Aircraft Stabilizer Back Up Beam Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional structural architecture designs for aircraft horizontal stabilizers are inefficient, with a convoluted load path, limited space constraints, and the need for large forces and heavy tools to torque tension bolts, leading to various inefficiencies and drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
The use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) C-Channel beams and titanium back up fittings, along with metallic I-beams, to support fuselage pivot fittings and longeron fittings, allowing all horizontal stabilizer loads to be contained within the forward unpressurized fuselage section, and a method for assembling these structures with specific back up fittings to secure the pivot fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metallic back up fittings and bathtub fittings are used to support horizontal stabilizer loads, then the load path is established, but the load path becomes convoluted and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate fittings (back up fittings and bathtub fittings) into a single integrated back up beam structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate bathtub fittings to connect skin and longerons, as the back up beam directly provides both support and connection functions, thereby simplifying the load path and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary intermediate bathtub fittings from the load path. By using back up beams that directly attach to the skin and provide structural support, the design removes the convoluted intermediate connection elements, creating a more direct and efficient load transfer path from the horizontal stabilizer to the fuselage structure.
2Ease of operation
If traditional structural architecture with longeron fitting ribs is used, then load support is provided, but space between longeron fitting ribs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The back up beam is divided into multiple sections or segments along its length, with each segment capable of independently supporting fittings. This segmentation allows for optimized spacing and positioning of fittings without the constraints of traditional longeron fitting rib configurations, providing greater flexibility in space utilization and easier access for operations.
3Strength
If traditional tension bolts are used to secure fittings, then connections are established, but large forces are required to torque the tension bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional high-strength tension bolt connections with alternative fastening mechanisms that achieve equivalent or superior connection strength without requiring large torque forces. This substitution may involve using friction-based connections, interlocking mechanisms, or specialized fasteners that eliminate the need for heavy torque application, thereby reducing the force requirement while maintaining connection integrity.
4Ease of operation
If traditional structural architecture is used, then load support is provided, but awkward and heavy tools are required to torque tension bolts
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing traditional tension bolt connections with alternative fastening systems, the patent eliminates the need for heavy torque tools. The new connection method allows for the use of lighter, more maneuverable installation tools that are easier to access and operate in tight spaces, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing tool weight requirements.
5Strength
If traditional metallic back up fittings are used, then pivot fitting loads are supported, but the system requires separate bathtub fittings to transfer load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the load-bearing function of back up fittings with the load transfer function of bathtub fittings into a single integrated back up beam structure. This back up beam directly supports pivot fitting loads while simultaneously transferring loads to the fuselage skin and longerons, eliminating the need for separate bathtub fittings and reducing the total number of components while maintaining full load-bearing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle, such as an aircraft, structural architecture for supporting a horizontal stabilizer with a back up beam having an upper longeron fitting connected to the front side and secured with a back up fitting on the back side, a lower longeron fitting connected to the front side and secured with a back up fitting on the back side, and a pivot fitting connected to the front side of the first back up beam in between the upper longeron fitting and the lower longeron fitting and secured with a third back up fitting on the back side of the back up beam.