Composite Adapter Interconnection for Aircraft Fuselage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for interconnecting composite structures in vehicle body structures, such as aircraft or spacecraft fuselage, are not optimized for strength and weight-saving potential, as they primarily rely on rigid flat strips attaching to the footings or flanges of stringer profiles, limiting efficient force transfer.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using adapter members with mating portions that conform to the profiles of structural components in multiple planes, connected via a connector member, allowing for enhanced force transfer and bonding or fastening to ensure rigid interconnection, utilizing fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials and potentially metal for the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid flat strips are used to connect stringer profiles, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the force transfer efficiency and structural strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter member features a mating portion with a curved profile that substantially conforms to the curved outer surface of the stringer profile. This curved geometry allows the adapter to wrap around and engage a larger portion of the stringer, significantly improving force transfer efficiency by distributing loads across multiple planes rather than relying on simple flat strip connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter member acts as an intermediary component between two stringer profiles, providing a sophisticated connection mechanism. The adapter's mating portion conforms to one stringer while its attachment portion connects to another stringer via a connector member, creating an optimized force transfer path that overcomes the limitations of direct rigid strip connections.
2Strength
If adapter members with conforming mating portions are used, then force transfer is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter member is designed with specific geometric parameters including a curved mating portion profile, thickness, and attachment portion configuration. These parameters are optimized to conform to standard stringer profiles while maintaining manufacturability. The curved geometry and conforming surfaces are designed to match existing stringer dimensions, allowing for efficient force transfer without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
3Weight of moving object
If connection is made over larger portion of stringer profile, then weight is reduced through optimization, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The curved mating portion of the adapter is designed to substantially conform to the curved outer surface of the stringer profile. This curved geometry naturally distributes the connection over a larger surface area, reducing stress concentrations and allowing for weight optimization while maintaining structural integrity. The conforming curved surfaces provide inherent alignment features that help manage manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A new and improved system for interconnecting components in a vehicle body structure, and especially for interconnecting fiber-reinforced composite components in a fuselage structure of an aircraft. The system includes: a first adapter member having a first mating portion that is adhesively bonded with a profile of a first component of the structure in more than one plane, and a first attachment portion connected to the first mating portion; a second adapter member having a second mating portion that is adhesively bonded with a profile of a second component of the structure in more than one plane, and a second attachment portion connected to the second mating portion; and a connector member to securely interconnect the first and second attachment portions of the first and second adapter members.