Geometrically Isotropic Core Structure for Aircraft Shear Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft support structures face challenges in efficiently reinforcing skins to withstand shear loads and maintain structural integrity while being lightweight, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for uniform stress resistance in all directions.
Innovation Solution
A geometrically isotropic support structure composed of hollow core members with radially extending projections, forming layers that connect adjacent members to provide uniform stress resistance and can also function as a heat exchanger by fluidly interconnecting interior spaces for temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional support structures are used to reinforce aircraft skins, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and uniform stress resistance in all directions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of hollow core members with geometrically isotropic shapes (such as spheres or polyhedra) arranged in an array and connected by protrusions. This composite architecture provides enhanced structural strength while maintaining lightweight properties, as the hollow cores reduce material usage compared to solid structures, yet the interconnected array configuration ensures uniform stress distribution in all directions through its geometric isotropy.
2Reliability
If heavier support structures are used to withstand shear loads, then durability is improved, but the structure becomes less lightweight and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The array of hollow core members forms a composite lattice structure that achieves high durability through its geometric configuration rather than material mass. The geometrically isotropic shapes and their interconnected arrangement distribute shear loads uniformly across the entire structure, providing exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to deformation without requiring heavy materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of geometrically isotropic shapes (spheres or polyhedra with radial symmetry) for the core members ensures uniform stress distribution in all directions. This spherical or polyhedral geometry naturally resists shear loads from any direction equally, enhancing durability while maintaining lightweight construction, as curved surfaces distribute stresses more efficiently than flat or angular structures.
3Strength
If solid core members are used for structural support, then strength is improved, but heat exchanger functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow core members serve dual functions: they provide structural support through their geometrically isotropic array configuration, and they enable heat exchanger functionality through their hollow interiors. The same structural elements that reinforce the aircraft skin also act as heat transfer channels, allowing thermal fluid to flow through the hollow cores and exchange heat with the surrounding structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate heat exchanger components.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of hollow core members creates a porous-like structure with interconnected void spaces that can be utilized for fluid flow and heat transfer. The hollow interiors of the core members, connected through protrusions or gaps between adjacent members, form a network of channels that allow thermal fluid to circulate, enabling the structural support system to simultaneously function as a heat exchanger.
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 support structure enhances durability, rigidity, and wear resistance by evenly distributing loads in all directions and maintains fuel temperature above freezing during flight by using the core members' geometrically isotropic design and heat exchanger functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Passages in the projections fluidly interconnect the interior spaces. An intake manifold is fluidly connected to the interior spaces of the core members for directing heated fluid thereto to be conducted into the fuel tank.
Implementation Method 2
heated fluid thereto to be conducted into the fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for reinforcing first and second skins in an aircraft component includes a plurality of core members connected together to form at least one layer. Each core member has a geometrically isotropic shape.