Aircraft Floor Connection Assembly for Vibration Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection systems between aircraft passenger floors and primary structures face challenges such as complex installation, high assembly tolerances, and vibration transmission, leading to assembly difficulties and noise issues, particularly above landing gear compartments or central wing boxes where space constraints prevent the use of transverse beams for fixing the floor.
Innovation Solution
A deformable connection assembly featuring a central element with a through hole and integrated damping elements, comprising alternating layers of deformable and metallic materials, which facilitates easier assembly and effectively filters vibrations by allowing movement and absorbing structural disparities, thus decoupling the passenger floor from primary structural vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fixed connections are used to attach floor rails to primary structure, then structural strength is improved, but vibration transmission increases and noise level rises
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly uses a composite structure combining rigid elements (for strength) with viscoelastic damping material layers (for vibration absorption). The alternating layers of rigid and deformable materials create a composite connection that maintains structural integrity while filtering vibrations from the primary structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the connection by introducing deformable damping elements that can deform under vibration loads. The viscoelastic material's ability to change shape and absorb energy transforms the connection from a rigid vibration transmitter to a compliant vibration filter, reducing noise transmission to the passenger floor.
2Strength
If traditional connecting assemblies are used, then connection strength is maintained, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple tools and accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated connecting assembly. The central element, damping elements, and connection features are combined into one unit that can be installed as a single component, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and accessories required by traditional multi-part connecting assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a central element for structural connection, first damping elements for primary vibration absorption, and second damping elements for secondary damping. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while being manufactured and installed as an integrated unit, simplifying the overall assembly process.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional rigid connections are used, then assembly precision requirements are high, but assembly time increases due to tolerance adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system with built-in compliance. The viscoelastic damping material provides inherent flexibility that allows the connection to adapt to dimensional variations and misalignments during assembly, eliminating the need for high-precision manufacturing and reducing assembly time for tolerance adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping elements are pre-positioned within the connecting assembly to provide cushioning against dimensional variations before assembly is completed. This beforehand cushioning compensates for potential tolerance issues, allowing faster assembly without requiring post-assembly adjustments for precision alignment.
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 deformable connection assembly simplifies the installation of floor rails, reduces noise and vibration transmission, and enhances the perception of assembly quality by absorbing structural variations and filtering vibrations, providing improved load transfer and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable connection assembly between two structures of an aircraft comprising a central element having a through hole, preferably a bore, arranged to operate a connection with one of the two structures by means of a fixing element comprising a rod inserted into the through hole, the connection assembly further comprising a plurality of deformable damping elements, called first damping elements, each of the first damping elements being integral with the central element on the one hand, and configured to bear on a surface of the other structure among the two structures, on the other hand
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting assembly (100) between two structures (130, 150) of an aircraft, the connecting assembly (100) comprising a central element having a through hole, preferably a bore, arranged to connect with one of the two structures (150) by means of a fastening element (160, 161) having a rod (160') inserted into the through hole, the connecting assembly (100) further comprising a plurality of damping elements made of a deformable material, each of the damping elements being integral with said central element on the one hand, and configured to bear against a surface of the other structure (130) among the two structures (130, 150) on the other hand. The invention also relates to an aircraft part (400) comprising such a connecting assembly (100).