Vehicle Air Grille Panel Assembly with Float Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sidewall panel assemblies with air grilles in vehicles, such as aircraft, are difficult to install and repair due to complex mechanical parts and non-standard sizes, leading to increased time and expense.
Innovation Solution
An integrated air grille panel assembly that couples to a sidewall panel via a float attachment, allowing vertical adjustment, and includes a frame member with curved corners and a cover member that can move between closed and open positions, simplifying installation and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If full length sidewall panels with air grilles are used to tie frame attachments to floor tolerancing, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation and repair become difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The air grille panel assembly is divided into separate modular components: the air grille panel itself, the frame member, the cover member, and the float attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, installed, and replaced, significantly reducing installation and repair time while maintaining structural integrity through the standardized float attachment interface.
2Reliability
If separate air grille panel with complex mechanical attachment mechanisms are used, then attachment to sidewall panel is achieved, but part count increases and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical attachment mechanisms have been extracted and replaced with a simplified float attachment system. The float attachment uses a buoyant element that automatically positions the air grille panel at the correct height while allowing for vertical adjustment, eliminating the need for numerous fasteners, adjustment mechanisms, and alignment features.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a fixed mechanical connection to a floating, adjustable connection. The float attachment allows vertical movement and positioning based on water level or height parameters, providing automatic adjustment and simplifying the attachment process while maintaining reliable connection between the air grille panel and sidewall panel.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-standard sized air grille panels are used, then specific installation requirements are met, but variability in design and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air grille panel assembly is designed with universal dimensions and standardized float attachment interfaces that can accommodate various installation locations and requirements. The modular design allows the same basic assembly to be used in different positions and configurations, reducing design variability while maintaining the ability to meet specific installation requirements through the adjustable float mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an air grille panel assembly for a vehicle. The assembly includes an air grille panel having air grille openings, a top end, and a bottom end. The top end is configured for coupling to a sidewall panel in a cabin of the vehicle. The bottom end is configured for coupling to a raceway assembly on a floor in the cabin. The assembly further includes a frame member disposed around a perimeter of each of the air grille openings, to define each of the air grille openings, an air grille coupled to the frame member and covering each of the air grille openings, and a cover member releasably attached to the air grille. The assembly is configured for coupling to the sidewall panel, via a float attachment, that allows for a vertical adjustment, to accommodate different installed positions of the assembly in the cabin of the vehicle.