Phase Transforming Cellular Matrix Runway Mat Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temporary aircraft runway mats, such as the AM2 Mat, are heavy, difficult to deploy, and have limited durability, often failing after 750-2050 cycles due to connection failures, and require multiple aircraft to transport, limiting their feasibility for easy installation and extended use.
Innovation Solution
A phase-transformable cellular matrix tile temporary runway mat utilizing bistable or metastable mechanisms in its unit cells, allowing for energy dissipation and increased durability through geometric changes in the microstructure, enabling the mat to withstand more than 2500 landing and takeoff cycles with improved ease of deployment and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional aluminum extruded panels with hinge-pipe connections are used, then the mat structure provides sufficient strength and stability, but the connections become the primary failure point after 750-2050 cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable hinge-pipe connection elements entirely and replaces them with continuous overlapping panels that interlock through friction and gravity, eliminating the weak connection points that caused failure in traditional designs
Solution Approach 2:
The mat is divided into modular panels that can be independently handled and assembled, with each panel containing integrated connection features that eliminate separate connection hardware
2Strength
If thick aluminum panels are used to ensure structural strength, then the mat can support aircraft loads, but the weight and dimensions make the mat difficult to transport and deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The mat system is segmented into smaller, lighter panels that are easier to transport and handle, while maintaining overall structural strength through the interlocking design and distribution of loads across multiple panels
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to be flexible and adaptable during deployment, allowing for easy assembly and configuration while providing rigid support when loaded
3Quantity of substance
If multiple aircraft are used to transport the mat to required locations, then the mat can be delivered, but aircraft payload capacity is often exceeded and transportation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mat system is divided into modular panels that can be transported in smaller quantities using fewer aircraft, with each panel being lightweight enough to fit within standard payload capacities
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to nest or stack efficiently during transport, maximizing the use of available cargo space and reducing the number of transport missions required
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 phase-transformable cellular matrix tile mat demonstrates enhanced durability and ease of use, capable of sustaining significant compressive and shear loads, maintaining functionality through 2000 to 3000 take-off/landing cycles, and facilitating self-alignment and easy assembly, thus addressing the limitations of existing mats.
Implementation Method 1
Phase transformations are initiated by introducing changes to the geometry of the unit cells that define these materials while keeping topology constant. Phase transformations may be introduced into the novel cellular materials via bistable/metastable compliant mechanisms to form the microstructure of cellular materials.
Implementation Method 2
A phase transformation is the change of a thermodynamic system from one phase to another. Martensitic phase transformations play a fundamental role in the behavior of a large class of active materials which include shape memory, ferroelectric and some magnetostrictive alloys.
Implementation Method 3
bistable or metastable mechanisms in its unit cells, allowing for energy dissipation and increased durability through geometric changes in the microstructure
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible runway mat system, including a plurality of base platforms, each respective base platform having a first pattern of phase transforming columns and voids extending from a respective flat member, and a plurality of plane-engaging runway platforms, each respective plane-engaging runway platform having a second, reversed pattern of phase transforming columns and voids extending from a respective flat member such that each respective plane-engaging runway platform is lockingly engagable to a respective base platform to yield a landing segment with parallel top and bottom flat members. Each respective phase transforming column is further comprised of a plurality of stacked operationally connected phase transforming cellular members. Each respective phase transforming cellular member can shift from a first stable configuration to a second stable configuration in response to an applied load.