Modular aircraft floorboard riser systems and methods
The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system addresses the challenge of accessing aircraft structures by lifting and supporting floorboards, enabling tool passage and maintaining assembly integrity during maintenance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024216053
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-08
AI Technical Summary
In aircraft construction and maintenance, there is a need to access and work on structures under the floor while maintaining the integrity of the floorboards, and existing systems do not allow for efficient tool extension through floor openings without disrupting the assembly process.
A modular aircraft floorboard lifter system comprising lifter panels that can be assembled to form polygonal shapes matching the floorboards, allowing tools to pass through while supporting the lifted floorboard and providing a visual indicator for maintenance.
Enables the lifting and support of floorboards during maintenance, allowing tools to pass through without disrupting the assembly process, and maintaining a safe working environment.
Smart Images
Figure 2025102697000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the construction and maintenance of aircraft.
Background Art
[0002] In the construction and maintenance of aircraft, it may be necessary to remove the floorboards in order to access and work on the structures under the floor. In some cases, in such construction and maintenance, it may be necessary to extend tools upward through a floor opening. In such situations, the floorboards cannot be replaced while the technician takes a break, goes to get tools, or changes shifts.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] A modular aircraft floorboard lifter system for assembling an aircraft floorboard lifter is provided for the purpose of functionally lifting or supporting a floorboard to be lifted on an aircraft floor above an adjacent floorboard. With this system, for example, while covering a floor opening, it is possible to provide a space in a direction perpendicular to a tool passing through the floor opening, and to provide a low barricade and / or visual indicator indicating that the floor is under maintenance. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system includes a plurality of lifter panels. Each lifter panel includes a first panel portion having a first panel portion outer edge region, and a second panel portion slidably connected to the first panel portion and having a second panel portion outer edge region located on the opposite side of the first panel portion outer edge region. The first panel portion outer edge region of each lifter panel is configured to be selectively connectable to the second panel portion outer edge region of another lifter panel, and a lifter panel selected from the plurality of lifter panels is functionally assembled to form a polygonal aircraft floorboard lifter, such as a shape that matches the shape of the floorboard to be lifted.
Brief Description of the Drawings
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] First, referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary machine tool 100 is shown, with one floor plate 102 removed, exposing a floor opening, i.e., a cavity 104. FIG. 2 schematically shows a modular machine tool plate lifter system 10 for assembling a machine tool plate lifter 12 as shown in FIGS. 3 - 5, for example. The system is used to functionally lift the floor plate 102 of the machine tool 100 above other adjacent floor plates 102.
[0006] As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the modular machine tool plate lifter system 10 includes a plurality of lifter panels 14. FIG. 2 schematically shows four lifter panels 14, but the modular machine tool plate lifter system 10 may include any number of lifter panels 14. As schematically shown in the same figure, each lifter panel 14 includes a first panel portion 16 having a first panel portion outer edge region 18, and a second panel portion 20 slidably connected to the first panel portion 16 and having a second panel portion outer edge region 22 located on the opposite side of the first panel portion outer edge region 18. The first panel portion outer edge region 18 of each lifter panel 14 is configured to be selectively connectable to the second panel portion outer edge region 22 of other lifter panels 14. Thus, a selected lifter panel 14 from the machine tool plate lifter system 10 is functionally configured to be assembled to form a polygonal (e.g., matching the polygon of the floor opening or the floor plate to be lifted) machine tool plate lifter 12 such as the exemplary machine tool plate lifter 12 schematically shown in FIGS. 3 - 5. In some examples, the lengths of the first panel portion 16 and the second panel portion 20 are substantially the same.
[0007] In some examples, the outer edge region 18 of the first panel portion of each riser panel 14 is configured to be selectively connectable to the outer edge region 22 of the second panel portion of other riser panels 14 at various angles. Thus, various polygons can be formed using the selected riser panels 14. As a result, the present system is configured to be able to appropriately construct floorboard risers according to the specific shape of the floor opening or the floorboard to be lifted, for example, shapes such as a triangle (illustrated in FIG. 3), a square (illustrated in FIG. 4), a rectangle (illustrated in FIG. 5), etc. In other examples, the outer edge region 18 of the first panel portion of each riser panel 14 is configured to be selectively connectable to the outer edge region 22 of the second panel portion of other riser panels 14 at a single angle such as a right angle (90°). In these examples, only specific polygons can be formed. In the case of riser panels 14 where the angle between adjacent connected riser panels 14 is limited to a right angle, such as the floorboard risers illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shape formed is a right-angled quadrilateral. Such examples are suitable for designs consisting only of square or rectangular floorboards.
[0008] Referring to FIG. 6, the riser panel 14 of the aircraft floorboard riser system 10 is schematically shown. Generally, in FIG. 6, elements that are likely to be included in a certain embodiment are shown in solid lines, and elements that are optional in a certain embodiment or correspond to a specific embodiment are shown in dashed lines. However, it is not the case that the elements shown in solid lines are essential in all embodiments of the present disclosure, and it is also possible to omit the elements shown in solid lines from a specific embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0009] As schematically shown in FIG. 6 and as described above, each riser panel 14 includes at least a first panel portion 16 and a second panel portion 20 slidably connected to the first panel portion 16. In some examples, each riser panel 14 further includes a clamp 24 configured to selectively secure the second panel portion 20 to the first panel portion 16. Thus, when assembling the aircraft floorboard riser 12, the overall length of the riser panel 14 is selected according to the actual use of the riser panel 14. In some of such examples, the first panel portion 16 has a first partial longitudinal channel 26, the second panel portion 20 has a second partial longitudinal channel 28 parallel to the first partial longitudinal channel 26, and the clamp 24 passes through the first partial longitudinal channel 26 and the second partial longitudinal channel 28 and engages the opposite surfaces of the first panel portion 16 and the second panel portion 20. As an example, the clamp 24 may include a cam lever assembly 30 to facilitate adjustment of the overall length of the riser panel 14 by a technician. However, other configurations may be employed for the clamp 24.
[0010] As schematically shown in FIG. 6, in some examples, the first panel portion 16 includes a planar first portion body 32 that is substantially parallel to the second panel portion 20, and a first portion lower ledge 34 that extends at a right angle from the first portion body 32 and extends below the second panel portion 20. As used herein, "substantially parallel" means that the angle between them is within 10°. The first portion lower ledge 34 is configured to contact the upper surface of an adjacent floorboard 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 16) when the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 is functionally installed. In some such examples, the first portion lower ledge 34 extends along substantially the entire length of the first portion body 32. Thus, when the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 is functionally installed, the substantial length portion of the first portion body 32 is directly supported by the first portion lower ledge 34 and the upper surface of the floorboard 102. Further, in an example where the lengths of the first panel portion 16 and the second panel portion 20 are substantially the same, due to the overlap between the first panel portion 16 and the second panel portion 20, the first portion lower ledge 34 extends beyond 50% of the total length of the lifter panel 14. As a result, the lifter panel 14 as described above is securely supported on the floorboard 102 when functionally installed.
[0011] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, in some examples, the first panel portion 16 includes the first portion body 32 and an elongated tab 36 that extends downward and parallel to the first portion body 32. In such an example, the elongated tab 36 is configured to contact one edge of an adjacent floorboard 102 when the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 is functionally installed. In some examples where the first panel portion 16 further includes the first portion lower ledge 34, the first portion lower ledge 34 and the elongated tab 36 are integrated with each other and are functionally connected to the first portion body 32. As an example, the first portion lower ledge 34 and the elongated tab 36 may constitute a T-shaped extrusion member 38 that is functionally connected to the first portion body 32.
[0012] In some examples, the first panel portion 16 includes a first portion body 32 and an upper ledge 40 that extends perpendicularly from the first portion body 32. In such examples, the upper ledge 40 is configured to contact and support the floorboard 102 to be lifted. In some examples where the first panel portion 16 further includes a first portion lower ledge 34, the upper ledge 40 and the first portion lower ledge 34 extend from opposite faces of the first portion body 32, and the upper ledge 40 is spatially located above the first portion lower ledge 34. Thus, the first portion lower ledge 34 extends outwardly from the assembled aircraft floorboard lifter 12 and contacts an adjacent floorboard 102, and the upper ledge 40 extends inwardly from the assembled aircraft floorboard lifter 12 and supports the floorboard 102 to be lifted above the surface of the adjacent floorboard 102.
[0013] As schematically shown in FIG. 6, in some examples, the first portion body 32 can be described as including a first portion upper edge 42, and the upper ledge 40 extends from the first portion body 32 below the first portion upper edge 42. Thus, when the floorboard 102 to be lifted is functionally disposed on the assembled aircraft floorboard lifter 12, it is supported on the upper ledge 40 and is constrained by the first portion body 32 so as not to translate outwardly from the desired position. That is, the first portion body 32 serves to prevent the lifted floorboard 102 from slipping down from the desired position above the cavity 104 of the aircraft floor 100.
[0014] In some examples, the upper ledge 40 extends along a substantial length of the first portion body 32. Thus, when the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 is functionally installed, a substantial length portion of the lifted floorboard 102 is directly supported by the upper ledge 40. Further, in examples where the lengths of the first panel portion 16 and the second panel portion 20 are substantially the same, due to the overlap between the first panel portion 16 and the second panel portion 20, the upper ledge 40 extends beyond 50% of the total length of the lifter panel 14. As a result, the lifter panel 14 as described above can reliably support the lifted floorboard 102.
[0015] As schematically shown in FIG. 6, in some examples, the first part body 32 can be described as including a first part inner edge 44, which is located on the opposite side of the outer edge region 18 of the first panel part and overlaps the second panel part 20. In such an example, the upper ledge 40 can extend to the first part inner edge 44. That is, in such an example, the upper ledge 40 extends as far as possible toward the outer edge region 22 of the second panel part in order to firmly support the lifted floorboard 102.
[0016] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, in some examples, the first part body 32 has a first part finger slit 46 extending from the upper edge 42 of the first part. Similarly, in some examples, the second part body 50 of the second panel part 20 has a second part finger slit 54 extending from the upper edge 52 of the second part body 50. When providing the first part finger slit 46 and / or the second part finger slit 54, the dimensions of these slits are such that with the lifted floorboard 102 being supported by the assembled aircraft floorboard lifter 12, a user can insert a finger into these slits and contact the underside of the floorboard 102, for example, to lift and remove this floorboard.
[0017] As schematically shown in FIG. 6, in some examples, the first panel part 16 includes a first part handle 48 extending upward from the upper edge 42 of the first part. Similarly, in some examples, the second panel part 20 includes a second part handle 56 extending upward from the upper edge 52 of the second part. In examples where the first part handle 48 and / or the second part handle 56 are provided, these handles are configured to be selectively grippable by a user in order to functionally position the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 in processes such as the assembly and placement of the aircraft floorboard lifter 12.
[0018] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, in some examples of the floor panel riser 14, the first panel portion outer edge region 18 includes a first panel portion fitting structure 58, and the second panel portion outer edge region 22 includes a second panel portion fitting structure 60 configured to fit with the first panel portion fitting structure 58 of another riser panel 14 for functionally assembling the aircraft floor panel riser 12. In some such examples, the second panel portion fitting structure 60 fits with the first panel portion fitting structure 58 of another riser panel 14, and in so doing, is configured to fit with the first panel portion fitting structure 58 at a single angular orientation, such as 90°, for example. As described above and as schematically shown in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the aircraft floor panel riser 12 can form a right-angled quadrilateral. In other examples, the second panel portion fitting structure 60 fits with the first panel portion fitting structure 58 of another riser panel 14, and in so doing, is configured to fit with the first panel portion fitting structure 58 at a plurality of angular orientations, thereby enabling the assembly of various polygonal-shaped aircraft floor panel risers 12.
[0019] In some examples, as schematically shown in FIG. 6, one of the first panel portion fitting structure 58 or the second panel portion fitting structure 60 includes a long bar member 62, and the other of the first panel portion fitting structure 58 or the second panel portion fitting structure 60 includes an elongated slot 64 configured to receive the long bar member 62 of another riser panel 14. In some such examples, the first panel portion fitting structure 58 and the second panel portion fitting structure 60 of adjacent riser panels 14 form a hinge. In some examples, the long bar member 62 has a shape such that it does not rotate or pivot within the elongated slot 64.
[0020] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, in some examples, the first panel portion 16 includes a first partial hole 66, and the second panel portion 20 includes a second partial hole 68, which is configured to be aligned in a row when functionally coupled with the first partial hole 66 of another riser panel 14. In such examples, the modular aircraft floorboard riser system 10 further includes a plurality of pins 74, each pin 74 being configured to selectively penetrate these partial holes when the first partial hole 66 of the riser panel 14 and the second partial hole 68 of another riser panel 14 are functionally coupled. In some of such examples, the pins 74 functionally hold the pins once inserted into the first partial hole 66 and the second partial hole 68 of adjacent riser panels 14, and can be configured to have a detent, spring, and / or other structure that can selectively remove the pin 74 when, for example, a user applies a force exceeding a threshold value to the pin 74. As a result, the pins 74 can prevent the adjacent riser panels 14 from inadvertently separating until the user chooses to disassemble the assembled aircraft floorboard riser 12.
[0021] As schematically shown in FIG. 6, in some examples, the outer edge region 22 of the second panel portion includes a reinforcing region 70 that is thicker than the adjacent region of the second panel portion 20. In such examples, the reinforcing region 70 provides additional material to support the interface between two adjacent riser panels 14 when the aircraft floorboard riser 12 is assembled and used, for example, when someone stands on the floorboard 102 lifted by the aircraft floorboard riser 12. Also, in some of such examples, the second partial hole 68 penetrates the reinforcing region 70. That is, the reinforcing region 70 provides a material having a given thickness, enabling the second partial hole 68 to be included in the riser panel 14 without the entire second panel portion 20 requiring such thickness.
[0022] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, in some examples, the second panel portion 20 includes a second lower ledge 72 that extends at a right angle in a direction opposite to the first panel portion 16 from the second portion body 50 within the second panel portion outer edge region 22. In such examples, similar to the first lower ledge 34, the second lower ledge 72 is configured to contact the upper surface of the adjacent floorboard 102 when the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 is functionally installed. In some of such examples, the second lower ledge 72 is aligned with the first lower ledge 34. In some examples, the second lower ledge 72 is included in the reinforcement region 70.
[0023] As also schematically shown in FIG. 6, in some examples, the second panel portion 20 includes a second portion tab 76 that extends downward and parallel to the second portion body 50. In examples where the second portion tab 76 is provided, the tab is configured to contact the edge of the adjacent floorboard 102 when the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 is functionally installed. In some of such examples, the second portion tab 76 is aligned with the elongated tab 36. In some examples, the second portion tab 76 is included in the reinforcement region 70.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 7-14, an exemplary and non-exclusive example of the riser panel 14 is shown in the form of a riser panel 140. FIGS. 15 and 16 show how four riser panels 140 are functionally assembled to form an aircraft floor panel lifter 12 for lifting the floor panel 102. By appropriately using the reference numerals used in the schematic diagram of FIG. 6, corresponding parts of the riser panel 140 are shown, but the examples of FIGS. 7-14 are non-exclusive and do not limit the riser panel 14 to the embodiments of the riser panel 140. That is, the riser panel 14 is not limited to the specific embodiments of the illustrated riser panel 140, and these riser panels 14 can include any of the various aspects, configurations, features, characteristics, etc. of the riser panel 14 illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 6, and / or the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-14, as well as modifications thereof, and in that case, it is not necessary to include all of these aspects, configurations, features, characteristics, etc. For the sake of brevity, the above-described components, parts, portions, aspects, regions, etc., or modifications thereof may not be described, illustrated, and / or labeled again in association with the riser panel 140. However, using the above-described features and modifications, etc. together with the riser panel 140 is within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0025] As shown in the illustration, riser panel 140 is an example of riser panel 14. The first panel portion 16 has a first partial longitudinal channel 26, and the second panel portion 20 has a second partial longitudinal channel 28. The riser panel 140 includes a clamp 24 that passes through the first partial longitudinal channel 26 and the second partial longitudinal channel 28 and includes a cam lever assembly 30. The first panel portion 16 of the riser panel 140 includes a T-shaped extrusion member 38 having a first partial lower ledge 34 and an elongate tab 36, both of which extend along a substantial length of the first partial body 32. The first panel portion 16 of the riser panel 140 further includes an upper ledge 40, which is provided on the opposite side of the first partial body 32 from the first partial lower ledge 34 and spatially above this lower ledge, and extends over a substantial length of the first partial body 32. The first panel portion 16 includes a first partial handle 48, and the first partial body 32 has a first partial finger slit 46. The second panel portion 20 of the riser panel 140 includes a second partial handle 56. The first panel portion fitting structure 58 includes an elongate bar member 62, and the second panel portion fitting structure 60 includes an elongate slot 64. As perhaps most clearly shown in FIG. 8, the second panel portion 20 includes a reinforcing region 70 having a second partial hole 68 and a second partial tab 76 aligned with the elongate tab 36 of the first panel portion 16. The first panel portion 16 has a corresponding first partial hole 66, and the first partial hole 66 and the second partial hole 68 are sized to receive an associated pin 74.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, four riser panels 140 can be functionally assembled to form an aircraft floorboard riser 12 that can functionally lift the floorboard 102 above an adjacent floorboard. Specifically, this lifting operation is achieved by the assembled aircraft floorboard riser fitting within the floor opening in which the floorboard 102 is disposed and supporting the floorboard 102 above it.
[0027] FIG. 17 schematically shows a flowchart illustrating an exemplary and non-exclusive example of method 200 according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 17, some steps are shown in dashed boxes, and the dashed lines indicate that these steps are optional or correspond to any aspect of the method according to the present disclosure. However, not all methods according to the present disclosure necessarily include the steps shown in solid boxes. The methods and steps shown in FIG. 17 are not limiting, and other methods and steps, including those with more or fewer steps than those illustrated, are within the scope of the present disclosure as understood from the description herein.
[0028] As schematically shown in FIG. 17, method 200 includes removing at least the floorboard 102 to be lifted in the aircraft tool 100 to form the cavity 104 (202), and subsequently, functionally arranging the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 to engage with the floorboard 102 adjacent to the cavity 104 (204), and then functionally arranging the floorboard 102 to be lifted onto the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 (206). Some methods 200 further include assembling the aircraft floorboard lifter 12 from the modular aircraft floorboard lifter system 10 according to the present disclosure (208).
[0029] Exemplary and non-exclusive examples of the gist of the invention according to the present disclosure are described in the appended notes listed below.
[0030] A. A modular aircraft floorboard lifter system (10) for assembling an aircraft floorboard lifter (12) for the purpose of functionally lifting a floorboard (102) to be lifted in an aircraft tool (100) above a floorboard (102) adjacent to the said floorboard, comprising a plurality of lifter panels (14), each lifter panel (14) of the plurality of lifter panels (14) having a first panel portion (16) having a first panel portion outer edge region (18), and A second panel portion (20) that is slidably connected to the first panel portion (16) and has a second panel portion outer edge region (22) located on the opposite side of the outer edge region (18) of the first panel portion. The first panel portion outer edge region (18) of each riser panel (14) is configured to be selectively connectable to the second panel portion outer edge region (22) of another riser panel (14). A modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) in which the riser panel selected from the plurality of riser panels (14) is configured to be functionally assembled to form the polygonal aircraft floorboard riser (12).
[0031] A1. The modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) according to appendix A, wherein the first panel portion outer edge region (18) of each riser panel (14) is configured to be selectively connectable to the second panel portion outer edge region (22) of another riser panel (14) at various angles.
[0032] A2. The modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) according to appendix A, wherein the first panel portion outer edge region (18) of each riser panel (14) is configured to be selectively connectable to the second panel portion outer edge region (22) of another riser panel (14) at a single angle, optionally a right angle (90°).
[0033] A3. Each riser panel (14) of the plurality of riser panels (14) further includes a clamp (24) configured to selectively fix the second panel portion (20) to the first panel portion (16), the modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) according to any one of appendices A to A2.
[0034] A3.1. The first panel portion (16) has a first partial longitudinal channel (26). The second panel portion (20) has a second partial longitudinal channel (28) parallel to the first partial longitudinal channel (26). The clamp (24) penetrates through the first partial longitudinal channel (26) and the second partial longitudinal channel (28), and engages with the opposite surfaces of the first panel portion (16) and the second panel portion (20), and is a modular aircraft floor riser system (10) described in Appendix A3.
[0035] A3.2. The clamp (24) includes a cam lever assembly (30), and is a modular aircraft floor riser system (10) described in any of Appendices A3 to A3.1.
[0036] A4. The first panel portion (16) has a planar first partial body (32) substantially parallel to the second panel portion (20), and a first partial lower ledge (34) extending perpendicularly from the first partial body (32) and extending below the second panel portion (20), and the first partial lower ledge (34) is configured to contact the upper surface of one of the adjacent floorboards (102) when the aircraft floor riser (12) is functionally installed, and is a modular aircraft floor riser system (10) described in any of Appendices A to A3.2.
[0037] A4.1. The first partial lower ledge (34) extends along a substantial length of the first partial body (32), and is a modular aircraft floor riser system (10) described in Appendix A4.
[0038] A5. The first panel portion (16) has a planar first partial body (32) substantially parallel to the second panel portion (20), and an elongated tab (36) extending downward and parallel to the first partial body from the first partial body (32), and the elongated tab (36) is configured to contact an edge of one of the adjacent floorboards (102) when the aircraft floor riser (12) is functionally installed, and is a modular aircraft floor riser system (10) described in any of Appendices A to A4.1.
[0039] The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to appendix A5, when dependent on appendix A4, wherein the lower leg (34) of the first part and the elongated tab (36) are integrated with each other and are functionally connected to the first part body (32).
[0040] The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to appendix A5.1, wherein the lower leg (34) of the first part and the elongated tab (36) constitute a T-shaped extrusion member (38) functionally connected to the first part body (32).
[0041] A6. The first panel portion (16) has a planar first part body (32) substantially parallel to the second panel portion (20), and an upper leg (40) extending perpendicularly from the first part body (32), the upper leg (40) being configured to contact and support the floor panel (102) to be lifted, of the modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to any one of appendices A to A5.1.1.
[0042] The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to appendix A6, when dependent on appendix A4, wherein the upper leg (40) and the lower leg (34) of the first part extend from opposite faces of the first part body (32), and the upper leg (40) is spatially located above the lower leg (34) of the first part.
[0043] The first part body (32) includes a first part upper edge (42), and the upper leg (40) extends from the first part body (32) below the first part upper edge (42), of the modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to any one of appendices A6 to A6.1.
[0044] The upper leg (40) extends along a substantial length of the first part body (32), of the modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to any one of appendices A6 to A6.2.
[0045] A6. The first part body (32) is located on the opposite side of the outer edge region (18) of the first panel part and includes a first part inner edge (44) that overlaps with the second panel part (20). The upper ledge (40) extends to the first part inner edge (44). The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to any one of Appendices A6 to A6.3.
[0046] A7. The first panel part (16) includes a first part body (32). The first part body (32) includes a first part upper edge (42). The first part body (32) has a first part finger slit (46) extending from the first part upper edge (42). The dimension of the first part finger slit (46) is set such that when the floor panel (102) to be lifted is functionally supported by the aircraft floor panel lifter (12), a user can insert a finger into the first part finger slit (46) and contact the lower side of the floor panel (102) to be lifted. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to any one of Appendices A to A6.4.
[0047] A8. The first panel part (16) includes a first part body (32). The first part body (32) includes a first part upper edge (42). The first panel part (16) includes a first part handle (48) extending upward from the first part upper edge (42). The first part handle (48) is configured such that a user can selectively grip the first part handle (48) to functionally arrange the aircraft floor panel lifter (12). The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system (10) according to any one of Appendices A to A7.
[0048] A9. The second panel portion (20) includes a second portion main body (50), the second portion main body (50) includes a second portion upper edge (52), the second portion main body (50) has a second portion finger slit (54) extending from the second portion upper edge (52), and the size of the second portion finger slit (54) is set such that a user can insert a finger into the second portion finger slit (54) and contact the lower side of the floor board (102) to be lifted in a state where the floor board (102) to be lifted is functionally supported by the aircraft floor board lifter (12). The modular aircraft floor board lifter system (10) according to any one of Appendices A to A8.
[0049] A10. The second panel portion (20) includes a second portion main body (50), the second portion main body (50) includes a second portion upper edge (52), the second panel portion (20) includes a second portion handle (56) extending upward from the second portion upper edge (52), and the second portion handle (56) is configured such that a user can selectively grip the second portion handle (56) in order to functionally arrange the aircraft floor board lifter (12). The modular aircraft floor board lifter system (10) according to any one of Appendices A to A9.
[0050] A11. The first panel portion outer edge region (18) includes a first panel portion fitting structure (58), The second panel portion outer edge region (22) includes a second panel portion fitting structure (60) configured to fit with the first panel portion fitting structure (58) of another lifter panel (14) in order to functionally assemble the aircraft floor board lifter (12). The modular aircraft floor board lifter system (10) according to any one of Appendices A to A10.
[0051] A11.1. The second panel portion fitting structure (60) is configured to fit with the first panel portion fitting structure (58) at a single angular orientation, optionally 90°, with respect to the first panel portion fitting structure (58) of another lifter panel (14). The modular aircraft floor board lifter system (10) according to Appendix A11.
[0052] A11.2. The second panel partial fitting structure (60) is configured to fit with the first panel partial fitting structure (58) of another riser panel (14) in a plurality of angular orientations, in the modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) according to appended note A11.
[0053] A11.3. One of the first panel partial fitting structure (58) or the second panel partial fitting structure (60) includes a long bar member (62), and the other of the first panel partial fitting structure (58) or the second panel partial fitting structure (60) includes an elongated slot (64) configured to receive the long bar member (62) of another riser panel (14), in the modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) according to any one of appended notes A11 to A11.2.
[0054] A12. The first panel portion (16) includes a first partial hole (66), and the second panel portion (20) includes a second partial hole (68), and the second partial hole is configured to be arranged in a row when functionally coupled with the first partial hole (66) of another riser panel (14). The modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) further includes a plurality of pins (74), and each pin (74) of the plurality of pins (74) is configured to selectively penetrate the first partial hole and the second partial hole (68) when the first partial hole (66) of one riser panel (14) and the second partial hole (68) of another riser panel (14) are functionally coupled, in the modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) according to any one of appended notes A to A11.3.
[0055] A13. The second panel partial outer edge region (22) includes a reinforcing region (70) that is thicker than an adjacent region of the second panel portion (20), in the modular aircraft floorboard riser system (10) according to any one of appended notes A to A12.
[0056] The modular aircraft floor panel riser system (10) according to appendix A13, wherein when it is subordinate to appendix A12, the second partial hole (68) penetrates through the reinforcement area (70).
[0057] A14. The second panel portion (20) has a planar second partial body (50) substantially parallel to the first panel portion (16), and a second partial lower ledge (72) that extends perpendicularly in a direction opposite to the first panel portion (16) from the second partial body (50) within the outer edge area (22) of the second panel portion. When the aircraft floor panel riser (12) is functionally installed, the second partial lower ledge (72) is configured to contact the upper surface of one of the adjacent floor panels (102). The modular aircraft floor panel riser system (10) according to any one of appendices A to A13.1.
[0058] A14.1. When it is subordinate to appendix A4, the second partial lower ledge (72) is aligned with the first partial lower ledge (34). The modular aircraft floor panel riser system (10) according to appendix A14.
[0059] A14.2. When it is subordinate to appendix A13, the reinforcement area (70) includes the second partial lower ledge (72). The modular aircraft floor panel riser system (10) according to any one of appendices A14 to A14.1.
[0060] A15. The second panel portion (20) has a planar second partial body (50) substantially parallel to the first panel portion (16), and a second partial tab (76) that extends downward from the second partial body (50) and is parallel to the second partial body (50). When the aircraft floor panel riser (12) is functionally installed, the second partial tab (76) is configured to contact an edge of one of the adjacent floor panels (102). The modular aircraft floor panel riser system (10) according to any one of appendices A to A14.2.
[0061] When dependent on Appendix A5, the modular aircraft floor riser system (10) according to Appendix A15, wherein the second partial tab (76) is aligned with the elongated tab (36).
[0062] When dependent on Appendix A13, the modular aircraft floor riser system (10) according to Appendix A15, wherein the reinforcement region (70) includes the second partial tab (76).
[0063] B. An aircraft floor riser (12) assembled from a riser panel selected from the plurality of riser panels (14) of the modular aircraft floor riser system (10) described in any of Appendices A to A15.2, wherein the first panel partial outer edge region (18) of each of the selected riser panels (14) is functionally connected to the second panel partial outer edge region (22) of an adjacent riser panel among the selected riser panels (14).
[0064] B1. The aircraft floor riser (12) according to Appendix B, wherein at least four riser panels (14) are selected from the plurality of riser panels (14), and optionally only four riser panels (14) are selected.
[0065] C. A method (200) including: removing (202) the floorboard (102) to be lifted in the aircraft (100) to form a cavity (104); subsequent to the removing (202), functionally arranging (204) an aircraft floor riser (12) to engage with the floorboard (102) adjacent to the cavity (104); subsequent to the functionally arranging (204), functionally arranging (206) the floorboard (102) to be lifted onto the aircraft floor riser (12).
[0066] The method (200) according to appendix C, further comprising assembling the aircraft floor lifter (12) from the modular aircraft floor lifter system (10) according to any one of appendices A to A15.2.
[0067] D. Use of the modular aircraft floor lifter system (10) according to any one of appendices A to A15.2 for lifting the floor board (102) to be lifted in the aircraft (100) above the floor board (102) adjacent to the said floor board.
[0068] Unless otherwise specifically defined, in this specification, when the expression "substantially" modifies a degree or relationship, it includes not only the case where the degree or relationship is "substantial" as described, but also the case where the degree or relationship is complete. For the degree or relationship to be substantial means including the case corresponding to at least 75% of the said degree or relationship. For example, when an object consists of at least substantially a given material, it includes that at least 75% of the object consists of the said material, and in addition, the case where the whole object completely consists of the said material. Another example, when the first length is substantially the same as the second length, it includes the case where the first length is up to 75% of the second length, and also the case where the first length is the same as the second length.
[0069] As used herein, the terms “configured” and “adapted” mean that an element, component, or other component is designed and / or intended to perform a given function. Thus, when the terms “configured” and “adapted” are used, it should not be construed to mean that an element, component, or other component can merely “perform” a given function, but rather that the element, component, and / or other component is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed to perform that function. Also, an element, component, and / or other component described as being adapted to perform a particular function can, in addition to or in lieu of that, be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa, and both are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, a component described as being configured to perform a particular function can, in addition to or in lieu of that, be described as operating to perform that function.
[0070] As used herein, when the term "and / or" is used between a first entity and a second entity, it means any one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) both the first entity and the second entity. The same shall apply when a plurality of entities are described together with "and / or". That is, it should be construed to mean "one or more" of these combined entities. Also, in a description using "and / or", anything other than the specifically designated entities may be included as arbitrary entities, regardless of whether they are related to these designated entities. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, when referring to "A and / or B" using an open-ended expression such as "comprising", examples can be shown of referring to only A (optionally including entities other than B), only B (optionally including entities other than A), and both A and B (optionally including other entities). Here, an entity refers to, for example, a component, an action, a structure, a step, a process, a value, etc.
[0071] The elements of the various devices and the steps of the methods described herein are not essential to all of the devices and methods of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes novel and non-obvious combinations and partial combinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Further, one or more of the various elements and steps described herein may define the subject matter of an independent invention separate from the entirety of the device or method of the present disclosure. Thus, the subject matter of such an invention need not be associated with the devices and methods explicitly disclosed herein and may find utility in devices and / or methods not explicitly disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A modular aircraft floor panel lifter system for assembling an aircraft floor panel lifter, with the aim of functionally lifting a floor panel to be lifted in an aircraft above an adjacent floor panel, comprising: a plurality of lifter panels, each lifter panel of the plurality of lifter panels comprising: a first panel portion having a first panel portion outer edge region; a second panel portion slidably connected to the first panel portion and having a second panel portion outer edge region located on the opposite side of the first panel portion outer edge region; the first panel portion outer edge region of each lifter panel is configured to be selectively connectable to the second panel portion outer edge region of another lifter panel; a lifter panel selected from the plurality of lifter panels is configured to be functionally assembled to form the polygonal aircraft floor panel lifter. A modular aircraft floor panel lifter system.
2. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 1, wherein the first panel portion outer edge region of each lifter panel is configured to be selectively connectable to the second panel portion outer edge region of another lifter panel at various angles.
3. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 1, wherein the first panel portion outer edge region of each lifter panel is configured to be selectively connectable to the second panel portion outer edge region of another lifter panel at a single angle, optionally at a right angle (90°).
4. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 1, wherein each lifter panel of the plurality of lifter panels further comprises a clamp configured to selectively fix the second panel portion to the first panel portion.
5. The first panel portion has a first partial longitudinal channel; The second panel portion has a second partial longitudinal channel parallel to the first partial longitudinal channel; The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 4, wherein the clamp passes through the first partial longitudinal channel and the second partial longitudinal channel and engages the opposite surfaces of the first panel portion and the second panel portion.
6. The first panel portion comprises: a first partial body in a planar shape substantially parallel to the second panel portion; A first part lower ledge that extends at a right angle from the first part body and extends below the second panel part, and wherein the first part lower ledge is configured to contact an upper surface of one of the adjacent floorboards when the aircraft floorboard lifter is functionally installed. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 1.
7. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 6, wherein the first part lower ledge extends along a substantial length of the first part body.
8. The first panel part A planar first part body that is substantially parallel to the second panel part A long tab that extends downward from the first part body and parallel to the first part body, and wherein the long tab is configured to contact an edge of one of the adjacent floorboards when the aircraft floorboard lifter is functionally installed. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 1.
9. The first panel part further A planar first part body that is substantially parallel to the second panel part A first part lower ledge that extends at a right angle from the first part body and extends below the second panel part, and wherein the first part lower ledge is configured to contact an upper surface of one of the adjacent floorboards when the aircraft floorboard lifter is functionally installed, The first part lower ledge and the long tab are integrated with each other and are functionally connected to the first part body. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 8.
10. The first panel part A planar first part body that is substantially parallel to the second panel part An upper ledge that extends at a right angle from the first part body and is configured to contact and support the floorboard to be lifted. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 1.
11. The first panel part further Includes a first part lower ledge that extends at a right angle from the first part body and extends below the second panel part, and the first part lower ledge is configured to contact an upper surface of one of the adjacent floorboards when the aircraft floorboard lifter is functionally installed, The upper ledge and the first part lower ledge extend from mutually opposite faces of the first part body, and the upper ledge is positioned spatially above the first part lower ledge. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 10.
12. The first part body includes a first part upper edge, and the upper ledge extends from the first part body below the first part upper edge. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 10.
13. The upper ledge extends along a substantial length of the first part body. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 10.
14. The first part body is located on the opposite side of the outer edge region of the first panel part and includes a first part inner edge that overlaps with the second panel part, and the upper ledge extends to the first part inner edge. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 10.
15. The first panel part includes a first part body, the first part body includes a first part upper edge, the first part body has a first part finger slit extending from the first part upper edge, and the dimension of the first part finger slit is set such that when the floor panel to be lifted is functionally supported by the aircraft floor panel lifter, a user can insert a finger into the first part finger slit and contact the lower side of the floor panel to be lifted. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 1.
16. The first panel part includes a first part body, the first part body includes a first part upper edge, the first panel part includes a first part handle extending upward from the first part upper edge, and the first part handle is configured such that a user can selectively grip the first part handle for functionally arranging the aircraft floor panel lifter. The modular aircraft floor panel lifter system according to claim 1.
17. The second panel portion includes a second portion body, the second portion body includes an upper edge of the second portion, the second portion body has a second portion finger slit extending from the upper edge of the second portion, and the dimension of the second portion finger slit is set such that when the floorboard to be lifted is functionally supported by the aircraft floorboard lifter, a user can insert a finger into the second portion finger slit and contact the lower side of the floorboard to be lifted. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 1.
18. The second panel portion includes a second portion body, the second portion body includes an upper edge of the second portion, the second panel portion includes a second portion handle extending upward from the upper edge of the second portion, and the second portion handle is configured such that a user can selectively grip the second portion handle to functionally arrange the aircraft floorboard lifter. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 1.
19. The outer edge region of the first panel portion includes a first panel portion fitting structure. The outer edge region of the second panel portion includes a second panel portion fitting structure configured to fit with the first panel portion fitting structure of another lifter panel for functionally assembling the aircraft floorboard lifter. The second panel portion fitting structure is configured to fit with the first panel portion fitting structure of another lifter panel at a single angular orientation with respect to the first panel portion fitting structure of the other lifter panel. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 1.
20. The first panel portion includes a first portion hole, the second panel portion includes a second portion hole, and the second portion hole is configured to be aligned in a row when functionally coupled with the first portion hole of another lifter panel. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system further includes a plurality of pins, and each pin of the plurality of pins is configured to selectively penetrate the first portion hole and the second portion hole when the first portion hole of one lifter panel and the second portion hole of another lifter panel are functionally coupled. The modular aircraft floorboard lifter system according to claim 1.
21. An aircraft floor riser assembled from a riser panel selected from the plurality of riser panels of the modular aircraft floor riser system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein each first panel portion outer edge region of the selected riser panel is functionally connected to a second panel portion outer edge region of an adjacent riser panel among the selected riser panels.
22. removing a floor board to be lifted in an aircraft to form a cavity, subsequently to the removing, functionally arranging an aircraft floor riser so as to engage with a floor board adjacent to the cavity, subsequently to the functionally arranging, functionally arranging the floor board to be lifted on the aircraft floor riser. A method comprising the above steps.