Aircraft Fairing Fixing Device with Integrated Electrical Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft interior component attachment systems require additional installation effort for connecting to the aircraft's supply network, particularly in difficult-to-access areas, due to the use of separate plug connections.
Innovation Solution
A device that combines a fixing mechanism for attaching paneling elements to a support structure with a contacting system allowing electrical connection through a translational relative movement, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps by using form-fitting engagement and elastic contacts to establish connections between the paneling element and the support structure, which are connected to the aircraft's on-board network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate plug connections are used for electrical connection, then electrical connection between paneling element and supply network is achieved, but additional installation effort and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical fixing function and electrical connection function into a single integrated device. The fixing device includes both fixing elements for mechanical attachment and contacting devices with electrical contacts that establish electrical connection simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate plug connections and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support through fixing elements, establishes electrical connection through contacting devices, and enables easy replacement through reversible engagement. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If separate plug connections are used for electrical connection, then electrical connection is established, but additional assembly steps are required in difficult-to-access areas
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electrical connection function into the fixing device itself, the patent eliminates the need for separate plug connection operations in difficult-to-access areas. The electrical contacts are integrated into the fixing mechanism, so that mechanical attachment and electrical connection occur simultaneously during a single assembly operation.
3Strength
If fixed attachment system is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but component replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device employs reversible engagement mechanisms that allow the paneling element to be securely attached during operation but easily removed when replacement is needed. The fixing elements and contacting devices are designed to engage firmly for secure attachment while allowing controlled disengagement for maintenance and replacement.
4Reliability
If traditional fixing and electrical connection systems are used, then functional requirements are met, but protrusion into aircraft cabin increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the electrical contacting devices within the fixing device structure, the patent reduces the overall volume required in the cabin space. The electrical contacts are positioned within or near the fixing elements, eliminating the need for separate plug connection components that would occupy additional cabin volume.
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
Enables secure and efficient attachment and electrical connection of aircraft interior components to the aircraft's supply network without additional assembly steps, ensuring reliable power transmission and easy replacement of components, while minimizing protrusion into the aircraft cabin.
Implementation Method 1
which can be displaced by an elastic means in which the contact means is at least partially embedded
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fixing and electrically contacting a fairing element (10) of an aircraft to a support structure (12) attached to an aircraft structure (13), comprising a fixing device for releasably fixing the fairing element (10) to the support structure (12) and a contacting device for providing several electrical contacts between fairing-element-side lines (18) and support structure-side connecting lines (20), characterized in that the fixing device can be brought into a positive engagement by means of a translational relative movement between fairing element (10) and support structure (12), and the contacting device has at least two fairing-element-side first contacts (22) and the same number cooperating support structure-side second contacts (24).which can be brought into electrical contact with each other during translational relative movement, wherein the first contacts (22) are connected to the cladding element-side lines (18) and the second contacts (24) are connected to the support structure-side connecting lines (20).