Elastocapillary Adhesive Connection for Aircraft Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection methods for aircraft components, such as welding, riveting, and adhesive bonding, result in increased weight and complex assembly processes, with limitations in achieving strong adhesion forces and accessibility at ideal geometric connection points.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight adhesive connection system utilizing a solidifiable liquid connection substance and the elastocapillary effect to form a material connection between flexible connection regions, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and allowing for simplified assembly and enhanced load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional mechanical fastening elements (bolts, rivets, screws) are used to connect aircraft components, then strong connection strength and structural stability are achieved, but the overall weight of the structure increases significantly and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening elements (bolts, rivets, screws) with a chemical bonding system using liquid connection substance that solidifies to form strong adhesive bonds. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical fasteners while maintaining connection strength through chemical adhesion between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite connection approach combining liquid connection substance (adhesive) with flexible connection regions. The flexible regions may be made of elastomeric or polymeric materials that work in conjunction with the solidified adhesive to create a hybrid connection system that distributes loads and reduces stress concentrations.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional adhesive connections with planar adhesion faces are used, then assembly is simplified and weight is reduced, but adhesion forces are limited and contamination can reduce maximum achievable adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or three-dimensional connection regions instead of planar adhesion faces. The flexible connection regions are formed with specific geometries (convex or concave surfaces) that increase the effective contact area and improve adhesion when the liquid connection substance is applied, thereby enhancing adhesion forces while maintaining weight advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and geometric parameters of the connection regions by making them flexible and deformable. This allows the connection regions to conform to each other during assembly, maximizing contact area and adhesion strength. The flexible nature also allows the connection to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without compromising bond strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coupling elements are used to connect components from the outside, then connection is possible when direct joining at ideal geometric connection points is not feasible, but the geometric configuration requirements are compromised and additional components increase weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connection system where the liquid connection substance can bond various materials (metal, composite, plastic) and the flexible connection regions can accommodate different geometries. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized coupling elements for different material combinations, simplifying the overall connection system while maintaining adaptability.
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 connection system achieves a stable and secure fastening of components with reduced weight and complexity, offering higher load capacity and simplified assembly by leveraging the elastocapillary effect to form a material connection without the need for additional mechanical fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
a material connection is formed between the two connection regions automatically as a result of the elastocapillary effect via the liquid connection substance
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system has a first adhesion segment, on which a first connection region is formed, a second adhesion segment, on which a second connection region is formed, and a solidifiable liquid connection substance for connecting the two adhesion segments in a material fit, wherein at least one of the two connection regions is formed flexibly, such that, when the liquid connection substance is introduced between the two connection regions which are opposite one another in an assembly arrangement of the two adhesion segments, a material connection is formed between the two connection regions automatically as a result of the elastocapillary effect via the liquid connection substance.