Aircraft Wing Box Slip Joint Partition Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing structures face challenges in resisting brazier loads, which cause the upper and lower covers to be urged towards each other, leading to increased complexity and weight in reinforcing fuel tank boundaries between ribs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of slip joints between the partition and the covers, which allow for relative movement and inhibit fuel leakage, reducing the transmission of brazier loads and enabling a lighter partition that improves fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the partition is rigidly coupled to both covers to resist brazier loads, then the structural strength is improved, but the partition weight increases and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the partition movable relative to the covers through slip joints, allowing the partition to move with the covers during wing bending. This dynamic configuration reduces the brazier loads transmitted to the partition, enabling weight reduction while maintaining sufficient strength. The slip joints permit controlled movement that accommodates the bending deformation without requiring a heavy rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the partition and covers is segmented into discrete slip joint connections rather than a continuous rigid attachment. This segmentation allows each connection point to independently accommodate movement while maintaining overall structural integrity, reducing the total weight required for load resistance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the partition is made lighter to improve fuel efficiency, then the fuel efficiency is improved, but the ability to resist brazier loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic slip joint configuration allows the partition to move with the covers during wing bending, reducing the transmitted brazier loads. This enables the partition to be designed with minimal weight while still providing sufficient load resistance, directly improving fuel efficiency without compromising structural strength.
3Weight of moving object
If the partition is made movable to reduce weight, then the partition weight is reduced, but fuel leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slip joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the partition and covers, enabling relative movement while maintaining fuel tightness. The joint design incorporates sealing elements that prevent fuel leakage despite the movable connection, reconciling weight reduction with reliability requirements.
4Reliability
If rigid joints are used to ensure fuel tightness, then the fuel tightness is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slip joint provides a dynamic solution that achieves fuel tightness through a relatively simple movable connection design. By allowing controlled movement, the joint avoids the need for complex rigid reinforcement structures that would be required to maintain tightness under bending loads, reducing overall structural 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
The use of slip joints effectively reduces brazier loads transmitted to the partition, allowing for a lighter structure that enhances fuel efficiency and reduces the complexity and weight associated with reinforcing fuel tank boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric seal may be compressed between the partition and the support member.
Implementation Method 2
The slip joint may contact the blade of the support member.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing box is disclosed having a first cover, a second cover, a partition extending between the first and second cover and configured to provide a fuel tight boundary between the first and second covers, a first joint coupling the partition to the first cover, and a second joint coupling the partition to the second cover. The first joint is a slip joint configured to inhibit fuel leakage across the slip joint whilst permitting relative movement between the partition and the first cover.