Inverted V-Tail Hinge Assembly for Tolerance-Friendly Aircraft Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft designs, particularly twin-boom VTOL aircraft, face challenges in efficiently and precisely assembling inverted V-tail stabilizer configurations due to the need for precise engineering to align structural components, which complicates the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A system is introduced for connecting aerodynamic structures, such as booms and stabilizers, using flange arrangements and fastening members to create hinge points, allowing for rotational assembly and accommodating manufacturing tolerances, thereby simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid structural connections are used to connect booms and stabilizers, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but assembly precision requirements increase and manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed connections with hinge-based rotational connections. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin that allows the stabilizer to rotate relative to the boom, transforming the static rigid connection into a dynamic articulated connection. This enables the structure to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations while maintaining structural integrity through the hinge mechanism's inherent flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the connection geometry from rigid fixed-position joints to hinge joints with rotational degrees of freedom. The hinge pin and associated mounting brackets create a connection that allows angular adjustment, changing the connection parameters from fixed to variable, thereby reducing assembly precision requirements while maintaining structural strength.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment methods are used to connect aerodynamic structures, then assembly accuracy is improved, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection allows the stabilizer to be attached to the boom without requiring precise pre-alignment, as the rotational degree of freedom accommodates position variations. This dynamic connection method significantly reduces assembly time compared to rigid connections that would require meticulous alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge pin acts as an intermediary element that mediates the connection between the boom and stabilizer. Instead of requiring direct precise contact between structural components, the hinge pin serves as a forgiving intermediate connection that absorbs alignment errors and simplifies the assembly process.
3Reliability
If complex fastening systems are used to ensure secure connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct modular components: hinge pins, mounting brackets, and fastening elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall system while maintaining connection reliability through the coordinated function of these standardized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly design incorporates universal mounting brackets and standardized hinge pins that can be used across multiple boom-stabilizer connections. This multi-functionality reduces the variety of unique fastening systems needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining secure reliable connections through proven hinge mechanics.
Data Source
AI summary
A system allowing for the connection of boom-mounted stabilizers on an inverted V-tail aircraft where hinge connections are provided between the bottom of each stabilizer and each boom, and an additional hinge connection is provided at the tops of each of the stabilizers at the apex where the two are connected. The movability of the stabilizers together to be joined at the apex avoids costs in engineering and manufacture.