Segmented Pivot Bulkhead Splice Design for Aircraft Tail Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aircraft tail assemblies with one-piece pivot bulkheads are burdensome and complex to install, limiting manufacturing efficiency and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece pivot bulkhead structure secured by splices, with a longeron extending orthogonally and including discontinuities bridged by additional splices, enhances the interface between aft and forward fuselage sections, providing improved load transfer and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a one-piece pivot bulkhead is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation becomes burdensome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bulkhead is divided into multiple separate pieces (forward bulkhead portion and aft bulkhead portion) that can be manufactured and prepared independently, then assembled together using splices. This segmentation makes the bulkhead easier to handle during installation while maintaining structural integrity through the splice connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If a multi-piece pivot bulkhead is used, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead is segmented into multiple pieces that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes, allowing for improved manufacturing efficiency and quality control. The separate portions can be produced independently and then assembled through splices, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the multi-piece design.
Solution Approach 2:
Splices serve as intermediary components that connect the separate bulkhead portions. These splices simplify the manufacturing process by providing standardized connection interfaces, allowing each bulkhead portion to be manufactured independently and then easily assembled into the complete structure.
3Ease of operation
If the longeron is continuous through the pivot bulkhead, then structural strength is maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longeron is divided into separate sections with discontinuities at the pivot bulkhead location. Each longeron section can be installed independently alongside its corresponding bulkhead portion, simplifying the installation process. The splices bridge these discontinuities to maintain the load-transfer capability and structural strength of the longeron system.
Solution Approach 2:
Splices act as intermediary elements that bridge the longeron discontinuities at the pivot bulkhead. These splices maintain the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the longeron while allowing for simplified installation of separate longeron sections.
4Device complexity
If splices are used to join bulkhead parts, then installation complexity reduces, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splices serve as intermediary components with standardized interfaces that simplify the assembly process. By providing predefined connection points and standardized joining mechanisms, the splices reduce overall assembly complexity while establishing clear manufacturing precision requirements for the interface fittings and connections.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft tail assembly includes an aft fuselage section secured to a forward fuselage section, and includes a stiffener-reinforced pivot bulkhead defined by separate parts secured together by a first set of splices. A longeron extends longitudinally along the aft and forward fuselage sections, and includes a discontinuity adjacent a peripheral edge of the pivot bulkhead. The aircraft tail assembly includes a second set of splices that overlie the discontinuity. One of the second set of splices extends laterally over the longeron to bridge the discontinuity adjacent the peripheral edge of the pivot bulkhead, and another of the second set of splices extends longitudinally along the longeron to secure the longeron to the pivot bulkhead adjacent the discontinuity. A chord engages the peripheral edge of the pivot bulkhead to facilitate transfers of force loads from the bulkhead along a load path that includes the longerons and the splices.