Flexible Pillar Structure for Variable Geometry Control Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control surfaces for aircraft wings are either rigid and expensive to implement or deformable but not sufficiently rigid to withstand significant aerodynamic forces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pillar for a flexible frame, comprising an elongated elastic element with higher compressive and tensile stiffness along the longitudinal axis than shear stiffness, made of incompressible elastic material with intercalated metal plates, is used to support variable geometry control surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid control surfaces are used, then the control surfaces can withstand aerodynamic forces, but they are difficult and expensive to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the control surface by using elastic pillars with specifically engineered stiffness characteristics. The pillars have high compressive/tensile stiffness to maintain structural integrity under aerodynamic loads, but low shear stiffness to enable easy deformation for control surface adjustment. This parameter-based design allows the control surface to be both strong and adaptable without requiring complex rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite elastic pillars made from elastomeric material that combines different mechanical properties. The elastic material provides both the necessary strength to withstand aerodynamic forces and the flexibility to allow controlled deformation. This composite approach replaces traditional rigid materials while maintaining structural integrity and adding deformability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformable control surfaces are used, then the control surfaces are easily deformable, but they are not sufficiently rigid to withstand significant aerodynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by carefully controlling the stiffness parameters of the elastic pillars. The compressive and tensile stiffness is designed to be high to maintain rigidity under aerodynamic loading, while the shear stiffness is designed to be low to facilitate easy deformation during control surface adjustment. This selective parameter optimization allows the control surface to exhibit both deformability and sufficient rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different stiffness characteristics to different aspects of the pillar's mechanical behavior. The elastic pillars have localized stiffness properties: they are stiff in compression and tension to resist aerodynamic forces, but compliant in shear to allow deformation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties enables the control surface to simultaneously achieve strength and adaptability.
3Force
If a flexible pillar has high compressive and tensile stiffness, then it can transmit forces efficiently along the longitudinal axis, but it may resist deformation in directions that should be flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating an anisotropic stiffness profile in the elastic pillars. The compressive and tensile stiffness parameters are set to high values to ensure efficient force transmission along the longitudinal axis during normal operation. Meanwhile, the shear stiffness parameter is set to a low value to allow easy deformation in transverse directions when needed for control surface adjustment. This selective parameter tuning enables the pillar to be both a strong force transmitter and a flexible adaptor.
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 flexible pillar allows for efficient force transmission with minimal longitudinal deformation while facilitating easy transverse deformation, providing a rigid yet adaptable framework for aircraft control surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible pillar (1) comprises at least one elastic element (6) of elongated shape in the direction of a longitudinal axis (XX)
Implementation Method 2
at least the first elastic segment and/or the second elastic segment is made of an incompressible elastic material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
- The flexible pillar (1), intended to be arranged on a variable geometry control surface comprising an upper skin and a lower skin, and comprising at least one elastic element (6) having an elongated shape in the direction of a longitudinal axis (XX), said flexible pillar (1) as well as at least one first end (8) and a second end (9) along the longitudinal axis (XX), said flexible pillar (1) being configured to be arranged between the upper skin (4) and the lower skin (5) such that the elastic element (6) is able to be fixed to the upper skin (4) at a first end (8) of the flexible pillar (1) and is able to be fixed to the lower skin (5) at a second end (9) of the flexible pillar (1),said flexible pillar (1) having a compressive and tensile stiffness about the longitudinal axis (XX) of the flexible pillar (1) which is greater than a shear stiffness of the flexible pillar (1) about a transverse axis (YY) of the flexible pillar (1), said flexible pillar (1) making it possible to obtain a support having a longitudinal direction capable of transmitting forces between its ends, and this without deforming (or very little) along its longitudinal direction and being able to deform easily in a direction transverse to said longitudinal direction.