Aircraft Flap Support Hybrid Structure Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flap supports for aircraft wings lack a combination of high strength and lightweight design, particularly in supporting high lift trailing edge flaps, leading to inadequate load-bearing capacity and increased aerodynamic drag.
Innovation Solution
The integration of the hinge device into the reinforcement structure within a fairing shell made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials, combined with metal reinforcement, creates a hybrid structure that distributes loads effectively and minimizes weight, while the streamlined outer surface reduces drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hinge device is integrated into the reinforcement structure, then the load-bearing capacity and safety are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is merged with the reinforcement structure to form an integrated unit. The reinforcement structure serves dual purposes: strengthening the fairing shell and providing the hinge mechanism for flap articulation. This integration eliminates separate components and reduces overall system complexity while enhancing load-bearing capacity through the reinforced structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it reinforces the fairing shell against aerodynamic loads and provides the hinge device for flap articulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high reliability.
2Weight of moving object
If fiber-reinforced plastic material is used for the fairing shell, then the weight is reduced, but the strength may be insufficient without additional reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing shell is constructed from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite material, which combines the lightweight properties of plastic with the strength of embedded fibers. This composite structure provides an optimal balance between weight reduction and strength enhancement, allowing the fairing shell to be both lightweight and sufficiently strong for aerodynamic loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure is strategically positioned at critical locations within the fairing shell where highest stresses occur, particularly around the hinge device attachment points. This localized reinforcement provides maximum strength where needed while maintaining overall lightweight design, avoiding unnecessary material throughout the entire structure.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the fairing shell has a streamlined outer surface, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fairing shell features a streamlined outer surface with smooth curves and aerodynamic contours that reduce drag. The curved geometry is integrated into the FRP manufacturing process, allowing the complex shape to be formed in a single molding operation, thereby minimizing manufacturing complexity despite the aerodynamic optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A flap support for supporting a flap of a wing for an aircraft is disclosed and includes a load bearing fairing shell and a reinforcement structure at least partially received in the interior space of the fairing structure and mounted to the first and second side wall portions of the fairing shell. The fairing shell includes a front attachment device configured for attachment to a main wing, and the reinforcement structure includes an aft attachment device configured for attachment to the main wing. The flap support further includes a hinge device configured for forming an articulated connection to the flap.