Snap Fastening for CFRP Fuselage Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components in aircraft construction are sensitive to mechanical loads and prone to damage from impacts like stone chipping, which can lead to complete failure, and existing fastening solutions do not effectively protect these components or allow for easy analysis of damage.
Innovation Solution
A fastening arrangement comprising a base element and a coupling element with a detachable or non-detachable snap connection, where the base element has a connecting pin and the coupling element has a pin receptacle, allowing for adhesive bonding and snap connection to securely attach protective plates to CFRP fuselages, with adjustable connection strength and non-destructive disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If CFRP components are used to reduce weight and improve stability, then weight reduction and stability improvement are achieved, but the components become sensitive to mechanical loads and prone to damage from impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing protective plates made of aluminum or other materials in front of the CFRP fuselage components. These protective plates absorb impact energy from stones and debris before the force reaches the CFRP, preventing damage to the sensitive composite structure while allowing the CFRP to maintain its weight reduction and stability benefits
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective plates are installed in front of CFRP components, then protection against mechanical loads is improved, but the complexity of the fastening arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges adhesive bonding and mechanical snap connection into a single integrated fastening system. The coupling element features both an adhesive fastening surface and a snap connection mechanism with a connecting pin and pin receptacle, combining two fastening methods into one component to simplify the overall assembly process while providing both protection and ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adhesive bonding through its fastening surface, enables mechanical snap connection through the pin and receptacle, and allows for both detachable and non-detachable connection configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate fastening components
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive bonding alone is used to attach protective plates, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the connection under mechanical loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines adhesive bonding and mechanical snap connection in a single coupling element. The adhesive fastening surface provides easy manufacturing and assembly, while the additional snap connection mechanism with connecting pin and pin receptacle ensures reliable mechanical locking under load, achieving both ease of manufacture and connection reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a reliable and easy method to attach protective plates to CFRP components, absorbing mechanical energy and compensating for tolerance differences, thereby increasing the service life of CFRP parts and allowing for non-destructive connection and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling element has an opening in which the pin receptacle is resiliently arranged
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a two-part fastening arrangement for a surface element, comprising a base element and a coupling element. The base element 3 is formed on two sides with a fastening surface 10 on its first side and a connecting pin 30 projecting from its second side, with which a snap connection to the coupling element can be established. The coupling element 5 is also formed on two sides with a fastening surface 50 on its first side and a pin receptacle 60 for the connecting pin 30 of the base element 3 on its second side, while the coupling element 5 has an opening 40 in which the pin receptacle 60 is resiliently arranged.