Aircraft Nacelle Internal Structure With Integrated Splice Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft nacelle fixed internal structures rely on flexible honeycomb structures, which are costly and require multiple components, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective design.
Innovation Solution
Integrate shoes directly into splices fixed to the panels, eliminating the need for flexible honeycomb structures by using splices with integrated recesses and pads, and incorporating stiffeners or ribs for added rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible honeycomb structures are used at junctions to accommodate curvature, then the structure can accommodate curvature and maintain flexibility, but the manufacturing cost increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the shoe and splice into a single integrated component. The splice is formed with recesses that directly receive and secure the pads, eliminating the need for separate honeycomb structures. This integration maintains the necessary curvature accommodation while simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the flexible honeycomb structure from the design. By using rigid splices with integrated recesses to accommodate curvature, the costly and complex honeycomb component is removed entirely, while still achieving the required adaptability through the recess geometry and pad positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible honeycomb structures are used at junctions, then the structure can accommodate curvature, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe and splice are merged into a single integrated component. The splice is formed with recesses that directly receive and secure the pads, eliminating the need for separate honeycomb structures. This integration maintains the necessary curvature accommodation while simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the expensive flexible honeycomb structure with a simpler, more cost-effective rigid splice design. The recesses in the splice provide the necessary curvature accommodation without requiring costly flexible materials, achieving the same functional outcome at lower manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If shoes are fixed a posteriori on panels using fasteners, then the structure can be assembled, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pads are pre-integrated into the splice structure during manufacturing, with recesses formed directly in the splice. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate post-assembly steps to attach shoes to panels, significantly reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining proper alignment and secure attachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fixed internal structure (200) for a nacelle, comprising end panels (200a), a semi-cylindrical intermediate panel (200c), and, between the end panels (200a), splices (210a) between the intermediate panel (200c) and each end panel (200a), wherein each splice (210a) consists of a skin (312) with an inner face (312a) fixed to the panels (200a, 200c) and at least one recess (314) projecting from an outer face (312b), and a pad (506) fixed to each mounting surface (316) of a recess (314), wherein each pad (506) of the upper splice (210a) bears against a surface of a reactor mast (108), and wherein each pad (506) of The lower splice rests against a pad (506) of a lower splice of another fixed internal structure (200). With such an arrangement, it is no longer necessary to put in place a flexible honeycomb structure.