Splice Assembly Angled Mating Surfaces Stringer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of joining stringers in aircraft construction is inefficient due to nonalignment issues, leading to increased fabrication time and costs, as it requires complex alignment processes, shims, and extensive fastening procedures.
Innovation Solution
A splice assembly comprising complementary splice brackets with angled mating surfaces and connecting members that fit within the 'U'-shaped cross-section of stringers, allowing for alignment and fastening regardless of stringer nonalignment, and a method to direct loads through these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional splice joints are used to join stringers, then structural components can be connected, but alignment difficulties require complex tooling and shims, increasing fabrication time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment fixture as an intermediary device that mediates between the stringers and the splice plate. The fixture includes alignment features that engage with corresponding features on the stringers to automatically establish proper alignment, eliminating the need for complex tooling and shims. This intermediary device simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a straightforward alignment mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional splice joints are used to join stringers, then structural components can be connected, but extensive alignment processes and shims are required, increasing fabrication complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment fixture serves as an intermediary that simplifies the joining process. It includes alignment features such as pins, slots, or tapered surfaces that automatically guide the stringers into proper alignment with the splice plate, eliminating the need for complex alignment processes and multiple shims.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment fixture is designed to perform preliminary alignment actions before the final fastening process. The fixture pre-establishes the correct geometric relationship between stringers and splice plate through its built-in alignment features, so that when fasteners are installed, the components are already properly aligned, eliminating the need for post-alignment adjustments.
3Strength
If traditional splice joints are used to join stringers, then structural components can be connected, but extensive fastening procedures are required, increasing fabrication time
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment fixture performs preliminary alignment actions that ensure proper positioning of fastening holes and mating surfaces before fastening begins. This preliminary action prevents misalignment during fastening, allowing for more efficient fastening procedures with fewer adjustments needed, thereby reducing fabrication time while maintaining connection strength.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~4A
Figure 2B~4B
AI summary
A splice assembly 100 includes a first splice bracket 102a including first longitudinal axis Xa, a first connecting member 104a, and a first mating member 106a extending from the first connecting member 104a along the first longitudinal axis Xa, the first mating member 106a including a first mating surface 108a disposed as a non-zero first angle relative to the first longitudinal axis Xa. The disclosed slice assembly 100 further includes a second splice bracket 102b including second longitudinal axis Xb, a second connecting member 104b, and a second mating member 106b extending from the second connecting member 104b along the second longitudinal axis Xb, the second mating member 106b including a second mating surface 108b disposed as a non-zero second angle relative to the second longitudinal axis Xb. The first mating surface 108a and the second mating surface 108b are complementary. Surface contact between the first mating surface 108a and the second mating surface 108b defines a fastening location for connecting the first splice bracket 102a and the second splice bracket 102b.