Removable Hollow Dorsal Fin for Concealed Aircraft Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small aircraft face limitations in mounting electrical equipment like antennae and sensors due to space constraints on the upper fuselage, requiring a discreet and space-efficient solution that does not compromise mass, speed, or aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A modified hollow dorsal fin with a removable compartment for storing electrical equipment, allowing easy access and integration with the aircraft's fuselage while maintaining structural and aerodynamic functionality, using weatherproof seals and radome materials to ensure signal transmission and concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional housing for sensors and antennae is added to the upper fuselage, then storage capacity for electrical equipment is improved, but aircraft mass increases and aerodynamics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The dorsal fin is designed to serve multiple functions: maintaining aircraft balance and directional stability while simultaneously providing concealed storage space for electrical equipment. By making the dorsal fin hollow and creating an internal compartment, the same structural component performs both aerodynamic and storage functions, eliminating the need for additional housing that would increase mass and affect aerodynamics.
2Quantity of substance
If additional housing for sensors and antennae is added to the upper fuselage, then storage capacity for electrical equipment is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dorsal fin structure is utilized to provide both aerodynamic stability and equipment storage. The hollow construction with internal compartment allows the fin to maintain its aerodynamic shape and function while providing concealed storage space, avoiding any additional aerodynamic drag that would result from adding separate housing structures to the fuselage.
3Ease of operation
If electrical equipment is mounted on the upper fuselage, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but concealment from observers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dorsal fin is divided into segments with the third portion being selectively releasably connected to allow removal. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to remove the fin section to access and maintain electrical equipment, while during normal operation the fin provides concealment by housing the equipment within its hollow structure that is not easily distinguishable from the aircraft exterior.
4Strength
If a permanent riveted composite structure is used for the dorsal fin, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability for different aircraft configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dorsal fin is divided into multiple portions with the third portion selectively releasably connected to the fuselage. This allows the fin to be removed or reconfigured for different aircraft configurations or maintenance needs, while the first and second portions remain fixed to maintain structural strength. The selective connectability provides adaptability without compromising the overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the third portion of the dorsal fin and the fuselage is designed to be selectively releasable, allowing the configuration to change from fixed to removed as needed. This dynamic connection capability enables the dorsal fin to adapt to different operational requirements and aircraft configurations while maintaining structural strength when installed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first embodiment of a hollow dorsal fin (200) that can be selectively releasably connected to the fuselage (120) of an aircraft (100) is described herein. An interior (210) of the hollow dorsal fin (200) comprises a compartment (250). A second embodiment of a hollow dorsal fin (300) is described comprising a compartment (350) in an interior of the hollow dorsal fin (300), an opening (360) configured to provide access to the compartment (350) and a cover (370) for covering the opening (360). An aircraft (100) comprising the hollow dorsal fin (200, 300), a fuselage(120), and electrical equipment (290) is also provided. Methods for providing a hollow dorsal fin (200, 300), and methods for installing electrical equipment (290) on aircraft (100) are also described.