Concave Aircraft Fuselage Support Device for Crash Energy Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft fuselages with linearly configured support devices in the lower deck restrict passenger seating arrangements and fail to provide adequate kinetic energy absorption during crashes, potentially collapsing and not maintaining a minimum height to ensure passenger safety.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft fuselage with a concave support device and an energy absorption element between its upper and lower ends, designed to undergo defined plastic deformation and absorb kinetic energy during a crash, ensuring the lower deck maintains a minimum height and providing a survival space for passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If linearly configured support devices are used in the lower deck, then the structural support function is provided, but the passenger seating space is restricted and kinetic energy absorption capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with a curved profile instead of a linear configuration. The curved shape allows the support device to absorb kinetic energy through plastic deformation while occupying less space in the lower deck, thereby increasing passenger seating space without compromising crash safety
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed to undergo controlled plastic deformation during a crash to absorb kinetic energy. By changing the structural parameters (yield strength, deformation characteristics) of the support device, it can maintain structural integrity during normal operation while providing energy absorption capability during crash conditions
2Reliability
If support devices are arranged in the lower deck to provide crash protection, then kinetic energy absorption is improved, but the arrangement restricts passenger seat placement
Solution Approach 1:
The curved profile of the support device allows it to be positioned in optimal locations for crash protection while minimizing its footprint in the passenger seating area. This enables better arrangement of passenger seats and increases overall passenger transport capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The support device utilizes the vertical dimension with its curved profile extending from the intermediate floor to the lower deck structure. This three-dimensional configuration allows the support device to provide crash protection without occupying excessive horizontal space, thereby allowing more passenger seats to be arranged in the lower deck
3Loss of energy
If the lower deck is designed to absorb crash energy through collapse, then kinetic energy is reduced, but the minimum height for passenger survival is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that enable controlled plastic deformation. This allows the device to absorb kinetic energy through deformation while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to preserve the minimum height required for passenger safety during and after the crash
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is pre-designed with energy absorption characteristics that will activate during a crash. The curved profile and material selection are configured to provide cushioning through controlled deformation, preventing excessive collapse while maintaining the minimum survival height for passengers
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 concave support device with energy absorption elements maximizes passenger seating space in the lower deck while ensuring the fuselage structure absorbs kinetic energy effectively during crashes, maintaining a minimum height and enhancing passenger survival chances.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorption element is designed such that, in the event of a defined crash of an underside of the aircraft fuselage, the energy absorption element undergoes a defined plastic deformation and, in so doing, absorbs a defined amount of kinetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A module an aircraft fuselage includes a support device including a lower end for connection to a fuselage structure in a lower deck of the fuselage, an upper end for connection to an intermediate floor in the fuselage, and an energy absorption element between the upper end and the lower end. A wall panel is connected to the support device and extends along a longitudinal axis and a circumferential direction. In case of a defined crash of an underside of the aircraft fuselage, the energy absorption element is configured to undergo a defined plastic deformation and absorb a defined amount of kinetic energy of that a part of the fuselage structure connected to the lower end of the support device. The plastic deformation and amount of absorbed energy are of a magnitude that in case of defined crash, the module is configured where the fuselage structure will, at the underside of the aircraft fuselage, deform no more than a minimum height.