Fiber Composite Omega Stringer with Segmented Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of omega stringers for aircraft and spacecraft requires complex manufacturing processes or additional material to achieve varying stiffness along the length, limiting the possibilities for shell-like components like wing structures.
Innovation Solution
A fiber composite component is created by assembling two bent fiber composite elements with specific flange and web configurations, allowing for a ridge-like structure that simplifies the production of stringers with modulated stiffness, using a method that involves shaping and curing the elements with a matrix material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex shaping processes are used to achieve varying stiffness along the stringer length, then the stiffness characteristics are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stringer is divided into multiple discrete components (web section, flanges, stiffening elements) that can be manufactured separately with standard processes and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be produced using simple, standardized shaping processes while the overall stiffness variation is achieved through the configuration and arrangement of these segments along the stringer length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the stiffness characteristics at different locations along the stringer through selective placement of stiffening elements and adjustment of component geometries in specific regions. This allows the stringer to have non-uniform stiffness distribution without requiring complex shaping of the entire structure, as each local region is optimized independently through component selection and arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional fiber composite material is provided to achieve varying stiffness, then the stiffness characteristics are improved, but the material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stringer into discrete components that can be assembled, the patent enables precise placement of stiffening material only where needed along the stringer length. This avoids the need to provide additional fiber composite material throughout the entire stringer structure, reducing overall material usage while achieving the desired varying stiffness characteristics through strategic local reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by concentrating additional fiber composite material in specific locations where stiffening is required, rather than uniformly distributing it throughout the stringer. This is achieved through the selective placement and configuration of web sections, flanges, and stiffening elements, which provides the necessary stiffness variation with minimal additional material.
3Strength
If complex shaping processes are used to manufacture omega stringers, then the structural performance is improved, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stringer structure is segmented into separate manufacturable components that can be produced using simple, standardized shaping processes. These components are then assembled through joining operations to form the complete omega stringer with the desired complex geometry and structural performance. This approach replaces complex monolithic shaping with simpler component manufacturing plus assembly, significantly improving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-manufacturing individual stringer components (web sections, flanges, stiffening elements) as separate semifinished products before final assembly. This allows each component to be optimized and produced independently using efficient standard processes, and the preliminary preparation of these components facilitates faster final assembly, thereby improving overall production efficiency while maintaining structural performance.
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
This approach enables easier production of stringers with customizable stiffness, reducing material usage and complexity while maintaining a constant omega profile, which is advantageous for aerospace applications.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a matrix material into the first fiber composite semifinished part and into the second fiber composite semifinished part along the fiber orientations, and curing the matrix material
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber composite component having a first and a second fiber composite element each bent along a transverse axis opf the fiber composite component to have, respectively, in succession, a first and second base flange, a first and second web section, a first and second top flange and a first and second stiffening web. Respectively, the first and second base flanges are parallel to the first and second top flanges, the first and second web sections are angled with respect to each of the first and second base flanges and the first and second top flanges, the first and second stiffening webs are at right angles with respect to the first and second top flanges, and the first stiffening web and the second stiffening web are congruent with respect to one another, and are connected to one another, along a longitudinal axis of the fiber composite component.