Cross-Wing Driveshaft Channel for Tiltrotor Fuel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current designs of cross-wing driveshafts in tiltrotor aircraft wings face challenges in accessing the driveshaft located in the forward area, which limits fuel storage capacity and complicates maintenance due to the need to empty and ventilate fuel tanks.
Innovation Solution
A channel is integrated into the fuel tank to house the driveshaft, with access provided through a movable panel that allows for easy access while maintaining structural support and maximizing fuel storage by positioning the driveshaft between 20% to 45% of the wing chord.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the driveshaft is located in the forward area of the wing, then the fuel storage capacity in the aft section is maximized, but the access to the driveshaft becomes difficult and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is segmented into distinct functional zones: a forward driveshaft access area and an aft fuel storage area. The channel structure creates a physical separation that allows independent access to the driveshaft without compromising fuel storage capacity in the aft section.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable panel acts as an intermediary element, providing a safe access path to the driveshaft through the channel structure. This intermediary allows maintenance personnel to access the driveshaft in the forward area without entering the fuel storage zone, eliminating the need to empty the fuel tank for maintenance operations.
2Strength
If the driveshaft is enclosed in the wing structure, then structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance and inspection become hazardous requiring fuel tank emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure is segmented into a driveshaft housing channel and a fuel storage area. This segmentation allows the driveshaft to be enclosed within the channel structure for structural integrity, while simultaneously providing a separate access path through the removable panel that does not require entering the fuel storage zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable panel serves as an intermediary access point, allowing maintenance personnel to reach the driveshaft through a safe pathway that bypasses the hazardous fuel storage area. This eliminates the need to empty the fuel tank while maintaining structural enclosure of the driveshaft.
3Reliability
If a structural intercostal is used to separate driveshaft from fuel, then separation is achieved, but fuel storage capacity in the aft section is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a vertical structural intercostal that reduces aft section volume, the channel structure extends the separation in the longitudinal dimension. The channel runs forward from the access panel, creating separation along the length of the wing rather than consuming aft section volume, thus maximizing fuel storage capacity while maintaining reliable separation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft wing (308) including a fuel tank (314) located in the wing (308), a channel (336) defining a cavity (313) in the fuel tank (314), the channel (336) including at least two channel ends terminating at an upper or lower wing surface (340, 342), a driveshaft (316) located in the cavity (313); and an access panel (390) located on the wing surface (340, 342) and being movable between an open position so that access to the cavity (313) is permitted, and a closed position so that the cavity (313) is at least partially covered by the access panel (390) to inhibit access to the cavity (313).