Airfoil Connection Member for Tolerance Gap Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of airfoil structures, such as those in aircraft and wind turbines, is hindered by misalignment and dimensional variations of structural members, leading to tolerance gaps that are difficult to correct once assembled, resulting in time-consuming and costly rectification processes.
Innovation Solution
A structural assembly featuring a connection member that prevents leading-edge or trailing-edge members from pivoting relative to the torsion-box member, using a pivot joint with adjustable components like pins and clevises, and adjustable connection members to compensate for tolerance gaps, allowing for easier assembly and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid attachment methods are used to connect structural members, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to accommodate tolerance gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the rigid attachment system into a dynamic adjustment system. The attachment member includes an adjustable length connection that allows the structural assembly to adapt its configuration during assembly, enabling tolerance gap compensation while maintaining structural strength. This resolves the contradiction by making the attachment system flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the attachment member's geometric parameters (specifically its length and angle) to be adjusted during assembly. This enables the connection to accommodate dimensional variations and tolerance gaps in structural members while still providing sufficient attachment strength, thus resolving the conflict between strength and precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If tolerance gaps are rectified after assembly, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming disassembly and material removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling tolerance gap compensation to be performed during the assembly process itself, rather than requiring post-assembly rectification. The adjustable attachment member allows alignment corrections to be made while components are being assembled, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly and material removal operations later.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the attachment member enables real-time correction of tolerance gaps during assembly, improving productivity by eliminating secondary rectification operations. This resolves the contradiction by making precision adjustment an integral part of the assembly process rather than a separate post-processing step.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable connection members are used to compensate for tolerance gaps, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the attachment function into distinct modular components: the attachment member with adjustable length, the connection interfaces, and the structural members. This modular segmentation allows the adjustable connection to be integrated without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as each component performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural assembly for an airfoil structure comprising at least one connection member configured to connect a leading-edge member, or a trailing-edge member, of an airfoil structure to a torsion-box member, such that the connection member prevents the leading-edge member, or trailing-edge member, from pivoting relative to the torsion-box member away from an operational position. At least one corresponding support is provided wherein the support is configured to be attachable to the connection member and further configured to be attachable to at least one system element.