Modular Adapter Plate Structure for Crash-Resistant Equipment Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seat/cargo tracks in helicopters have reduced stiffness, making them labor-intensive and costly to install and maintain, and they often cannot withstand crash loads due to insufficient attachment points, limiting equipment arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A modular adapter plate system with parallel seat/cargo tracks interconnected by stiff beam elements and releasable fittings that utilize existing seat/cargo rails and anchor points, providing increased stiffness and flexibility for equipment arrangement while minimizing maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate seat/cargo tracks with inserts are used, then installation flexibility is provided, but stiffness and crash load resistance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate seat/cargo tracks into a single integrated adapter plate structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate inserts while providing both the flexibility of adjustable track positions and the structural strength of a unified rigid plate, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement for crash load resistance, enables adjustable seat/cargo track positioning for installation flexibility, and interfaces with existing floor anchor points. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both the flexibility and strength requirements.
2Strength
If multiple inserts are installed to withstand crash loads, then strength is improved, but installation and maintenance become labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate insert installations into a single adapter plate installation. Instead of installing numerous individual inserts throughout the floor, the unified plate is installed as one component, dramatically reducing installation time and maintenance effort while maintaining the necessary crash load resistance through its integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter plate is designed as a modular component that can be independently installed and removed as a single unit. This segmentation of the attachment system into a removable plate versus permanent floor structure allows for rapid installation and maintenance without the need to individually access and install multiple inserts.
3Ease of operation
If separate seat/cargo tracks are used, then ease of installation is provided, but reliability and crash load withstanding capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate track installations into a single integrated adapter plate that attaches to the floor as one unit. This provides the ease of installation of simple attachment mechanisms while simultaneously delivering the reliability and crash load resistance of a unified rigid structure, eliminating the weaknesses of separate track systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular adapter plate system (1) for the installation of mission equipment in vehicles with floor panels (30), particularly for the installation of mission equipment in aircrafts such as helicopters, each plate (2-8) of said system comprising a pair of parallel seat/cargo tracks (9, 10) interconnected by stiff beam elements (11-15) and lateral flanges (16, 40) for releasable fixation to the floor panels (30) and lateral flanges (18, 19, 41, 42) for releasable interconnection. The invention is also related to a vehicle with said modular adapter plate system (1).