Integral Clip Rib for Aircraft Wing Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting ribs to stringers in aircraft wing structures, which involve stringer clips, introduce inefficiencies such as complex manufacturing, added weight, and stress concentrations due to fasteners and holes, necessitating a more direct and efficient load transfer mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A rib design for aircraft wings that includes a web with integral shear ties and clips, where the clips are formed integrally with the web, allowing direct engagement with stringers and reducing the need for fasteners, thereby enhancing load distribution and reducing stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stringer clips with fasteners are used to connect the rib to the stringer, then the rib can be connected to the stringer, but the weight increases and stress concentrations are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is merged with the rib web to form an integral structure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners. The clip extends from the web and is configured to engage the stringer directly, combining the functions of connection and structural support into a single integrated component, thereby reducing weight while maintaining connection strength.
2Strength
If stringer clips with fasteners are used to connect the rib to the stringer, then the rib can be connected to the stringer, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is formed as an integral part of the rib web through composite manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps involving multiple fasteners and components. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the structural connection between the rib and stringer.
3Ease of operation
If stringer holes are formed in the rib to accommodate stringers, then the stringer can pass through the rib, but the load distribution ability of the rib is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is segmented from the rib web through the integral clip structure. The clip extends from the web and engages the stringer separately, allowing the stringer to pass through the rib without creating large holes in the main web structure. This segmentation preserves the load distribution ability of the rib while still accommodating the stringer.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A rib (44) is disclosed for use in a torque box assembly (120) of a wing structure provided on an aircraft (20). The wing structure has a skin panel (72, 74) and a stringer (82) coupled to the skin panel. The rib includes a web (60) defining at least one stringer hole (90) sized to receive the stringer, a shear tie (70) coupled to the web and configured to engage the skin panel, and a clip (100) positioned adjacent the at least one stringer hole. The clip has a base (102) coupled to and aligned with the web, a head (104) extending at an angle relative to the base and configured to engage the stringer, and a transition portion (106) extending between the base and the head.