Aircraft Panel Structure with Net-Shaped Impact Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft panel structures are inadequate in withstanding high-energy impacts such as bird strikes or blade releases, particularly in thinner sections of the fuselage, leading to potential damage and compromised structural integrity, which poses a risk to airworthiness and safe flight continuation.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced panel structure incorporating a net-shaped layer made of materials like steel, titanium, aluminum, carbon fiber, or aramid fibers between composite layers, which improves impact resistance by distributing load and minimizing damage through Automated Fiber/Tow Placement, and can be attached internally or externally using rivets or bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional composite panels are used in thinner fuselage sections, then weight is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but impact resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a net-shaped reinforcement layer made of high-strength material (such as steel, titanium, or carbon fiber) with composite skin panels. This composite structure provides enhanced impact resistance while maintaining the lightweight characteristics of composite materials, specifically addressing the vulnerability of thinner fuselage sections to bird strikes and blade releases.
Solution Approach 2:
The net-shaped layer is strategically positioned at specific locations on the fuselage where impact resistance is most critical, such as areas with thinner skin panels or zones susceptible to bird strikes and blade releases. This localized reinforcement approach enhances impact resistance only where needed, avoiding unnecessary complexity in other areas of the aircraft structure.
2Strength
If localized reinforcements are added to withstand impacts, then impact resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The net-shaped reinforcement layer is integrated into the panel structure during the manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as a separate post-manufacturing modification. The reinforcement layer is positioned and secured within the composite panel structure before final curing or assembly, allowing for streamlined manufacturing operations and reducing subsequent repair or modification requirements.
3Strength
If thicker composite panels are used to improve impact resistance, then strength is improved, but weight increases and aerodynamics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes high-strength reinforcement materials for the net-shaped layer that provide superior impact resistance with minimal thickness. Materials such as steel, titanium, or carbon fiber cords in the net structure offer high strength-to-weight ratios, enabling enhanced impact protection without significantly increasing panel weight or compromising aerodynamic surfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention refers to a panel structure (1) for an aircraft comprising at least one composite layer (3, 4), and at least one net-shaped layer (2) attached to the at least one composite layer (3, 4), wherein the net-shaped layer (2) comprises a material suitable to improve the impact resistance of the panel structure (1). The net-shaped layer (2) can be used to attach two composite layers (3, 4). Alternatively, the net-shaped layer (2) can be attached to a surface of one composite layer (3, 4). In this last case, the net-shaped layer (2) may be joined to a laminate sheet material (5), and filled with a foam material (6). The invention provides an impact reinforced panel structure (1) capable of withstanding any impact, such as a blade release, or a bird strike, without substantially modifying the manufacturing process.