Aircraft Equipment Attachment Structure Integrating Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft attachment structures for equipment units, such as bins and cupboards, are heavy, space-consuming, and require additional components like tie rods to withstand crash loads, which can be inefficient in transferring forces directly to the primary structure.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight attachment structure comprising a first and second attachment device with engagement elements that directly transfer loads from equipment units to the aircraft's stringer and frame, eliminating the need for tie rods and allowing for space-saving integration, with a resilient member to dampen vibrations and torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate unmovable housing with tie rod is used to attach equipment unit to primary structure, then crash loads can be transferred to primary structure, but additional space and weight are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attachment bracket with the equipment unit housing into a single integrated component. The bracket is formed as part of the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate tie rods and unmovable housing. This integration maintains crash load transfer capability while reducing overall weight and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment bracket serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the equipment unit, transfers crash loads to the primary structure, and integrates with the housing to eliminate separate components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a separate unmovable housing with tie rod is used to attach equipment unit to primary structure, then crash loads can be transferred to primary structure, but additional space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment bracket is merged with the equipment unit housing, eliminating the need for separate tie rods and unmovable housing that would occupy additional space. The integrated design allows crash load transfer while minimizing the space required for the attachment structure.
3Ease of operation
If movable bin is used with bearings for opening and closing, then bin mobility is enabled, but load transfer path becomes complex and additional components are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into a fixed bracket portion integrated with the housing and a movable bin portion. The fixed bracket provides the load transfer path to the primary structure, while the movable bin can open and close independently. This segmentation simplifies the load transfer path by separating the mobility function from the structural support function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a robust, space-efficient, and weight-saving attachment method that effectively transfers crash loads directly to the primary structure, reducing the need for additional components and enhancing the integration of equipment units with the aircraft's structure.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member to dampen vibrations and torque
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
An attachment structure (10) for an equipment unit (20) of an aircraft (12) comprises a first attachment device (22, 22') extending in a longitudinal direction of the aircraft (12), wherein the first attachment device (22, 22') is attached to a stringer (16) and to a frame (14) and wherein the first attachment device (22, 22') has a first engagement element (48, 48') and a second attachment device (24, 24') attachable to the equipment unit (20), wherein the second attachment device (24, 24') has a second engagement element (62, 62') adapted for engaging into the first engagement element, such that a force from the equipment unit (20) in the longitudinal direction on the second attachment device (24, 24') is transferred via the second engagement element to the first engagement element and via the first attachment device (22, 22') to the stringer (16) and the frame (14).