One-Piece Stiffened Panel Fitting for Load Transfer and Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing arrangement of stiffened panels in aerospace applications is not weight efficient and is complex and time-consuming to assemble, particularly when composite materials are used, leading to compromised structural integrity and mechanical performance due to poor composite quality in tight corners at stiffener junctions.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece fitting that integrates load transfer between stiffeners and engagement with other components, made from materials like aluminum or composite materials, using additive manufacturing processes, which simplifies assembly and eliminates the need for redundant stiffener material in gaps, thereby improving weight efficiency and composite quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If separate fittings are used for load transfer and engagement functions, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight efficiency deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the load transfer fitting and engagement fitting into a single integrated fitting component. This merging eliminates the need for separate fittings, reducing overall weight and simplifying assembly operations while maintaining both load transfer and engagement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fitting is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides load transfer between stiffeners and also provides engagement with external components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized fittings, improving weight efficiency and reducing assembly complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If composite stiffeners are used to reduce weight, then weight efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to poor composite quality in tight corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fitting from the composite stiffener structure, making it a separate component. This eliminates the need to form composite material in tight corner regions where the fittings connect, avoiding the manufacturing precision issues associated with composite work in difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining weight efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is segmented into a separate component from the composite stiffeners. This segmentation allows the composite stiffeners to be manufactured without the complexity of forming tight corners at junctions, improving composite quality while maintaining the weight benefits of composite materials.
3Productivity
If traditional separate fittings are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming assembly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the load transfer fitting and engagement fitting into a single integrated component, the number of assembly operations is reduced. This eliminates the need to separately install multiple fittings, thereby improving assembly speed and productivity while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece fitting (56) for a stiffened panel (51) comprising a panel body (52) with a plurality of stiffeners (53, 54, 55) arranged thereon, the fitting comprising a fitting body (56) configured to be fastened, in use, to two or more of the stiffeners (53, 54, 55) so as to provide a junction to transfer load between the two or more stiffeners, wherein the fitting body further comprises an integral functional fitting (57) arranged for engagement with a component other than the stiffened panel.