Rectilinear Coupling Elements for Aircraft Curved Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting arrangements for curved ribs in aircraft and spacecraft require multiple, costly coupling elements with high production costs and material loss, as each element must be specifically adapted for different inner radii and rib heights, leading to inefficiencies and increased production time.
Innovation Solution
A connecting arrangement using rectilinear coupling elements that connect to rectilinear inner belt regions of the ribs, allowing for the same geometries to be used across different fuselage positions, reducing production costs and material waste by using extruded profiles or simple plate edge parts, and avoiding stress concentrations through transition radii.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If coupling elements are specifically adapted for each inner radius and rib height, then the connecting arrangement achieves precise geometric fit, but the production costs and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized coupling element geometry that can be used across multiple rib positions with different inner radii and heights. The coupling element is made universal through the use of rectilinear connecting sections that can interface with various rib configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized coupling elements while maintaining precise geometric fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the connecting sections of the ribs to have rectilinear geometry rather than curved geometry. This parameter change in the rib design allows a single coupling element geometry to accommodate multiple rib configurations, resolving the contradiction between geometric precision and part multiplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If coupling elements are specifically adapted for each inner radius and rib height, then the connecting arrangement achieves precise geometric fit, but the production time and material loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized coupling element design allows for mass production of identical components, significantly reducing production time compared to manufacturing custom-curved coupling elements for each rib position. The universal geometry enables streamlined manufacturing processes and reduced material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, easily manufacturable coupling elements with rectilinear geometry that can be produced cost-effectively and quickly, replacing the need for expensive, time-consuming production of custom-adapted coupling elements.
3Strength
If curved coupling elements are used to match the inner belt contour, then the connecting arrangement achieves proper structural alignment, but the manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the rib structure into distinct zones: curved inner belt regions for structural integrity and rectilinear connecting sections for simplified manufacturing. This segmentation allows the coupling elements to interface with the rectilinear sections, achieving proper structural alignment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different geometries in different locations of the rib structure. The inner belt regions maintain their curved geometry for structural alignment, while the connecting sections have rectilinear geometry for ease of manufacture. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural requirements and manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting device two curved ribs (1, 2) of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: a coupling element (5) which can be connected by means of predetermined coupling sections (6, 7) to respective connecting sections (Vl, V2) of the two ribs (1, 2); wherein at least the predetermined coupling sections (6, 7) of the coupling element (5) are rectilinear Iy designed; and in that at least the respective connecting sections (Vi, V2) of the two ribs (1, 2) each have rectilinearly running inner belt regions (15) for a respective rectilinear connection of the predetermined coupling sections {6, 7) of the coupling element (5).