Aircraft Trailing Edge Composite Skin V-Shape
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of sandwich type composite materials in aircraft structures leads to a change in the slope of the upper and lower skins at the trailing edge, worsening the aerodynamic profile, and the current solution with a clip-type metal sheet and paste results in increased drag and aesthetic issues due to paste chapping and falling off.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, V-shaped part made of polyamide 6/10 reinforced with fiberglass, connected to the upper and lower skins with a rivet and covered by an aluminum metallic sheet, reduces the need for paste and provides a continuous aerodynamic profile by minimizing contact between the metallic sheet and the skins, thus preventing paste loss and drag increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If sandwich type composite materials are used for upper and lower skins, then weight is reduced and structural strength is improved, but the minimum core thickness requirement causes a change in slope at the trailing edge, worsening the aerodynamic profile
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the existing sandwich skins, a new lightweight structural part with V-shaped cross-section, and a metallic covering sheet. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the sandwich skins provide structural strength with minimal weight, while the lightweight part and metallic sheet restore the aerodynamic profile without adding core thickness to the skins themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
A new lightweight part acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower sandwich skins. This part has a V-shaped cross-section that fits into the gap created by the skin thickness reduction, and when covered by the metallic sheet, it restores the continuous aerodynamic profile. The intermediary structure allows the sandwich skins to maintain their optimal thin configuration while achieving the required aerodynamic shape.
2Shape
If a clip type metal sheet with paste is used to join upper and lower skins, then continuous aerodynamic profile is achieved, but the paste becomes chapped and falls off, increasing profile drag and causing aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful paste material is extracted from the trailing edge assembly. Instead of using paste to fill gaps and achieve aerodynamic profile, the invention uses a precisely fitted lightweight part with V-shaped cross-section that provides the necessary shape without requiring any paste. The metallic sheet is fastened directly to the lightweight part with adhesive, creating a permanent bond that eliminates paste chapping and falling off.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the durable but problematic paste solution with a lightweight, engineered structural part made of polyamide 6/10 reinforced with fiberglass. This part is designed to be permanently integrated into the trailing edge assembly, providing a long-lasting solution that does not deteriorate or fall off like paste. The metallic sheet provides the external aerodynamic surface without requiring continuous paste application.
3Device complexity
If the metallic sheet is fastened directly to the skins, then assembly is simplified, but the weight increases and the aerodynamic profile is compromised due to contact between metallic sheet and skins
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge assembly is segmented into three distinct components: the sandwich skins, the lightweight structural part with V-shaped cross-section, and the metallic covering sheet. This segmentation allows the metallic sheet to be fastened to the lightweight part rather than directly to the skins, reducing weight by minimizing metallic sheet contact area. The lightweight part acts as a separate structural element that provides the necessary shape while the metallic sheet provides only the external aerodynamic surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a trailing edge (2) of an aircraft aerodynamic surface, which comprises an upper skin (6) and a lower skin (7), being the upper and lower skins (6, 7) made of composite material. In the trailing edge (2) a lightweight part (1) is assembled at an end section (13) of the upper and lower skins (6, 7). The lightweight part (1) is covered by a metallic sheet (8), and has a “V”-shaped cross section with arms and peak, where the peak of the “V”-shaped cross section has a rounded shape and is located opposite the end section (13) of the upper and lower skins (6, 7).