Modular Aircraft Floorboard Riser for Temporary Elevated Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

During aircraft construction and maintenance, floorboards need to be removed to access sub-floor structures, but they cannot be replaced while technicians take breaks or retrieve tools, as existing systems do not allow for efficient temporary support of elevated floorboards.

Innovation Solution

A modular aircraft floorboard riser system comprising a plurality of riser panels that can be assembled into various polygonal shapes to support elevated floorboards, allowing for temporary elevation and secure placement of removed floorboards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If floorboards are removed to access sub-floor structures, then access to sub-floor structures is improved, but the floorboards cannot be replaced during technician breaks or tool retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to sub-floor structuresVSAvoidcontinuous work capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The riser system acts as an intermediary support structure between the removed floorboard and the sub-floor structure. It provides temporary support during technician breaks and tool retrieval, enabling continuous work without requiring the floorboard to remain in place. The riser panel serves as a mediator that allows the floor opening to be accessed while maintaining structural integrity during interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If floorboards are temporarily elevated, then access to sub-floor structures is improved, but existing systems do not allow for efficient temporary support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemporary support capabilityVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into modular riser panels that can be independently assembled and configured. Each panel can be manufactured separately and then assembled to create the required support structure, improving both ease of manufacture and system efficiency. The modular design allows for flexible configuration to match different floor opening shapes and sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The riser system provides dynamic support capability, allowing floorboards to be temporarily elevated and repositioned during work interruptions. The system can be quickly assembled and disassembled, enabling the floorboard to be returned to its original position or adjusted as needed, thus improving temporary support efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If floorboards cannot be replaced during breaks, then structural integrity is maintained, but work continuity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidwork interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The riser system serves as an intermediary that maintains structural integrity during work interruptions. It provides a stable support structure that allows technicians to take breaks without compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft floor. The riser panel acts as a mediator between the removed floorboard and the supporting structure, ensuring reliability during time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250361000A1Modular aircraft floorboard riser systems and methods
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 THE BOEING CO
  • US20250361000A1 patent drawing
  • US20250361000A1 patent drawing
  • US20250361000A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods comprise removing a to-be-elevated floorboard of an aircraft floor to create a void; following the removing, operatively placing an aircraft floorboard riser in engagement with floorboards adjacent to the void; and following the operatively placing the aircraft floorboard riser, operatively placing the to-be-elevated floorboard atop the aircraft floorboard riser.