Wing Battery Assembly Layout to Minimize Structural Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of batteries into aircraft wings faces challenges such as space occupation, impact on aerodynamic efficiency, structural interference, and load transfer, which affect the wing's operation and maintenance, particularly in electrically driven aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A battery assembly is configured to be mounted within the wing with one side attached to a support structure and the opposite side free, decoupling it from structural loads, using a thermomechanical cover for protection and a thermal management system to maintain optimal temperatures, and allowing for easy access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are installed within the wing to provide adequate energy capacity, then energy storage capacity is improved, but the wing occupies more space and may affect aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions batteries at the trailing edge of the wing in a spanwise direction, utilizing the three-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows adequate energy storage capacity while minimizing interference with the wing's aerodynamic profile and internal volume for other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates battery installation at the trailing edge region rather than distributing them throughout the entire wing. This localized approach provides sufficient energy capacity while leaving other wing regions available for structural elements, fuel tanks, or aerodynamic optimizations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are mounted within the wing, then energy capacity is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised due to load transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts batteries from the main structural load path by positioning them at the trailing edge, separated from the primary spar and rib structures that bear bending and twisting loads. This extraction prevents batteries from interfering with structural integrity while maintaining energy capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dedicated battery mounting brackets or support structures as intermediary elements between the batteries and the wing structure. These intermediaries isolate batteries from direct load transfer, protecting both the battery integrity and the wing's structural strength under aerodynamic and maneuvering loads.
3Use of energy by moving object
If battery volume is increased to provide adequate energy capacity, then energy storage is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spanwise dimension at the trailing edge for battery placement, arranging batteries along the span rather than increasing chordwise thickness. This dimensional strategy accommodates adequate energy storage volume while preserving the wing's aerodynamic profile and minimizing drag penalties.
4Reliability
If mounting structure is added to secure batteries, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery assembly into modular units that can be independently mounted to the wing structure. Each battery or battery group has its own simplified mounting brackets, avoiding the need for a single complex integrated mounting system. This segmentation improves reliability through secure attachment while reducing overall mounting structure complexity.
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 configuration reduces mechanical stress on batteries, facilitates easier maintenance, and enhances the aircraft's structural integrity and efficiency by minimizing load transfer and optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal management system to maintain optimal temperatures
Implementation Method 2
using a thermomechanical cover for protection
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery assembly configured to be mounted within at least one wing of at least one aircraft. The battery assembly includes at least one battery module which includes at least one battery cell. The battery assembly further includes at least one mounting structure configured to mount the battery module, along a mounting side of the battery module, to at least one support structure within the wing. The battery assembly is free of a mounting structure for mounting the battery module along a second side of the battery module, the second side being substantially opposite from the mounting side. The present disclosure further relates to wing of an aircraft, an aircraft, and method for installing a battery assembly.