Symmetric Wing Rib Center Plane Fastener Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing aircraft wing rib structures require a large number of fasteners for assembly, which increases the cost and weight of the aircraft, and can lead to inefficient load paths and potential material stress issues.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrical rib structure design featuring a structural web with a center plane, web stiffeners, a flange with a fastener hole aligned with the web center plane, and cutouts around the fastener hole, allowing for single-row installation of large fasteners around the periphery, reducing the number of fasteners needed and improving load path efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional asymmetric rib structure with multiple rows of fasteners is used, then the structural integrity and load distribution are maintained, but the number of fasteners increases significantly, leading to increased weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a symmetric rib structure that contrasts with traditional asymmetric ribs. This symmetric configuration allows fasteners to be positioned along the center plane of symmetry, enabling a single row of fasteners to effectively distribute loads across the rib structure, thereby reducing the total number of fasteners needed while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional multi-row fastener arrangement (distributed across width and length) to a single-row configuration aligned with the center plane of symmetry. This dimensional reorganization concentrates fastening effort along one primary axis (the center plane), achieving effective load distribution with fewer fasteners by exploiting the symmetric geometry of the rib
2Strength
If multiple rows of fasteners are installed around the periphery of an asymmetric rib, then adequate structural support is provided, but the assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a symmetric rib structure, the patent enables fasteners to be aligned along the center plane of symmetry. This symmetric configuration simplifies the fastening pattern to a single row, reducing assembly steps and improving productivity compared to the multiple rows required for asymmetric ribs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fastening function into a single row of fasteners aligned with the center plane of symmetry, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate rows. This merging of fastening operations into one unified pattern reduces assembly time and manufacturing complexity while maintaining adequate structural support
3Quantity of substance
If a symmetric rib structure with center plane fasteners is used, then the number of fasteners is reduced and weight is decreased, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by inverting the traditional approach: instead of using asymmetric ribs that require complex multi-row fastening, it employs a symmetric rib design with a center plane of symmetry. This symmetric geometry simplifies the fastener arrangement to a single row, reducing design complexity while minimizing the number of fasteners needed
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional asymmetric rib structures are used, then manufacturing experience and existing tooling are utilized, but the overall weight and cost of the aircraft increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a symmetric rib structure that departs from traditional asymmetric ribs. This symmetric configuration enables a single row of fasteners aligned with the center plane, significantly reducing the number of fasteners and resulting weight, while the manufacturing process remains accessible through standard fastening techniques
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A symmetrical rib structure (600) and methods are presented. A structural web (408) comprises a web center plane (608) and a plurality of web stiffeners (614), and is symmetrical about the web center plane. A flange (714) is configured on a periphery (728) of the symmetrical rib structure, and a fastener hole (706) is configured in the flange and comprises a fastener hole centerline (718) aligned with the web center plane. A cutout (620) is configured in the structural web around the fastener hole, and two support columns (724 and 726) are coupled to the flange on opposite sides of the cutout.