Aircraft Structural Spar Battery Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging of batteries and energy systems in vehicles adds payload weight, requiring additional operational power to compensate for the weight of the energy system, which increases power consumption and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of onboard battery storage and energy subsystems into structural components of vehicles, such as aircraft, using finned spar members with embedded circuit boards and bus bars, allowing batteries to be compressed into compartments within the structural members, enhancing structural strength and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are packaged as part of payload with explosion-proof and fire-proof structures, then safety and containment are improved, but payload weight increases and power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery containment structure with the aircraft's structural components (spars, ribs, fuselage framework). Instead of separate payload-mounted battery boxes, the energy subsystem is integrated directly into load-bearing structural elements, making the structural components serve dual purposes: mechanical support and battery housing.
Solution Approach 2:
Structural components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical strength and support while also serving as containment structures for batteries. The spars and ribs that normally only provide aerodynamic and structural support now also house battery compartments, eliminating the need for dedicated battery packaging structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If batteries are packaged in separate payload structures, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but overall device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartments are formed as integral parts of the structural members during manufacturing. The spars and ribs include built-in cavities and mounting features that accommodate batteries, eliminating the need for separate battery boxes and reducing overall weight while maintaining ease of assembly through modular battery installation.
3Reliability
If conventional payload packaging is used for batteries, then safety containment is improved, but power-to-weight ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The containment function is merged with load-bearing structural elements. The same spars and ribs that provide mechanical strength and support also serve as battery housings, eliminating redundant containment structures and improving the power-to-weight ratio while maintaining safety through the inherent strength of the structural components.
4Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are integrated into structural components, then weight is reduced and power efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural components are designed with multi-functionality, serving both mechanical support and energy storage containment roles. This integration reduces overall system weight and improves power efficiency, while the modular design of battery compartments within structural members keeps manufacturing and assembly processes manageable despite increased design complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a structural member for a vehicle. The structural member comprises a plurality of finned spar members interlocked with one another, wherein each finned spar member of the plurality of finned spar members includes a main body, a plurality of web members extending from a flange of the main body, a circuit board formed on the main body, and a bus bar comprising a tube positioned in an opening formed in the main body, the bus bar being in electrical communication with the circuit board, wherein a compartment is formed between adjacent web members, the compartment being sized to receive a battery.