Aircraft Wing Truss System for Outboard Joint Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-wing aircrafts face challenges in accommodating internal structure and systems related to the engine and fuel management due to the limited space within the center section of the wing, which is further complicated by the need for numerous fasteners to carry loads through outboard wing sections.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft wing structure is designed with a continuous center section that spans beyond the fuselage, positioning the wing joint outboard of the engine. This configuration allows for the inclusion of internal structure and systems within the center section and reduces the number of load-carrying interfaces, thereby minimizing the need for fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the center section of the aircraft wing is made small to accommodate the wing box proximate to the fuselage, then the wing box can be positioned for structural attachment, but the space available for internal structure and systems related to engine and fuel management is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the wing joint from a traditional inboard location to an outboard location beyond the engine, effectively utilizing the spanwise dimension of the wing. This dimensional shift allows the center section to expand in area while accommodating both the wing box and engine systems without conflict, as the joint is moved to a location where it does not interfere with engine placement.
2Strength
If numerous fasteners are used to carry loads through outboard wing sections, then structural strength is maintained, but the number of interfaces and fasteners increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wing joint from the traditional inboard location and relocates it to an outboard position beyond the engine. This extraction removes the need for multiple load-carrying interfaces between the center section and outboard wing sections, as the continuous center section can directly support the outboard sections with fewer attachment points, thereby reducing the number of fasteners while maintaining structural integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wing joint is positioned inboard of the engine, then traditional structural attachment is achieved, but accessibility of internal systems for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional wing joint positioning by placing it outboard of the engine rather than inboard. This inversion allows maintenance personnel to access the wing joint and internal systems from the exterior of the aircraft without disassembling engine components or other internal structures, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining stable structural attachment through the continuous center section design.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing includes a center wing section having a continuous structure that spans beyond a first side of an aircraft fuselage and beyond a second side of the aircraft fuselage. The aircraft wing also includes a first outboard wing section attached to a first end of the center wing section by a first truss system that is accessible via a first closeout panel. The first end of the center wing section in on the first side of the aircraft fuselage. The aircraft wing also includes a second outboard wing section attached to a second end of the center wing section by a second truss system that is accessible via a second closeout panel. The second end of the center wing section is on the second side of the aircraft fuselage.