Aircraft Wing Hollow Structural Member as Electrical Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electrical networks face challenges in reducing fuel consumption and maintaining competitiveness by requiring lightweight, low-loss electrical generators and transmission systems for electrically driven propulsors.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hollow structural member in the aircraft wing as an electrical conductor, which provides a low resistance path for high-frequency electrical power transmission while maintaining structural integrity, utilizing conductive coatings or materials like aluminum and insulating elements to prevent short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional electrical conductors are used to transmit power from generators to electrically driven propulsors, then the electrical transmission system can be implemented, but the weight of the aircraft increases and resistance losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical conductor function with the wing structural member by making the hollow structural member itself the electrical conductor. This integration eliminates the need for separate electrical cables while utilizing the existing structural aluminum alloy material, thereby reducing overall weight and eliminating additional resistance losses from separate conductor materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow structural member of the wing is designed to serve dual functions: providing structural support and carrying electrical current. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both mechanical and electrical requirements, reducing the total mass of the aircraft by eliminating redundant materials.
2Weight of moving object
If the electrical conductor is made hollow to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but the structural integrity and electrical conductivity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting aluminum alloy with high electrical conductivity and appropriate mechanical strength properties. By optimizing the alloy composition and wall thickness parameters, the hollow structural member achieves the required balance between weight reduction, structural integrity, and electrical conductivity for high-frequency power transmission.
3Productivity
If high-frequency electrical power is transmitted through the hollow structural member, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but skin effect increases resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by providing a conductive coating on the inner surface of the hollow structural member. This coating concentrates the current flow in a region with lower resistance, compensating for the skin effect at high frequencies and reducing overall energy losses while maintaining the hollow structure's weight advantages.
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 approach enables efficient electrical power transmission with reduced weight and resistance, enhancing the aircraft's efficiency and competitiveness by utilizing the wing's structural elements for both load-bearing and electrical functions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical motor configured to drive an aircraft propulsor; at least one conductor configured to electrically couple the electrical motor and the electrical generator; wherein the electrical conductor is formed of the hollow structural member of the aircraft wing
Implementation Method 2
The conductor may comprise a conductive coating provided on a surface of the hollow structural member. Alternatively or in addition, the hollow structural member may comprise a conductive material such as aluminium, and may provide a conductive path of the conductor
Implementation Method 3
The conductor may comprise one or more insulators configured to insulate the conductor from surrounding structure, and/or insulate the current carrying element from the current return/ground element
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft has an internal combustion engine and a wing including a hollow structural member. The aircraft has an electrical network including: an electrical motor configured to drive an aircraft propulsor; at least one conductor configured to electrically couple the electrical motor and an electrical storage device; wherein the electrical conductor is formed of the hollow structural member of the aircraft wing.