Aerospace Wing Rib Clamping System for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for joining structural members in aircraft wings are time-consuming and add significant weight, particularly in split wing designs where aligning and joining rib portions require extensive fasteners, increasing manufacturing costs and safety concerns due to confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical fastening system that includes a first and second structural member with partial bores and protrusions, where engagement members are used to align and clamp the members together, allowing for efficient joining and separation, and can be reused, reducing weight and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners are used to join structural members, then the joining strength is sufficient, but the weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners with a friction-based clamping system that uses normal force applied through clamps to create friction forces, thereby joining structural members without heavy fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to apply clamping forces to the engagement members, enabling weight-efficient and automated joining of structural members while maintaining sufficient joining strength
2Ease of operation
If split wing design is used to improve accessibility, then personnel can access the wing interior, but the alignment and joining process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features such as guide bores and positioning protrusions that pre-align structural members before final clamping, eliminating time-consuming manual alignment operations during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members are designed to self-align and self-position during the clamping process, reducing the need for manual intervention and time-consuming adjustment operations
3Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure rib portions, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single clamping system where engagement members apply distributed clamping forces across multiple points, replacing multiple individual fasteners with fewer integrated components
Solution Approach 2:
The clamps and engagement members are designed as universal components that can join different structural members (ribs, spars, skin panels) with a single system, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to specialized fasteners for each joint type
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A structural assembly (200) including a first structural member (202) defining a first partial bore (214) and including a first protrusion (218) extending from a periphery of the first partial bore on a first side and a second protrusion (220) extending from the periphery of the first partial bore on a second side, a second structural member (204) defining a second partial bore (234) and including a first protrusion (238) extending from a periphery of the second partial bore on a first side and a second protrusion (240) extending from the periphery of the second partial bore on a second side, wherein the second partial bore is aligned with the first partial bore to define a through-bore (250), a first engagement member (102) engaged with the first protrusions and a second engagement member (104) engaged with the second protrusions, wherein the first and second structural members are clamped between the first and second engagement members.