Composite Aircraft Fuselage Frame Fiber Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing structural frames for aircraft fuselages face challenges in achieving high mechanical performance, particularly in circumferential rigidity and buckling resistance, while maintaining simplicity of construction and avoiding complex fiber arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A structural frame with unidirectional fibers oriented at angles between 25 degrees and 35 degrees, and between -35 degrees and -25 degrees relative to the circumferential axis, distributed symmetrically over the thickness, along with additional fibers at 90 degrees, to enhance circumferential rigidity and maintain critical buckling flux.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If unidirectional fibers are arranged in the circumferential direction to obtain high rigidity, then circumferential rigidity is improved, but critical buckling flux decreases and manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircumferential rigidityVSAvoidcritical buckling flux
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fiber orientation angle parameter from the conventional +45/-45 degrees to a new range of +25 to +35 degrees and -35 to -25 degrees. This parameter optimization simultaneously improves circumferential rigidity while maintaining adequate buckling resistance, resolving the contradiction between these two mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structure with unidirectional fibers arranged at optimized angles in the main part, combined with secondary parts (heels) that provide additional structural support. This composite arrangement allows the frame to achieve both high circumferential rigidity and sufficient buckling resistance through the synergistic effect of different fiber orientations and structural components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If unidirectional fibers are arranged at +45/-45 degrees to avoid folding issues, then manufacturing ease is improved, but circumferential rigidity is not optimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber arrangement feasibilityVSAvoidcircumferential rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the fiber orientation angles from the conventional +45/-45 degrees to a narrower range of +25 to +35 degrees and -35 to -25 degrees. This parameter change maintains manufacturing feasibility by avoiding 0-degree arrangements while achieving superior circumferential rigidity through the optimized angle range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If fiber arrangement is simplified to reduce production complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but mechanical performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber arrangement complexityVSAvoidmechanical performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the fiber arrangement by using a consistent angle range (+25 to +35 degrees and -35 to -25 degrees) throughout the main part, avoiding the need for multiple different orientation patterns. This parameter standardization reduces manufacturing complexity while the optimized angle values ensure high mechanical performance, particularly circumferential rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure where the main part uses unidirectional fibers at optimized angles, and secondary parts (heels) provide additional reinforcement. This composite approach maintains high mechanical performance while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to more complex multi-directional fiber arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2185345B1Structural frame of a composite material and aircraft fuselage including such frame
Publication Date: 2012.07.04 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP2185345B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2185345B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2185345B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a structural frame (13) made of a composite material. The purpose of the invention is to obtain a structural frame having high mechanical performance while preserving the simplicity of production. The purpose is achieved by providing assemblies of unidirectional fibres (34) in the main portion (31) of the structural frame at a predetermined angle. The device can be used as a structural frame particularly for an aircraft fuselage.