Aircraft Adapter Module for Panel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for attaching aircraft interior panels lack effective angle and height compensation, leading to issues with alignment and increased weight due to excess cable lengths, and require manual reconnection of electrical contacts during assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

An adapter module with adjustable connection surfaces is introduced between the equipment and the plug-in bracket for angle and height compensation, allowing for customizable alignment and reducing the need for multiple adapter modules by using a solid block design with optional fastening means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing fastening systems are used without angle and height compensation, then the assembly process is simpler, but alignment precision between equipment and supporting structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidfastening system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter module serves as an intermediary component between the plug-in bracket and the equipment. It includes an adapter body with a first connection surface for the plug-in bracket and a second connection surface for the equipment, enabling angle and height compensation. This mediator resolves the alignment precision issue without requiring complex integrated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is segmented into separate functional components: the plug-in bracket, the adapter module, and the equipment. The adapter module can be independently selected and attached based on specific alignment requirements, allowing precise alignment without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If excess cable lengths are used to accommodate panel movement, then the panel can swing freely, but the aircraft weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel movement flexibilityVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a flexible cable management solution where cables are routed through the adapter module and plug-in bracket assembly. The adapter module's design allows for controlled flexibility in cable routing without requiring excessive cable length, enabling panel movement while minimizing weight increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Extent of automation

If electrical contact devices are integrated into the plug-in holder, then electrical connections are established during mechanical fastening, but the additional thickness affects the mutual position of supporting structure and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection automationVSAvoidmutual position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter module acts as an intermediary that decouples the electrical contact device from the plug-in holder. The electrical contact device is integrated into the adapter module rather than the plug-in holder, allowing the plug-in holder to maintain its original thickness and positioning characteristics while still achieving automated electrical connections through the adapter module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple adapter modules with different configurations are used to achieve precise alignment, then alignment precision improves, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidadapter module versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter module is designed with universal features including a standardized first connection surface that interfaces with the plug-in bracket, and a second connection surface that can accommodate various equipment types. The adapter body can be manufactured in different configurations (angles, heights) to address diverse alignment requirements, providing versatility without requiring completely different module designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2403755B1Connection system, and especially adapter module provided therefor

Publication Date: 2014.01.15 SFS INTEC HLDG AG

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AI summary

Described is a system (10) for releasably connecting a fitting piece (20), such as an interior lining of an aircraft cabin, to a supporting structure (30), such as a fuselage. A structural holder (50) is fastened to the supporting structure (30). A two-piece plug-in holding mechanism (60) including a connecting pin (80) and a bushing piece (85) is fastened to the structural holder (50) and to an adapter module (40) which is fastened to the fitting piece (20). An electrical contact device (70) can be arranged between the bushing piece (85) of the plug-in holding mechanism (60) and the structural holder (50). The adapter module (40) is used for compensating the angle and the vertical position between the fitting piece (20) and the supporting structure (30). The adapter module (40) is a block of a solid material, the connecting surfaces of which extend at an angle from each other. The adapter module (40) is mounted such that the connecting surfaces are oriented at different angles and arranged at different distances from each other. In addition, during assembly, the adapter module (40) can be fastened so as to be partially lowered into the fitting piece (20) at different depths and, if required, also at a desired inclination.