Floor and method for converting floor

Abstract

A floor and a method for converting a floor are disclosed. An example floor of an aircraft includes a floor beam, a seat track, and a cover coupled to the seat track. The cover is disposed above the seat track and the floor beam. The example floor includes a floor panel aligned with the cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft floors and, more particularly, to apparatus and related methods for adapting aircraft floors. Background Art

[0002] After a passenger aircraft has completed its useful life as a passenger aircraft, it can be converted into a freighter or cargo aircraft. A passenger-to-freighter conversion involves changing the main deck floor of the passenger aircraft to support a cargo load. Summary of the invention

[0003] An example floor of an aircraft includes a floor beam, a seat track, and a cover coupled to the seat track. The cover is disposed above the seat track and the floor beam. The example floor includes a floor panel aligned with the cover.

[0004] An example floor includes a floor crossbar and a seat track coupled to the floor. The example floor includes a cover coupled to at least a portion of the seat track and at least a portion of the floor crossbar, the cover being disposed above the floor crossbar and the seat track.

[0005] An example method includes removing a first floor panel of an aircraft floor. The example method includes coupling a cover to a seat track of the floor. The cover will extend over at least a portion of the seat track. The example method includes aligning a second floor panel with the cover. The second floor panel will be disposed over the seat track. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 An example aircraft in which the examples disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0007] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of an example cargo aircraft floor known in the prior art.

[0008] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a first example cargo aircraft floor according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Example of a cargo aircraft floor with one cover and one top front perspective of a floor cross member.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Partial perspective view of a portion of the cover and floor beams.

[0011] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 Line 6-6 gives Figure 4 and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a cover.

[0012] Fig. 7A is Figure 3 A floor cross member and a seat rail extending above Figures 4 to 6 A partial perspective view of an example cover.

[0013] Figure 7B It is along Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view of the example cover, the example seat rail, and the example floor cross member is obtained by line 7-7.

[0014] Figure 8 is Figure 3 A floor cross member and a seat rail extending above Figures 4 to 7B Side view of an example cover.

[0015] Fig. 9 is shown coupled to Figure 8 Floor beams Figure 8 A partial side view of a floor cross member coupler of an example cover.

[0016] Fig.10 is a partial perspective view of a second example cargo aircraft floor according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig.11 is Fig.10 A seat rail and a floor cross member extending above Fig.10 A partial perspective view of an example cover.

[0018] Fig.12 is shown coupled to Fig.11 Floor beams Fig.11 A partial side view of a floor cross member coupler of an example cover.

[0019] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a portion of an example upper wing floor in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.14 is Fig.13 A seat rail and a floor cross member extending above Fig.13 An example of a partial view of a discontinuous member.

[0021] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Example of a discontinuous member in side view.

[0022] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D It is available with Figures 3 to 15 Top view of an example cover used together with an example cargo accessory.

[0023] Fig.17 is a partial side view of an example cargo aircraft floor illustrating an example roller pan supported by the cargo aircraft floor according to the teachings disclosed herein.

[0024] Fig.18 is a flow chart of an example method for converting a passenger aircraft floor to a cargo aircraft floor.

[0025] These drawings are not drawn to scale. Generally, the same reference numbers will be used in these drawings and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] After a period of service as a passenger aircraft, an aircraft may be converted to a freighter or cargo aircraft. Because cargo aircraft loads are typically heavier than passenger aircraft loads, the conversion of a passenger aircraft to a cargo aircraft may include structural modification (e.g., replacement, enhancement) of one or more components of the aircraft to enable the aircraft to support the heavier load in the main deck of the aircraft. Example components of a passenger aircraft that may need to be modified to support cargo loads include the floor of the main deck of the aircraft and the stringers of the aircraft to which the skin of the aircraft is attached.

[0027] Figure 1 1 is an example aircraft 100 in which examples disclosed herein may be implemented. Example aircraft 100 includes fuselage 102 and wings 104. During use of aircraft 100 as a passenger aircraft, cargo such as passenger luggage is stored in a lower deck 106 of fuselage 102, while passengers and crew are located in a main deck 108 of fuselage 102.

[0028] The interior of the fuselage 102 of the example aircraft 100 includes a floor cross member extending transversely or between the right and left sides of the main deck 108 of the aircraft 100. The floor cross member may be made of, for example, a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) material. The main deck 108 of the example aircraft 100 includes seat rails for attaching seats to the rails. The seat rails may be coupled to the floor cross member. Floor panels cover the floor cross member to enable, for example, passengers to walk along the floor, sit in seats, etc. Figure 1 The conversion of an example aircraft 100 from a passenger aircraft to a freighter typically includes removing and replacing components such as floor beams and seat rails in the main deck 108. For example, CFRP floor beams may be replaced with aluminum beams to increase the strength and / or height of the floor beams to support the cargo load. However, the replacement of the main deck floor and the insertion of a new freighter floor may increase the cost and time of converting a passenger aircraft to a freighter.

[0029] Figure 2 It is known to be installed on passenger aircraft that have been converted into cargo aircraft (e.g. Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a cargo floor 200 in a main deck 202 of an aircraft 100. Figure 2 In the case of a passenger aircraft, the carbon-based (e.g., CFRP) floor beams have been removed and replaced with aluminum beams 204. Alternatively, in Figure 2In the known example, the seat rails of the passenger aircraft have been removed and replaced with stabilizers 206 extending longitudinally relative to the fuselage of the aircraft. Cargo floor fittings 208 are coupled to the aluminum beams 204 to provide, for example, attachment of a cargo roll tray. Thus, in the known example, converting the passenger aircraft to a cargo aircraft includes replacing the CFRP floor beams and seat rails with the aluminum beams 204 and stabilizers 206, respectively, to form the cargo floor 200.

[0030] The example apparatus and method disclosed herein provide for the conversion or adaptation of the floor of a passenger aircraft to a cargo aircraft floor to support a cargo load in the main deck of the aircraft. In the example disclosed herein, a cover including, for example, aluminum, is provided along the existing floor beams of the passenger aircraft floor to enhance or provide increased rigidity to the floor beams, thereby strengthening the main deck floor. In the example disclosed herein, the cover includes a cavity for accommodating cargo floor accessories, and the cargo floor accessories provide, for example, roller trays, cargo rails, and / or attachment of a power drive unit (PDU) of a cargo handling system. In the example disclosed herein, the cover extends over and is coupled to a portion of the existing seat rails to produce a mesh structure, which includes the floor beams and seat rails of the original passenger aircraft floor, plus the cover. The floor panel can be aligned with the cover to produce a substantially horizontal cargo aircraft floor to support the cargo load, thereby enabling users to walk on the floor, etc. Therefore, in the example disclosed herein, the main deck floor of the passenger aircraft is suitable for modification, rather than replacement, during the conversion of the passenger aircraft into a cargo aircraft.

[0031] In some disclosed examples, the cover is coupled to the floor beams via one or more attachments or couplers (e.g., shear clips) to induce shear forces. In some examples, an intermittent member including a cover is disposed in the main deck at an overwing section adjacent to the wing, wherein there may be a reduced number of transverse floor beams, replaced by primarily longitudinal floor beams to support the seat rails. The intermittent member reinforces the overwing section of the aircraft to accommodate cargo loads. In such examples, the intermittent member includes a flange coupled to the cover. The flange reinforces the intermittent member and stiffens it to support the cargo load. Therefore, rather than replacing the floor of a passenger aircraft with a new floor during the conversion of a passenger aircraft to a cargo aircraft, the examples disclosed herein accommodate and reinforce the existing floor throughout the main deck, thereby reducing the time and cost of cargo aircraft conversion.

[0032] Although examples disclosed herein are discussed in the context of converting a passenger aircraft floor to a cargo floor to support a cargo load in the main deck of an aircraft in conjunction with a cargo aircraft conversion, examples disclosed herein may be implemented in the context of cargo aircraft production. For example, a cargo aircraft may be built (i.e., not converted from a passenger aircraft) to include an example cargo floor disclosed herein and / or one or more components thereof. Furthermore, although examples disclosed herein are discussed in the context of an aircraft, examples disclosed herein may be implemented in other vehicles (e.g., a ship or other vessel).

[0033] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a first example cargo aircraft floor 300 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Figure 3 A first example cargo floor 300 is provided in an aircraft (e.g., Figure 1 The aircraft 100 is located on the main deck 302. Figure 3 The portion of the main deck 302 shown may be disposed forwardly or aft of an upper wing section of the aircraft (ie, the section of the fuselage adjacent the wing).

[0034] Figure 3 The example main deck 302 includes a plurality of floor beams 306 extending transversely between a first side 308 of the main deck 302 and a second side 310 of the main deck 302. The floor beams 306 may include a carbon-based material such as CFRP. Figure 3 The example main deck 302 includes a plurality of seat rails 312 extending longitudinally along the main deck 302. The seat rails 312 can be coupled to the floor beams 306 via, for example, aluminum shear clips. Figure 3 The floor panels covering the floor beams 306 are not shown. Furthermore, the example main deck 302 may include Figure 3 More or fewer floor beams 306 and / or seat rails 312 are shown.

[0035] exist Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , a cover 314 is disposed transversely in the main deck 302 along the length of each floor beam 306 or substantially along the length. The cover(s) 314 may be made of a material such as aluminum, titanium, and / or steel. Figure 3 As shown, the cover 314 extends above the seat rail 312 and substantially perpendicular to the seat rail. Figure 3 In some examples, each cover 314 is coupled to at least a portion of one or more seat rails 312. In some examples, at least a portion of cover (multiple covers) 314 is coupled to a corresponding floor beam (multiple floor beams) 306.

[0036] exist Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , each cover 314 includes one or more cavities 316 defined therein to accommodate cargo accessories 318. The cargo accessories (plurality of cargo accessories) 318 provide a means for removably coupling or securing, for example, a PDU, a roll tray, cargo rails, and / or other cargo handling system components to the cargo floor 300. Each cover 314 may include more than one cavity 316 defined therein to accommodate cargo accessories 318. Figure 3 More or less cavities 316 as shown, and / or accommodating ratios Figure 3 More or less cargo accessories 318 are shown.

[0037] Therefore, in Figure 3In the example of FIG. 3 , the cargo floor 300 includes pre-existing floor beams 306 and pre-existing seat rails 312 from when the main deck 302 is used to carry passengers, plus a cover 314 that strengthens the floor beams 306 and seat rails 312 to support the cargo load. Figure 2 Compared with the known examples of cargo aircraft floor 200, Figure 3 The example cargo aircraft floor 300 is adapted to use existing floor components (e.g., floor crossbars 306, seat rails 312) of a passenger aircraft to carry cargo loads. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , the cover 314 is placed above (e.g., on top of) the floor crossbars 306 and the seat rails 312. The floor panels can be aligned with the cover 314 to create a substantially horizontal surface for placing cargo loads, for walking, etc. As a result, the cargo plane floor 300 includes a first floor plane including the floor crossbars 306 and the seat rails 312 (i.e., the existing floor) and a second floor plane including the cover 314 and the floor panels.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top front perspective view of a cover 314 and a floor beam 306 is shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 314 and a partial perspective view of a portion 500 of the floor cross member 306. For illustrative purposes, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The seat rail(s) 312 are not shown.

[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, cover 314 includes one or more cavities 316 that receive cargo accessories 318. The shape and / or size of cavity 316 may be selected based on the type of cargo accessories 318 with which cover 314 is to be used.

[0040] Also like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the example cover 314 includes a notch or groove 400 defined by respective first and second edges 402, 403 of the cover 314. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 314, the grooves 400 defined by the first edge 402 are substantially aligned with the corresponding grooves 400 defined by the second edge 403 of the cover 314. Thus, the cover 314 includes a plurality of pairs of grooves 400 at the first edge 402 and the second edge 403. As discussed below, each pair of grooves 400 provides a connection between the cover 314 and the second edge 403. Figure 3The first surface 404 of the cover 314, or the surface facing away from the floor cross member 306, includes one or more openings 406 defined therein adjacent to the recess 400. As discussed below, the opening(s) 406 receive a mechanical fastener(s) (e.g., a tack, screw, etc.) to couple a portion of the cover 314 to the seat rail 312 when the recess 400 is aligned with the seat rail 312. Example covers 314 may include more than Figure 4 and Figure 5 More or fewer openings 406 are shown.

[0041] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 Line 6-6 gives Figure 4 and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the cover 314. Figure 6 As shown, the cover 314 includes a floor beam coupler 600 extending from a second surface or floor beam facing surface 602 of the cover 314 opposite the first surface 404 of the cover 314. The floor beam coupler 600 provides an interface for coupling a portion of the cover 314 (e.g., a portion of the cover 314 that is not coupled to the seat rails 312) to at least a portion of the floor beam 306. In some examples, the cover 314 includes one floor beam coupler 600. In other examples, the cover 314 includes two or more floor beam couplers 600 disposed along the length of the surface 602 of the cover 314. For example, the floor beam coupler 600 may be disposed along the length of the cover 314 between the grooves 400 of the cover 314. The floor beam coupler 600 may be made of, for example, aluminum.

[0042] exist Figure 6 In the example, Figure 6 The floor beam coupler 600 has a substantially T-shaped shape. Example floor beam coupler(s) 600 may have a substantially T-shaped shape. Figure 6 Other shapes and / or sizes than shown. For example, the size and / or shape of floor crossbar coupler(s) 600 can be based on the length of cover 314, the width of floor crossbar 306, the distance between the pairs of grooves 400 of cover 314, the height of seat rail 312 (which can define the distance between second surface 602 of cover 314 and floor crossbar 306), etc. Moreover, in some examples, floor crossbar coupler 600 is integrally formed with cover 314. In other examples, floor crossbar coupler 600 is separately formed and coupled to the floor crossbar-facing surface 602 of cover 314.

[0043] Fig. 7A is Figure 3 The floor cross member 306 and the seat rail 312 extend above the Figures 4 to 6 A partial perspective view of an example cover 314. Fig. 7A As shown, in use, the groove 400 of the cover 314 is aligned or substantially aligned with the seat rail 312. Fig. 7A As shown, the opening(s) 406 of the cover 314 is aligned with the opening(s) 700 in the seat rail 312. Fig. 7A In the example of the cover 314, the cover 314 can be coupled to the seat rail 312 via a mechanical fastener(s) 702 (e.g., tacks) extending through the respective openings 406, 700 of the cover 314 and the seat rail 312. Thus, the example floor 300 utilizes existing coupling mechanisms such as the openings 700 of the seat rail 312 to add the cover 314 to the passenger aircraft floor, thereby reducing the need to provide new couplings between the cover 314 and existing floor components (e.g., by reducing the amount of drilling required to add the cover 314 to the floor).

[0044] Figure 7B It is along Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view of the example cover 314 , the example seat track 312 , and the example floor beam 306 is obtained along line 7 - 7 . Figure 7B The coupling between the seat rails 312 and the floor crossbars 306 via shear clips 706 is shown. Thus, when the floor is used as an aircraft floor including the floor crossbars 306 and the seat rails 312, the floor crossbars 306 and the seat rails 312 are coupled to form a structural mesh that supports the passenger load. As discussed herein, the cover 314 is coupled via shear clips 706. Figure 6 The coupling of floor cross member coupler 600 to floor cross member 306 provides increased rigidity of floor cross member 306 and overall increased strength of the structural network formed by floor cross member 306 , seat rails 312 , and cover 314 .

[0045] Figure 8 is Figure 3 The floor cross member 306 and the seat rail 312 extend above the Figures 4 to 7B A side view of an example cover 314. Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 3 , the floor panel 800 is disposed adjacent to the cover 314 and above the seat rails 312. The floor panel 800 may be a different floor panel than the floor panel of the passenger aircraft, or may be the same floor panel. Figure 8 As shown, the floor panel 800 is substantially aligned with the cover 314 such that the first surface 404 of the cover 314 and the corresponding surface 802 of the floor panel 800 form a substantially horizontal surface. In some examples, the height of the cover 314 is selected based on the height of the floor panel 800 to produce a substantially horizontal surface. Figure 8As shown, cargo accessory 318 may be substantially elevated relative to surface 404 of cover 314 and surface 802 of floor panel 800 to facilitate access to cargo accessory 318 when coupling and decoupling cargo handling system components (eg, roller trays) to accessory 318 .

[0046] Also like Figure 8 As shown, the result of placing the cover 314 over the seat track 312 and placing the floor panel 800 over the seat track 312 is that the floor panel and the seat track 312 are substantially aligned compared to when the floor panel and the seat track 312 are substantially aligned. Figure 3 The cargo aircraft floor 300 is raised, as is the case when the main deck floor is used for passenger purposes. For example, compared to the main deck floor of a passenger aircraft, Figure 3 The cargo floor 300 can be raised by approximately 0.6 inches.

[0047] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Partial side view of example cover 314 with the Figure 8 The seat rail 312 is shown to illustrate the coupling of the floor crossbar coupler 600 of the cover 314 to the seat rail facing surface 900 of the floor crossbar 306. Fig. 9 As shown, in use, the floor beam coupler 600 of the cover 314 is disposed between the seat rails 312 (e.g., between the Figure 8 Seat rails 312 and Fig. 9 The floor beam coupler 600 of the cover 314 may be coupled to the surface 900 of the floor beam 306 via one or more fasteners (eg, mechanical fasteners such as screws, chemical fasteners, etc.).

[0048] exist Fig. 9 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the coupling of the floor beam coupler 600 of the cover 314 to the floor beam 306 provides increased stiffness of the floor beam 306. The cover 314 and the floor beam 306 essentially form a single beam at the portion where the floor beam coupler 600 is coupled to the floor beam 306. The coupling of the cover 314 to the floor beam 306 can reduce the distortion or bending of the floor beam 306 due to shear flow. In some examples, the vertical stiffness of the floor beam 306 when coupled to the cover 314 is increased by 2.5 times compared to when the (e.g., CFRP) floor beam 306 is not coupled to the cover 314. Further, as described above, the seat rail 312 is coupled to the floor beam 306. Thus, the example floor 300 forms a web including the cover 314 , the seat tracks 312 , and the floor cross members 306 that has increased strength and stiffness compared to the floor prior to adding the cover and adding couplings between the cover 314 , the seat tracks 312 , and the floor cross members 306 .

[0049] The coupling of cover(s) 314 to floor crossbar(s) 306 via floor crossbar coupler(s) 600 and the coupling of cover(s) 314 to seat rail(s) 312 via openings 406 produce a floor having increased strength compared to a floor that does not include cover(s) 314. As an example, the strength of example floor 300 may be increased from 73.5 lbs / in during use as a passenger aircraft floor to 110 lbs / in after including cover 314. The increased stiffness and strength of example floor 300 enables floor 300 to support cargo loads. Figures 3 to 9 In the example of FIG. 5 , cover(s) 314 reinforce floor cross members 306 , eliminating the need to remove and replace floor cross members 306 and / or seat tracks 312 to support a cargo load.

[0050] Fig.10 is a partial perspective view of a second example cargo aircraft floor 1000 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig.10 An example cargo floor 1000 may be provided on an aircraft (e.g., Figure 1 In a portion of the main deck of an aircraft 100), the portion is located in front of or behind an upper wing section of the main deck of the aircraft.

[0051] Fig.10 The example cargo aircraft floor 1000 includes a plurality of floor beams 1002 extending transversely between the right and left sides of the main deck of the aircraft, substantially as described above in conjunction with Figure 3 The floor beam 306 disclosed. The example cargo aircraft floor 1000 includes a plurality of seat rails 1004 extending longitudinally along the main deck, substantially as described above in conjunction with Figure 3 The seat rail 312 is disclosed. For illustrative purposes, Fig.10 The floor panels covering the floor crossbars 1002 are not shown. Moreover, the example cargo aircraft floor 1000 may include Fig.10 More or fewer floor beams 1002 and / or seat rails 1004 are shown.

[0052] exist Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 1 , the cover 1006 is disposed transversely along the length of each floor beam 1002. The cover 314 can be made of, for example, aluminum, titanium, steel, etc. Fig.10 As shown, cover 1006 extends substantially vertically above seat rail 1004. As discussed herein, Fig.10 In the example of , each cover 1006 is coupled to at least a portion of the floor cross member 1002 and one or more seat rails 1004 to strengthen the floor cross member 1002 to support the cargo load. Fig.10In the example of , each cover 1006 includes at least one floor beam coupler 1012 to couple the cover (a plurality of covers) 1006 to the corresponding floor beam (a plurality of floor beams) 1002. Fig.10 As shown, the cover 1006 includes a cavity 1008 for receiving a cargo accessory 1010 to allow components of a cargo handling system (e.g., a roll tray, a PDU) to be coupled to the cargo plane floor 1000, substantially as described above in conjunction with Figure 3 discussed.

[0053] Fig.11 is Fig.10 A seat rail 1004 and a floor crossbeam 1002 extending above Fig.10 A partial perspective view of an example cover 1006. Fig.11 As shown, the cover 1006 includes a notch or groove 1100 formed in the respective edges 1102, 1104 of the cover 1006. The groove 1100 is aligned or substantially aligned with the seat rail 1004. Fig.11 As shown, cover 1006 includes one or more openings 1106 defined in a surface 1108 of cover 1006. Opening(s) 1106 may receive fastener(s) 1110 (e.g., tacks) for coupling cover 1006 to seat rail 1004 via opening 1112 of seat rail 1004.

[0054] Fig.11 For example, the cover 314, 1006 may be selected based on the characteristics of the seat rail 312, 1004 and / or floor crossbar 306, 1002 to which the cover 314, 1006 will be coupled. Figures 3 to 11 One or more features of the cover 314, 1006. For example, the width of the groove 400, 1100 can be selected based on the different styles of the seat rails 312, 1004 (e.g., rail width), such as Fig. 7A and Fig.11 Thus, the cover 314, 1006 may be designed to convert a passenger aircraft main deck floor having different characteristics into a cargo aircraft floor at a reduced cost compared to designing a completely custom cargo aircraft floor for each aircraft.

[0055] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A partial side view of an example cover 1006 with the Fig.11 The seat rail 1004 is shown to illustrate the coupling of the floor beam coupler 1012 of the cover 1006 to the floor beam 1002. Fig.12 As shown, the floor beam coupler 1012 is connected to the seat rail 1004 (e.g., Fig.11 Seat rail 1004 and Fig.12The cover 1006 is coupled to the floor crossbar 1002 by coupling the cover 1006 to the floor crossbar 1002 via the floor crossbar coupler 1012. The coupling of the cover 1006 to the floor crossbar 1002 via the floor crossbar coupler 1012 increases the stiffness of the floor crossbar 1002 by reducing the effect of shear forces on the floor crossbar 1002 (which may cause twisting or bending). In some examples, the floor crossbar coupler 1012 is integrally formed with the cover 1006. In other examples, the floor crossbar coupler 1012 is formed separately from the cover 1006 and coupled to the cover.

[0056] like Fig.12 As shown, the shape and / or size of floor beam coupler 1012, and / or the manner in which floor beam coupler 1012 is coupled to a floor beam, may be different from the shape of the floor beam, for example. Figure 6 The floor beam coupler 600 is different. For example, Fig.12 As shown, Figure 6 The floor beam coupler 600 and the Fig. 9 In contrast to the illustrated coupling to the seat rail facing surface 900 of the floor crossbar 306 , the floor crossbar coupler 1012 may be coupled to the floor crossbar 1002 along at least a portion of the height of the floor crossbar 1002 .

[0057] Figures 3 to 12 Examples of example cargo floors 300, 1000 that may be used in the main deck of an aircraft to convert the aircraft from a passenger aircraft to a cargo aircraft are illustrated. However, the floor of the main deck may be uneven along the length of the main deck with respect to, for example, the number of floor beams, the orientation of the floor beams relative to the fuselage, and the like. For example, an upper wing section of the aircraft may include fewer transverse floor beams than a portion of the main deck located in front of or behind the upper wing section. Further, the behavior of the aircraft at different portions of the main deck (e.g., adjacent to the wing) may be different. For example, the wing of the aircraft bends during use, which may generate forces that affect floor beams disposed adjacent to the wing. Therefore, the reinforcement of the floor at the upper wing section of the aircraft may be different from the reinforcement of the remainder of the main deck floor.

[0058] Fig.13 is a partial perspective view of an example upper wing floor 1300 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig.13 An example of an upper wing floor 1300 is provided on an aircraft (e.g., Figure 1 The wing section 1302 of the aircraft 100 is located in the upper wing section 1302 of the aircraft 100, or is located in a section adjacent to the wing (e.g., substantially aligned with the wing). Fig.13 As shown, the example upper wing section 1302 includes a plurality of longitudinal floor beams 1304. The floor beams 1304 support seat rails 1306 that extend longitudinally along the floor beams 1304.

[0059] exist Fig.13In the example of FIG. 1 , a plurality of discontinuous members 1307 including covers 1308 extend on the seat rails 1306 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the seat rails 1306 and the floor crossbars 1304. Fig.13 As shown, the cover 1308 includes a plurality of cavities 1310 for receiving cargo accessories 1312, substantially as described above in conjunction with Figures 3 to 12 Public.

[0060] Fig.14 is a partial view of a discontinuous member 1307, which includes Fig.13 An example cover 1308 extends over a seat rail 1306 and a floor crossbar 1304. Fig.14 As shown, the respective edges 1400, 1402 of the cover 1308 include notches or grooves 1404 defined therein. Fig.14 As shown, the first surface 1406 of the cover 1308 includes one or more openings 1408 defined therein. In use, the recess 1404 of the cover 1308 is aligned with the seat rail 1306, substantially as described above in conjunction with Figures 3 to 12 The opening (s) 1408 of the cover 1308 receives a fastener (s) 1410 (e.g., a tack, a screw, etc.) to couple the cover 1308 to the seat rail 1306 via an opening 1412 defined in the seat rail 1306, substantially as described above in conjunction with Figures 3 to 12 Public.

[0061] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the example upper wing section 1302 does not include Figures 3 to 12 In the example of transverse floor beams (e.g. Figures 3 to 12 transverse floor beams 306, 1002). On the contrary, Fig.13 The upper wing section 1302 of the example includes a longitudinal floor crossbar 1304, and the seat rails 1306 extend above the longitudinal floor crossbar. Figures 3 to 12 In the embodiment, Fig.13 The upper wing section 1302 does not include a cover (a plurality of covers) 1308 which can be provided via a shear attachment (a plurality of shear attachments) (e.g. Figure 6 and Fig.12 The floor beam coupler 600, 1012) is coupled to the transverse floor beam (multiple transverse floor beams) thereof.

[0062] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Examples of discontinuous components 1307 and Fig.15 A side view of a seat rail 1306 is shown. Fig.15The example interrupter member 1307 includes a flange (plural flanges) 1500 extending from a second surface 1502 of the cover 1308 or a surface opposite to the first surface 1406. In use, Fig.15 The flange(s) 1500 are disposed between the two seat rails 1306. Moreover, in some examples, the flange 1500 is integrally formed with the cover 1308. In other examples, the flange 1500 is separately formed and coupled to the second surface 1502 of the cover 1308. The example flange(s) 1500 provide strength and rigidity to the interrupted member 1307 to accommodate cargo loads (e.g., so that the cover 1308 does not carry the entire load).

[0063] The upper wing structure of an aircraft should be able to flex to cause wing compression and tension during flight. In some instances, Figures 13 to 15 The discontinuous member (s) 1307 is coupled to the longitudinal floor cross member (s) 1304 via the seat rail (s) 1306 using a slotted bushing (s). For example, the bushing can be fastened to (e.g., bolted to) the seat rail 1306. The slotted bushing allows the longitudinal floor cross member 1304 to move laterally under the discontinuous member 1307. In such an example, the slotted bushing provides a vertical load path and forward and rearward load paths for the load placed on the discontinuous member 1307. In some examples, the interface between the discontinuous member 1307 and the longitudinal floor cross member 1304 (e.g., adjacent to the seat rail 1306) includes features such as Surface treatment of paint or other coating to promote sliding between discontinuity member 1307 and longitudinal floor cross member 1304 (eg, seat rail 1306). Other types of fasteners may be used in addition to or as an alternative to slotted bushings (eg, tie rods).

[0064] Also like Fig.15 As shown, the floor panel 1504 can be positioned adjacent to the cover 1308 to create a substantially horizontal surface between the cover 1308 and the floor panel 1504. Figures 13 to 15 The example upper wing floor 1300 provides reinforcement of the upper wing section 1302 of the aircraft to support cargo loads while inducing the effect of the wing bending over the floor crossbars 1304.

[0065] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D It is available with Figures 3 to 15 A top view of example cargo accessories 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606 for use with example covers 314, 1006, 1308. Example cargo accessories 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606 may correspond to Figures 3 to 15 Examples of cargo accessories 318, 1010, 1312. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16DAs shown, cargo accessories 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606 include rails 1608 defined therein to receive corresponding rail attachments or accessories of one or more cargo handling system components (e.g., roller trays, PDUs, etc.). FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D As shown, the track style, length, width, shape, etc. of cargo accessories 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606 may vary based on the cargo handling system component to which it will be attached.

[0066] As mentioned above, FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D The example cargo accessories 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606 may be disposed in the cavity 316, 1008, 1310 of the cover 314, 1006, 1308. The example cargo accessories 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606 include one or more openings 1610 defined therein to enable the cargo accessories to be removably coupled to the cavity 316, 1008, 1310 of the cover 314, 1006, 1308 via one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws). The removable coupling of the cargo accessories 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606 to the cover(s) 314, 1006, 1308 facilitates replacement of the cargo accessories in the event that the cargo accessories(s) are damaged during use. Instead of replacing the cover 314 , 1006 , 1308 including the damaged cargo accessory 1600 , 1602 , 1604 , 1606 , the cargo accessories may be replaced, which may reduce the cost and maintenance of the cargo plane floor 300 , 1000 , 1300 .

[0067] Fig.17 is a partial side view of an example cargo floor 1700 illustrating an example roller pan 1701 supported by the cargo floor 1700 in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. Fig.17 An example cargo plane floor 1700 may correspond to, for example, Figures 3 to 9 Examples of cargo plane floor 300 or Figures 10 to 12 For example, the cargo plane floor is 1000. Fig.17 As shown, the example cargo aircraft floor 1700 includes a first floor cross member 1702 and a second floor cross member 1704, and a seat rail 1706 disposed perpendicular to the floor cross members 1702 and 1704. The example cargo aircraft floor 1700 includes a first cover 1708 extending on the seat rail 1706 adjacent to the first floor cross member 1702, and includes a second cover 1710 extending on the seat rail 1706 adjacent to the second floor cross member 1704, substantially as described above in combination with the above. Figures 3 to 12 discussed.

[0068] like Fig.17As shown, floor panels 1712 are aligned with covers 1708, 1710 to create a substantially horizontal surface, for example, upon which a user may walk and / or upon which roller tray 1701 (or other cargo handling system components) may be located. Fig.17 In the example of FIG. 1 , the roller 1701 is coupled to the corresponding cargo accessories 1714 of the first cover 1708 and the second cover 1710. Fig.17 In the example of , the covers 1708 , 1710 and floor panels 1712 create a supplemental floor plane relative to an existing floor (eg, an airliner floor) previously defined by the floor beams 1702 , 1704 and seat rails 1706 prior to the addition of the covers 1708 , 1710 .

[0069] Fig.18 1 is a flow chart of an example method 1800 for converting a passenger aircraft floor into a cargo aircraft floor according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The example method 1800 begins by removing a floor panel from a main deck floor of an aircraft (block 1802). Removing the floor panel provides access to floor beams covered by the floor panel, such as Figure 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.13 Floor beams 306, 1002, 1304.

[0070] The example method 1800 includes determining whether an upper wing section or a non-upper wing section of the main deck floor is to be converted into a cargo aircraft floor (block 1804). For example, an upper wing section may include fewer transverse floor beams than a non-upper wing section of the main deck.

[0071] If the non-upper wing section of the main deck floor is to be converted into a cargo floor, the example method 1800 includes aligning the cover(s) perpendicular to the seat rail(s) of the floor along the transverse floor beam(s) of the main deck floor (block 1806). For example, the cover(s) 314, 1006, 1708, 1710 may be relative to Figure 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.17 The transverse floor beams (multiple transverse floor beams) 306, 1002, 1702, 1704 are aligned to extend along the length of the floor beam (multiple floor beams) and are substantially aligned with Figure 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.17The cover (s) 314, 1006, 1708, 1710 may be positioned relative to the transverse floor beam (s) 306, 1002, 1702, 1704 and the seat rail (s) 312, 1004, 1706 so that the groove (s) 400, 1100 of the cover (s) 314, 1006 is aligned with the seat rail (s) 312, 1004, 1706.

[0072] Example method 1800 includes coupling the cover(s) to the seat track(s) (block 1808). Figure 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.17 The cover(s) 314, 1006, 1708, 1710 may be coupled to the seat rail(s) 312, 1004, 1706 via fastener(s) 702, 1110 (e.g., tack(s)) extending through the opening(s) 406, 1106 of the cover(s) 314, 1006 and the opening(s) 700, 1112 of the seat rail(s) 312, 1004.

[0073] Example method 1800 includes coupling a cover (a plurality of covers) to a floor crossbar (a plurality of floor crossbars) (block 1810). For example, Figure 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.17 The cover (plural covers) 314, 1006, 1708, 1710 can be Figure 6 and Fig.10 The floor beam coupler (multiple floor beam couplers) 600, 1012 is coupled to the floor beam (multiple floor beams) 306, 1002, 1702, 1704. In some examples, the floor beam coupler (multiple floor beam couplers) 600 is coupled to the surface (multiple surfaces) 900 (e.g., the surface) of the floor beam (multiple floor beams) 306 that faces the seat rail. Fig. 9 In other examples, floor crossbar coupler(s) 1012 is coupled to floor crossbar(s) 1002 (e.g., Fig.12 ). The manner in which the cover(s) 314, 1006 are coupled to the floor crossbar(s) 306, 1012 can be based on, for example, the shape and / or size of the floor crossbar(s) and / or seat track(s), the design of the floor crossbar coupler(s) 600, 1012, etc.

[0074] The example method 1800 includes coupling a cargo accessory(ies) to a cover(ies) (block 1812). For example, the cargo accessory(ies) 318, 1010, 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606, 1714 may be disposed in a cavity 316, 1008 of a cover(ies) 314, 1006, 1708, 1710 and coupled to the cover(ies) via a mechanical fastener(s). In some examples, the cargo accessory(ies) is coupled to the cover(ies) before the cover(ies) is aligned with the floor crossbar(s) (e.g., before block 1806) such that the cargo accessory(ies) and the cover(s) are installed as a unit.

[0075] exist Fig.18 In the example of , if the upper wing section of the main deck floor is to be converted into a cargo floor, the method 1800 includes aligning the discontinuous member(s) perpendicular to the seat rail(s) and the longitudinal floor beam(s) supporting the seat rail(s) (block 1814). For example, the discontinuous member(s) 1307 including the cover(s) 1308 and the flange(s) 1500 may be aligned perpendicular to the seat rail(s) 1306 and the floor beam(s) 1304, as shown in FIG. Figures 13 to 15 shown.

[0076] The example method 1800 includes coupling a cover (a plurality of covers) of the discontinuous member (a plurality of discontinuous members) to the seat track (a plurality of seat tracks) (block 1816). For example, Fig.13 The cover (multiple covers) 1308 can be coupled to the seat rail (multiple seat rails) 1306 via fastener (multiple fasteners) 1410 extending through opening (multiple openings) 1408 of the cover (multiple covers) 1308 and opening (multiple openings) 1412 of the seat rail (multiple seat rails) 1306.

[0077] The example method 1800 includes coupling a cargo accessory(ies) to a cover(ies) of an intermittent member(ies) (block 1818). For example, the cargo accessory(ies) 1312, 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606 may be disposed in a cavity 1310 of the cover(ies) 1308 and coupled to the cover(ies) via mechanical fastener(s). In some examples, the cargo accessory(ies) is coupled to the cover(ies) prior to aligning the intermittent member(s) with the seat track(s) (e.g., prior to block 1816) such that the cargo accessory(ies) and the intermittent member(s) are mounted as a unit.

[0078] The example method 1800 includes aligning a floor panel with a discontinuous member (a plurality of discontinuous members) (block 1820). For example, Figure 8 and Fig.17 The floor panel(s) 800, 1712 may be aligned with the cover(s) 314, 1006, 1308 to create a substantially horizontal surface, such as Figure 8 and Fig.17 The floor panel (or panels) 800 may be disposed above the seat track (or tracks) 312, 1004, 1306, 1706 to create an elevated floor plane including the cover (or covers) 314, 1006, 1308 and the floor panel (or panels) 800, 1712.

[0079] The example method 1800 ends when no additional sections of the main deck floor of the passenger aircraft are to be converted to a passenger aircraft floor (block 1822 ).

[0080] Although the reference Fig.18 The flowchart shown describes an example method 1800, but many other methods of converting a passenger aircraft floor into a cargo aircraft floor may be used instead. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or portions of the blocks may be changed, eliminated, or combined. Similarly, Fig.18 Before, between, or after the blocks shown, Fig.18 The instance methods of include additional operations.

[0081] It will be appreciated from the foregoing that example manufacturing methods, manufacturing apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed that provide for converting the main deck floor of a passenger aircraft to a cargo floor to support a cargo load. The examples disclosed herein adapt an existing passenger aircraft floor to a cargo floor by adding a cover that extends above the floor beams and seat rails of the passenger aircraft floor. The cover increases the stiffness and strength of the existing floor. In some examples, a flange is coupled to the cover to form an interrupted member that reinforces the aircraft floor adjacent to the upper wing section of the aircraft. The example cover disclosed herein includes cargo accessories to enable cargo handling system components such as rollers to be securely coupled to the floor. The examples disclosed herein provide for efficient conversion of the main deck floor of a passenger aircraft to a cargo floor without the need to remove and replace the existing floor. As a result, the examples disclosed herein reduce the cost and time of converting a passenger aircraft to a cargo aircraft.

[0082] Clause 1. A floor (300, 1000, 1300, 1700) of an aircraft (100), the floor comprising:

[0083] Floor beams (306, 1002, 1304, 1702, 1704);

[0084] Seat rails (312, 1004, 1306, 1706);

[0085] a cover (314, 1006, 1308, 1708, 1710) coupled to the seat track, the cover being disposed over the seat track and the floor cross member; and

[0086] Floor panels (800, 1504, 1712), aligned with the cover.

[0087] Clause 2. The floor panel of clause 1, wherein the cover is perpendicular to the seat rails.

[0088] Clause 3. The floor of clause 2, wherein the cover is provided along the length of the floor beam.

[0089] Clause 4. The floor of Clause 2, wherein the cover is perpendicular to the floor beams.

[0090] Clause 5. The floor panel of clause 1, wherein the cover includes a groove (400, 1100, 1404) defined in an edge (402, 403, 1102, 1104, 1400, 1402) of the cover, the groove to be aligned with the seat rail.

[0091] Clause 6. The floor panel of clause 1, wherein the cover further comprises a floor beam coupler (600, 1012) extending from a surface (602) of the cover, the floor beam coupler to couple to a portion of the floor beam.

[0092] Clause 7. The floor panel of clause 1, wherein the floor crossbar coupler is to be coupled to a surface (900) of the floor crossbar that faces the seat track.

[0093] Clause 8. The floor of Clause 1, wherein the cover and the floor panels form a first floor plane and the floor crossbars and the seat rails form a second floor plane.

[0094] Clause 9. The floor panel of clause 1, wherein the cover includes fittings (208, 318, 1010, 1312, 1600, 1602, 1604, 1606, 1714) disposed therein that will enable the roller pan (1701) to be coupled to the floor panel.

[0095] Clause 10. The floor panel of Clause 1, wherein the seat rail is a first seat rail, the floor panel further comprises a second seat rail, and the cover comprises a flange (1500) disposed between the first seat rail and the second seat rail.

[0096] "Include" and "comprising" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim uses any form of "include" or "comprising" (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within any type of claim recitation, it should be understood that there may be additional elements, terms, etc. that do not fall outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term, such as in the preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the terms "include" and "comprising" are open-ended. When used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C, the term "and / or" refers to any combination or subset of A, B, and C, such as (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, and (6) B and C.

[0097] Although certain example manufacturing methods, manufacturing apparatuses, and manufacturing articles have been disclosed herein, the coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all manufacturing methods, manufacturing apparatuses, and manufacturing articles that fully fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A floor comprising: floor beams; a seat rail coupled to the floor cross member; as well as a cover coupled to at least a portion of the seat rail and at least a portion of the floor cross member, the cover being disposed above the floor cross member and the seat rail, The invention is characterized in that the cover extends along the length of the floor crossbar and is coupled to the floor crossbar via a coupler, wherein the cover has a first surface facing away from the floor crossbar and a second surface facing the floor crossbar, the coupler extends from the second surface toward the floor crossbar, and wherein the coupler is disposed between a plurality of the seat rails along the length of the cover.

2. The floor according to claim 1, further comprising a floor panel, the floor panel and the cover forming a surface of the floor for receiving a load.

3. The floor panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover includes a cavity (316, 1008, 1310) defined therein for receiving an accessory.

4. The floor panel according to claim 3, wherein: The accessory is removably coupled to the cover.

5. The floor panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover and the floor beams extend transversely relative to a fuselage (102) of the aircraft.

6. The floor panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The floor is located inside an aircraft.

7. A method for converting a floor, comprising: removing a first floor panel of a floor; coupling a cover to a seat track of the floor, the cover extending over at least a portion of the seat track; aligning a second floor panel with the cover, the second floor panel being disposed above the seat rails, wherein the floor further comprises floor beams coupling the cover to the floor, The invention is characterized in that the cover extends along the length of the floor crossbar and is coupled to the floor crossbar via a coupler, wherein the cover has a first surface facing away from the floor crossbar and a second surface facing the floor crossbar, the coupler extends from the second surface toward the floor crossbar, and wherein the coupler is disposed between a plurality of the seat rails along the length of the cover.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising coupling a cargo accessory to the cover. 9 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising aligning a groove defined in the cover with the seat track.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The step of removing a first floor panel includes removing a first panel of a floor on the aircraft.

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