Aircraft Ceiling Panel Hinge Assembly Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hinge assemblies for aircraft cabin ceiling panels are complex, leading to increased production costs, assembly time, and complexity in adjusting the pivot arm hinge latch between the ceiling panel and the overhead storage compartment.
Innovation Solution
A simplified hinge assembly design featuring a lightweight arm with a planar web and a plate with integrated ridges and slots, allowing for lateral adjustment using a threaded rod, which reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hinge assembly with multiple components (arm, base plate, support structure) is used, then the hinge provides reliable pivoting functionality, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the arm, base plate, and support structure into a single integrated hinge assembly. The arm is formed as one piece with the base plate and support structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the pivoting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated hinge assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides pivoting movement, structural support, and positioning all through a single component design, reducing the need for multiple specialized parts.
2Reliability
If a traditional hinge assembly with multiple components is used, then the hinge provides adequate functionality, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a single integrated hinge assembly, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, inventory requirements, and assembly operations, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining functional reliability.
3Reliability
If a traditional hinge assembly with multiple components is used, then the hinge provides sufficient functionality, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated hinge assembly eliminates the need to assemble multiple separate components (arm, base plate, support structure), significantly reducing assembly time and improving productivity while maintaining full hinge functionality.
4Reliability
If a traditional hinge assembly with multiple components is used, then the hinge provides adequate functionality, but the adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design consolidates all adjustment mechanisms into a single assembly unit, allowing for quicker adjustments without the need to disassemble and reassemble multiple separate components, thereby reducing adjustment time.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly is designed to reduce the number of details in the hinge assembly and to simplify the construction of the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes an arm having a length with a pivot post on a first end of the arm and an arm lock on an opposite second end of the arm. An internally screw threaded hole extends through the arm block. The plate is attached to the second end of the arm. The plate has a plate surface configured for attachment to a ceiling panel and an opposite adjustment surface. A ridge extends across the adjustment surface and a slot extends through the ridge. The arm block is positioned adjacent the ridge with the internally screw threaded hole of the arm block aligned with the slot through the ridge. An externally screw threaded rod extends through the slot and is screw threaded into the internally screw threaded hole through the arm block. The externally screw threaded rod is turned in opposite directions to alternatively lock the arm to the plate, and release the arm from the plate for adjustable positioning of the plate relative to the arm.