Inflatable Aircraft Supporting Structure Torque Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable aircraft structures require an inner static supporting structure for heavy components, which occupies space and disrupts the internal volume, making it inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft design eliminates the need for a wing spar by using a supporting structure composed of interconnected rod or tube portions with a connection system that distributes torque, allowing the entire interior to be used for a gas cell and featuring wings that protrude horizontally without deforming the envelope, utilizing CFRP materials for elasticity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an inner static supporting structure is used to support heavy components in inflatable structures, then structural strength is improved, but the internal volume is reduced and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the inner static supporting structure (wing spar) from the inflatable aircraft. Instead of having a rigid internal framework, the design uses the inflatable envelope itself to support the wings, which protrude horizontally from the envelope without requiring internal structural support. This removal of the inner structure fully releases the internal volume for the gas cell while maintaining structural integrity through the elastic properties of the inflatable material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs the inflatable envelope as a flexible shell structure that can support the wings without requiring rigid internal support. The elastic properties of the inflatable material allow it to bear the load of the wings while maintaining its shape, replacing the need for a static inner supporting structure and maximizing the usable internal volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an inner static supporting structure is used to support heavy components, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex inner static supporting structure from the design. The wings are supported directly by the inflatable envelope, eliminating the need for additional internal struts, braces, and connection points that would complicate the structure. This simplification reduces the number of components and assembly steps while maintaining structural stability through the inherent elasticity of the inflatable material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the envelope and the supporting structure into a single integrated system. The inflatable envelope simultaneously serves as the outer shell and the structural support for the wings, eliminating the need for separate inner supporting structures. This integration reduces overall complexity while maintaining structural stability.
3Strength
If CFRP rod portions are used to distribute torque, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) rod portions to connect the wings to the inflatable envelope. CFRP provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the structure to distribute torque effectively while minimizing added weight. The composite material's high specific strength allows for thin, lightweight crossmembers that can bear structural loads without significantly increasing the overall weight of the aircraft.
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
This design enables a fully usable volume for the gas cell, maintains structural integrity, and allows for adjustable aerodynamics while being lightweight and easily transportable.
Implementation Method 1
In addition to the elasticity of CFRP tubes, which are preferably used, distributing the torque to all the components is the main reason why the very thin 'crossmembers' (CFRP rods or tubes) do not break and hold the wings
Implementation Method 2
An aircraft having a supporting structure and an envelope (10) that is tensioned by the supporting structure and can be filled with gas
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft has a supporting structure and a shell that can be filled with a gas and which is tensioned by the supporting structure. The supporting structure includes a plurality of rod or tube-shaped sections which define a circular, oval or polygonal main clamping plane for the shell.