C-Shaped Wing Connection Assembly with Elastic Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connection assemblies for aircraft wings are complex, expensive, and inefficient in accommodating differential movements and temperature changes, while also failing to meet recent regulatory requirements for robustness and lateral flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A C-shaped connection assembly comprising L-shaped load-bearing devices with specific coupling portions and a clamping element, allowing for robust load transmission, flexibility, and adjustable positioning between wing elements, reducing the need for expensive spherical bearings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If spherical bearings and multiple links are used in joints to accommodate differential movement and temperature changes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of differential movement and temperature changesVSAvoidcomplexity of joints with spherical bearings and multiple links

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using elastically deformable interconnection portions (thin-walled structural elements) that can flex and deform to accommodate differential movements and temperature-induced expansions/contractions between the slat and slat track, replacing the need for complex spherical bearings and links while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by designing the interconnection portion with specific elastic properties and stiffness characteristics that allow it to deform under thermal expansion and differential movement conditions, enabling the structure to adapt to parameter changes in temperature and position without complex mechanical joints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If spherical bearings and multiple links are used in joints, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of differential movement and temperature changesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of joints with spherical bearings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive spherical bearings with elastically deformable interconnection portions that can be manufactured as integrated structural elements, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to accommodate differential movement and temperature changes through elastic deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components (spherical bearings, links, and connection elements) into a single integrated interconnection portion that performs all necessary functions through its elastic deformation capabilities, simplifying manufacturing and reducing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If spherical bearings and multiple links are used in joints, then adaptability is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of differential movement and temperature changesVSAvoidspace occupied by joints with spherical bearings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses thin-walled elastically deformable interconnection portions that occupy minimal space while providing the necessary adaptability through elastic deformation, replacing the bulky spherical bearings and multiple links that would require significant space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the adaptive function within the existing structural geometry of the interconnection portion, nesting the flexibility and adaptability within the walls of the connection structure itself rather than adding separate external components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11192631B2Connection assembly for transmitting loads between two wing elements

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A C-shaped connection assembly transmits loads in a load plane between a first and a second wing element. The connection assembly comprises a first and a second L-shaped load-bearing device. Each load-bearing device comprises a joint region and two legs extending parallel to the load plane and away from the joint region towards respective end regions. One leg of the first load-bearing device extends parallel to one leg of the second load bearing device. These legs are connected to one another. Two coupling portions which connect the connection assembly to the second wing element are formed in the respective joint regions of the load-bearing devices. Two further coupling portions which connect the connection assembly to the first wing element are formed in respective free end region of the load-bearing device and the joint region of the second load-bearing device.