Aircraft floor panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft heated floor panels are susceptible to mechanical damage and fluid intrusion due to the location of the heating elements, and current methods for removing these panels are prone to causing damage, rendering the heating elements non-functional.
Innovation Solution
The heated floor panel design features a heating layer positioned between two support layers for protection and includes removal features such as inserts, levers, threaded inserts, and recesses to facilitate safe extraction without damaging the panel or adjacent structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heating layer is placed near the top surface of the floor panel, then heating efficiency is improved, but the heating elements become susceptible to mechanical damage and fluid intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The heating layer is nested between the first support layer and the second support layer, with the first support layer positioned above the heating layer and the second support layer positioned below the heating layer. This nested configuration protects the heating elements from mechanical damage and fluid intrusion while maintaining heating efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If floor panels are located very close together in a grid-like pattern, then structural support and coverage are improved, but removal without damage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A removal feature is integrated into the floor panel body that enables the panel to be removed from the aircraft structure without damage. This preliminary design feature allows for easy extraction during maintenance while maintaining the close-grid configuration for structural support and coverage.
3Temperature
If the heating layer is placed just under the metal sheet, then heat distribution to the cabin is improved, but localized repair of the metal face sheet becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The floor panel is segmented into distinct layers including the metal face sheet, first support layer, heating layer, and second support layer. This segmentation allows the metal face sheet to be repaired locally without affecting the heating elements, as the heating layer is separated and protected by the support layers.
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
This design enhances the protection of heating elements from mechanical damage and fluid intrusion while enabling the safe removal of floor panels, minimizing damage to the panels and adjacent structures during maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A heated floor panel can include a weight-supporting layer and a heat-generating layer
Implementation Method 2
The floor panel can also include a heat-insulating layer to prevent heat from exiting the aircraft compartment
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft heated floor panel includes a first support layer, a second support layer, and a heating layer located between the first support layer and the second support layer. An aircraft floor panel includes a floor panel body and a removal feature that provides a mechanism for the aircraft floor panel to be removed from an attached aircraft structure.