Automated Structural Analysis Server for Aircraft Weight Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft design methods for strength analysis are time-consuming, lead to inconsistent results due to varied analysis methodologies among suppliers, and often result in overweight structures, as they require manual updates and use of multiple analysis templates.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a controlled-access server with predefined strength analysis templates and material allowables to perform consistent and automated strength analysis and optimization of structural components, reducing the need for multiple templates and minimizing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual strength analysis is performed for each structural component, then the analysis can be customized to specific design requirements, but the analysis time increases significantly and design schedule is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the strength analysis process into standardized templates that can be independently applied to different structural components. Each template encapsulates specific analysis methodologies for different component types, allowing automated batch processing while maintaining customization through template selection. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both customization (through template choice) and efficiency (through automated segmentation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of analysis methodology from manual/custom to automated/standardized by implementing a database of pre-configured analysis templates. The system automatically selects and applies appropriate templates based on component characteristics, transforming the analysis process from time-consuming manual customization to efficient automated parameter-based processing while maintaining adaptability through template diversity.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple suppliers detail-design and manufacture different barrel sections with their own analysis methodologies, then each supplier can optimize their local design, but inconsistencies arise in the analysis results for common features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal strength analysis template system that can be applied across all suppliers and component types. The templates serve multiple functions: they standardize analysis methodologies, ensure consistency for common features, and maintain flexibility for supplier-specific optimizations. This universal system resolves the contradiction by enabling distributed manufacturing while ensuring manufacturing precision through standardized yet adaptable templates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous analysis templates are used by individual analysts, then specific analysis requirements can be met, but significant inconsistencies occur in the margins of safety for similar structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges numerous individual analysis templates into a consolidated, standardized template system. By combining the essential requirements of multiple templates into a unified framework with standardized parameters and methodologies, the system maintains adaptability to cover diverse analysis requirements while ensuring consistency in results. This merging resolves the contradiction by reducing template proliferation while preserving analytical versatility.
4Reliability
If manual updates of strength analysis are performed for each revision in loads, analysis methods, or material allowables, then the analysis remains current with design changes, but the design schedule is significantly impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring analysis templates with standard load cases, material allowables, and analysis methodologies before the actual design process. When revisions occur, the system automatically updates the appropriate templates and re-runs analyses without requiring manual intervention for each change. This preliminary setup resolves the contradiction by maintaining analysis currency through automated template updates while preserving design schedule through elimination of repetitive manual work.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing a structural component may include the step of storing one or more of the following on a server: at least one material allowable for a structural component, at least one load case for the structural component, and at least one analysis template having at least one analysis variable. The method may further include the step of providing, using an interface, at least one entry for the analysis variable. The method may further include performing, using a processor-based structural component analyzer, a strength analysis of the structural component using the analysis template and based on the load case and the entry for the analysis variable. The method may further include determining, using the analyzer, a margin of safety of the structural component based on the material allowable.