Aircraft Stabilizer Energy Attenuation via Adaptable Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tail skids on aircraft stabilizers absorb impact loads but induce drag, require additional support, and limit the maximum dimensions and ground clearance of the stabilizer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an energy attenuating portion with adaptable sections that are rigid in certain directions and compressible in others, integrated within the stabilizer's aerodynamic design, allowing for a spectrum of stiffness metrics to manage impact and aerodynamic loads without the need for tail skids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tail skids are used to absorb impact loads, then energy absorption capability is improved, but drag is increased and additional support structure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy absorption function with the stabilizer structure itself by integrating an adaptable section into the stabilizer. This eliminates the need for separate tail skids while maintaining impact protection, thereby reducing drag without sacrificing energy absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic stability during flight and absorbs impact energy during landing. The adaptable section enables the stabilizer to transition between these functions by changing its stiffness characteristics based on operational conditions.
2Reliability
If traditional tail skids are used to absorb impact loads, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity is increased due to additional support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy absorption function into the stabilizer structure itself, eliminating the need for separate tail skids and their associated support structures. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining impact protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer serves itself by incorporating an adaptable section that provides energy absorption capability inherently. The stabilizer structure performs both its primary aerodynamic function and the secondary function of impact energy absorption, eliminating the need for additional dedicated components.
3Reliability
If traditional tail skids are used to absorb impact loads, then energy absorption capability is improved, but maximum dimensions and ground clearance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the energy absorption function into the stabilizer structure itself through the adaptable section, the patent eliminates the need for extended tail skids and their support structures. This allows for increased stabilizer dimensions and improved ground clearance while maintaining impact protection.
4Reliability
If adaptable section with varying stiffness is used, then energy attenuation is improved, but manufacturing complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptable section utilizes materials or structures whose stiffness parameters can be varied to achieve different mechanical properties in different directions. This allows the stabilizer to be rigid in directions perpendicular to the impact force while being compressible in the direction of impact, optimizing energy attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials or structures with anisotropic properties that provide different stiffness characteristics in different directions. This enables the adaptable section to exhibit rigid behavior in certain directions while remaining compressible in others, achieving superior energy attenuation through material selection rather than complex geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution minimizes damage to the aircraft's structure during impact, reduces part counts and weight, and enhances aerodynamic performance by integrating energy attenuation within the stabilizer's sleek design, enabling increased surface area and improved landing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the adaptable section is configured to be rigid in directions perpendicular to the direction of the impact load vector and compressible in the direction of the impact load vector
Implementation Method 2
In certain implementations, the adaptable section may be configured to attenuate energy from an impact load vector
Data Source
AI summary
According to one implementation of the present disclosure, a stabilizer of an aircraft includes an energy attenuating portion. The energy attenuating portion includes first and second edge sections separated by an adaptable section. The adaptable section may be rigid in a first range of directions and compressible in a second range of directions.