Wing-Fuselage Joint Using Spherical Bearings for Shear Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wing-fuselage joint connections in aircraft face challenges such as flexibility restrictions, high manufacturing complexity and cost, stress concentrations, and the need for rapid assembly and disassembly, while also requiring specialized analysis due to bending moment transfer.
Innovation Solution
A wing-fuselage joint using spherical bearings and supporting structures that allow for high strength and flexibility, transferring shear forces in multiple directions while minimizing bending moments, enabling quick assembly and disassembly, and reducing fuselage size and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pin joints are used to attach wing to fuselage, then structural connection is achieved, but flexibility is restricted and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joining member is divided into multiple functional segments: a platform that couples to the fuselage, brackets that couple to the wing spar, and spherical bearings that enable relative motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spherical bearings that allow the wing to pivot and translate relative to the fuselage, transforming the rigid pin joint into a dynamic connection. This enables the structure to adapt to flight loads and thermal expansion, reducing manufacturing constraints while maintaining strength.
2Force
If traditional wing-fuselage joints are used, then load transfer is achieved, but bending moment transfer increases fuselage complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearings enable the wing to pivot and translate, converting bending moments into simpler shear forces that are easier to manage. This dynamic connection reduces the complexity of fuselage structure while maintaining effective load transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the bending moment transfer function from the fuselage structure by allowing relative motion at the joint. This separates the load transfer function from the fuselage structural requirements, simplifying fuselage design while maintaining load transfer capability.
3Strength
If rigid connections are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joining member is designed as an integrated assembly of platform, brackets, and spherical bearings that can be installed as a single unit. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the coordinated function of its components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearings are pre-assembled within the joining member, allowing the entire assembly to be quickly installed without complex field adjustments. The dynamic capabilities are built-in during manufacturing, reducing on-site assembly time while preserving structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If spherical bearings are used to allow wing movement, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearings are integrated within the joining member assembly, combining the bearing function with the structural connection function. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, enables relative motion through spherical bearings, and transfers loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving flexibility.
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 joint effectively transfers shear forces to the fuselage while minimizing bending moments, reducing fuselage complexity and cost, and allowing for rapid assembly, while maintaining structural integrity under various loads.
Implementation Method 1
a first bearing, the first bearing including a first spherical bearing that allows the mounting platform to pivot in a first plane and translate in a second direction perpendicular in relation to the first plane
Implementation Method 2
a second bearing, the second bearing including a second spherical bearing that allows the mounting platform to pivot in a second plane and translate in a first direction aligned with the first plane
Data Source
AI summary
A wing fuselage joint for an aircraft having joining members which include a first configuration and a second configuration. The joining members of the first configuration include a platform and bracket configured to pivot in a lateral plane and translate in a longitudinal direction. The joining members of the second configuration include a platform and bracket configured to pivot in a longitudinal plane and translate in a lateral direction. The joining members of either configuration join the fuselage structure and the spar of an aircraft together.