Composite Protection Panel with Deformable Buckling Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aluminum boat panels used in aircraft are heavy and lack sufficient impact resistance due to their rigid structure, which restricts deformation and limits their ability to absorb impact energy effectively.

Innovation Solution

A protective panel made of composite materials, such as CFRP, with deformable parts like clips that buckle under impact, allowing for extended deformation over a larger area and compensating for the low elongation at break, thereby enhancing impact resistance while reducing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If aluminum panels with rigid frames are used, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and impact resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidpanel weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional aluminum panels with composite material panels that have a skin made of composite material (such as CFRP) and deformable parts. This composite construction provides sufficient structural strength while significantly reducing weight compared to solid aluminum panels, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces deformable parts that can dynamically respond to impact forces by deforming and absorbing energy. These deformable parts transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts to impact conditions, improving impact resistance without compromising overall structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid frames are used in aluminum panels, then structural stability is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates due to restricted deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the panel into distinct functional zones: a stable rigid support structure that maintains structural stability, and separate deformable parts that absorb impact energy. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between stability and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the panel: the support structure uses rigid materials for stability, while the deformable parts use materials with appropriate ductility for impact absorption. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the panel to simultaneously achieve structural stability and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Weight of moving object

If composite material with low elongation at break is used, then weight is reduced, but impact resistance deteriorates without deformable parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel weightVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces deformable parts as intermediary elements between the composite skin and the rigid support. These deformable parts act as mediators that absorb impact energy through controlled deformation, compensating for the low elongation at break of the composite material while maintaining the weight advantages of composite construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 use of composite materials with deformable parts significantly improves impact resistance by distributing stress over a larger area, reducing the risk of rupture and allowing for a lighter weight solution compared to traditional aluminum panels.

Implementation Method 1

the deformable parts are adapted to buckle under the effect of impacts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuckling: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the deformation of the deformable parts allows, compared to the rigid supports of the aluminum panels of the prior art, an extension of the deformation of the outer surface over a large area, which, despite the low coefficient of elongation at break, improves impact resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact energy absorption: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2307270B1Protection panel and landing gear including same
Publication Date: 2013.05.15 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP2307270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2307270B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2307270B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a protection panel (115) for a vehicle that comprises an outer surface (140) including at least one composite material, and is mounted via deformable parts on a mounting (135) attached to the vehicle structure. The deformable parts are attached to several stiffening parts (145) of the mounting. In some embodiments, the deformable parts are perpendicular to the outer surface of the panel and are capable of buckling under the effect of impacts. In some embodiments, the deformable parts are in the form of clips, the composite material consists of CFRP and the mounting is rigid.