the ability to quickly attach and detach modular components. The system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic reconfigurable system where the flight platform can adapt its lift capacity and operational characteristics based on real-time mission needs.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized technicians are required for installation and disassembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning parts are pre-installed on the flight platform at precise locations during manufacturing. These positioning parts guide the modular components into correct alignment during attachment, ensuring manufacturing precision is achieved without requiring specialized technicians during field operations. The preliminary placement of positioning features enables simple, accurate assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are added to increase lift, then adaptability to different functions is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The modular components (outer canard wing segments and outboard arms) are designed with universal attachment interfaces that can be configured for multiple functions. The same basic module can serve different operational roles (air taxi, air ambulance, etc.) by simply being attached or detached, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate specialized aircraft for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed to nest with or attach to the existing flight platform structure. The outer canard wing segments attach to the inboard arms, which themselves attach to the flight platform, creating a nested configuration that minimizes structural interference and reduces the complexity of integration.
4Productivity
If quickly detachable components are used, then productivity of maintenance and overhaul is improved, but reliability of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning parts and locking parts are pre-configured during manufacturing to ensure precise alignment and secure connection. The positioning parts guide the modular components into exact positions, while the locking parts engage to provide reliable mechanical connection. This preliminary configuration ensures that quick detachment does not compromise connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is designed so that the positioned and locked modular components achieve a structural state equivalent to the original integrated design. The positioning and locking mechanisms ensure that the connected structure reaches a stable, reliable configuration that maintains flight safety while enabling quick maintenance operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the field of aircraft and discloses a modular assembly method of an aircraft, which comprises: provide a flight platform of an aircraft, which has a left fixed wing and a right fixed wing; a left canard wing and right canard wing; an avionics compartment, which is engaged with the left fixed wing and the right fixed wing; the left inboard arm connects the left fixed wing to the left canard wing; the right inboard arm connects the right fixed wing to the right canard wing; the left inboard arm has a first lift propeller, a second lift propeller and a third lift propeller and a left vertical tail; the right inboard arm has a fourth lift propeller, a fifth lift propeller and a sixth lift propeller and a right vertical tail; according to the requirements of increasing cruise load, aircraft modular components are mounted without changing the structure of the aircraft flight platform to meet the different functions and mission requirements of the aircraft.