Aircraft Outer Plate Linkage Isolating Pressurized Wall Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for connecting external plates to aircraft fuselages results in increased on-board mass due to the need for robust platinum components to withstand pressurization-induced deformations of the external wall, and damages the fuselage during installation and maintenance due to the presence of specific orifices.
Innovation Solution
The external plate is connected directly to the primary structure, which is more rigid than the external wall, using a link system that includes sliding pivot joints and fixing elements, allowing for efficient stress distribution and reducing the number of orifices in the fuselage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the plate is connected to the outer wall, then the connection is simple, but the plate is subjected to pressurization-induced stresses requiring robust design that increases on-board mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the outer wall as an intermediary element between the plate and the primary structure. The plate connects to the outer wall, which in turn connects to the primary structure via fixing elements. This mediator approach allows the plate to be isolated from direct stress transmission to the primary structure, enabling lighter plate design while maintaining connection simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the plate, the outer wall, and the primary structure with fixing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the plate for its mounting function, the outer wall for stress absorption, and the primary structure for structural support - thereby reducing overall mass while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If fittings with through orifices are used to connect the plate, then the connection is secure, but the outer wall is damaged requiring repair when the plate is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The outer wall serves as a mediator that absorbs the mechanical stress of the connection system. The fixing elements pass through the outer wall to connect the plate to the primary structure, but the outer wall's structural role allows it to accommodate these elements without compromising fuselage integrity. This enables plate removal and replacement without damaging the outer wall, eliminating repair requirements.
3Weight of moving object
If the plate is isolated from the outer wall deformations, then on-board mass is reduced, but the connection system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The outer wall performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as the mounting surface for the plate, acts as a stress-absorbing intermediary, provides a protective barrier, and allows passage of fixing elements. This multi-functionality enables the connection system to isolate the plate from deformations while maintaining relatively simple overall architecture, as the same structural element (outer wall) handles multiple roles.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an aircraft comprising: - an outer wall (32) separating inner and outer zones (ZI, ZE), - a primary structure (34), positioned in the inner zone (ZI), comprising a plurality of first reinforcements (36) oriented along a first direction (X) and a plurality of second reinforcements (38) oriented along a second direction (Y) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (X), - a plate (40), positioned in the outer zone (ZE), connected to the primary structure (34) by at least one linkage system (42, 42', 42"). Since the primary structure (34) is more rigid than the outer wall (32), during operation, the plate (40) is not subject to deformations of the outer wall (32) due to the pressurization of the inner zone (ZI).