Wing High-Lift Overlap Structure for Hidden Leading-Edge Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft wing assemblies face challenges in maintaining aerodynamic performance and assembly efficiency due to the presence of fasteners in the airflow path and complex connection requirements between the leading edge structure and the upper surface, which can affect airflow laminarity and require strict tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft wing assembly incorporates a high lift device that overlaps the connection point in the retracted position, reducing fasteners in the airflow path and using a drive mechanism to move the high lift device between positions, along with a spar design that allows easy access and secure attachment of components, including a modular drive mechanism for simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are used to secure the leading edge structure to the upper surface, then the structural connection is achieved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to fasteners being in the airflow path
Solution Approach 1:
The high lift device is designed to overlap and cover the connection point between the leading edge structure and upper surface when in the retracted position, effectively extracting the fasteners from the airflow path while maintaining their structural function
Solution Approach 2:
The high lift device acts as an intermediary element that covers the connection point, mediating between the structural connection requirement and the aerodynamic performance requirement by hiding the fasteners from the airflow
2Manufacturing precision
If strict tolerances are applied to the connection between the leading edge structure and the upper surface, then the connection precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high lift device overlaps and covers the connection point, extracting the connection details from the aerodynamic surface. This allows less precise connections underneath since they are hidden, reducing manufacturing tolerances requirements while maintaining aerodynamic quality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the high lift device is positioned to cover the connection point, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the connection accessibility for assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into stages: first securing the leading edge structure to the upper surface, then mounting the high lift device afterward. This segmentation allows the connection to be made without the high lift device interfering with accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the leading edge structure and upper surface is established in advance before the high lift device is installed. This preliminary action ensures the structural connection is in place while the high lift device is subsequently added to cover the connection point
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing assembly includes a wing box including an upper surface, a lower surface, and a leading edge structure connecting the upper surface to the lower surface and secured to the upper surface at a connection point. The aircraft wing assembly includes a drive mechanism secured to the wing box and a high lift device mounted to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to move the high lift device between a retracted position and an extended position in use, and wherein the high lift device is configured to overlap the connection point when in the retracted position.