Modular Fuselage Spine Layout for Rigidity and CG Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircrafts face challenges in achieving rigidity to avoid aeroelastic resonance while being lightweight and cost-effective, with a need for improved flight control, durability, and reduced manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

Aircraft design incorporating a spine structure from tail to nose with modular components that can be detachably attached and positioned to achieve a desired center of gravity, using a computing device to adjust module positions based on weight information for optimal balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional monolithic fuselage structure is used, then structural rigidity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuselage is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together using connection elements. Each module maintains structural integrity while allowing for simplified manufacturing processes and reduced overall complexity compared to a monolithic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If modular sections are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but structural rigidity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidstructural rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple modular sections are connected through robust connection elements that integrate the individual modules into a unified structural system. The connection elements are designed to maintain structural continuity and rigidity across module boundaries, ensuring that the assembled fuselage achieves the required structural performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If fixed module positions are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for different flight missions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability for different flight missions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The module positioning system allows for dynamic adjustment of module locations along the fuselage. Connection elements are designed with degrees of freedom or adjustable mechanisms that enable modules to be repositioned based on different flight mission requirements, optimizing the center of gravity and structural configuration for specific operational tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If multiple connection elements are used for module attachment, then module stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule stabilityVSAvoidconnection element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Connection elements are designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both structural attachment purposes and module positioning functions. The universal connection elements can accommodate different module configurations and attachment requirements through a single standardized interface, reducing the variety of connection components needed while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250388350A1Fuselage spine with modular sections and aero shell
Publication Date: 2025.12.25 AEROVIRONMENT INC
  • US20250388350A1 patent drawing
  • US20250388350A1 patent drawing
  • US20250388350A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods including: a spine spanning from a tail portion to a nose portion of an aircraft, wherein the spine is configured to provide rigidity to the aircraft; and one or more modules configured to be detachably attached to the spine, wherein the one or more modules are configured to be movable on the spine to obtain a desired center of gravity for the aircraft.