Fuselage and aircraft including an air distribution multifunctional substructure and assembly method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of aircraft fuselage components, particularly in the 'triangle' zone, are complex due to the limited access and fragile nature of circular section air-conditioning pipes, leading to increased time and costs in assembly and maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional substructure incorporating a rectangular section air distribution duct with vertical lateral walls, integrated seat fixing tracks or stiffeners, allowing for simultaneous assembly of air distribution system components and structural elements, reducing the need to access the triangle zone for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circular section air distribution pipes are used in the triangle zone, then the air distribution system can be installed, but the installation and maintenance become complex and time-consuming due to limited access and fragile structure
Solution Approach 1:
The fuselage structure is divided into functional zones, with the multifunctional substructure creating a dedicated space for air distribution components separate from the traditional triangle zone. This segmentation allows independent access and maintenance of air distribution systems without interfering with other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multifunctional substructure acts as an intermediary element between the fuselage skin and the air distribution system. It provides a structured platform that facilitates installation and maintenance operations while maintaining the structural integrity of the fuselage.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple components are densely packed in the triangle zone, then space is optimized, but access for maintenance operations becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is separated from the dense triangle zone packaging by introducing a multifunctional substructure. This creates a dedicated maintenance-accessible space while maintaining overall space efficiency in the fuselage design.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of access difficulty in the two-dimensional constrained triangle zone is solved by adding a third dimension - the multifunctional substructure creates a new spatial layer that provides improved access pathways for maintenance operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual assembly of air distribution components is performed, then system flexibility is maintained, but assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The multifunctional substructure merges multiple functions (structural support, air distribution mounting, maintenance access) into a single integrated component. This reduces the number of individual assembly operations while maintaining system flexibility through modular design interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The multifunctional substructure is designed and prepared in advance with pre-integrated mounting features and access provisions. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site assembly operations while preserving configuration flexibility.
4Weight of moving object
If fragile composite piping is used for air distribution, then weight is reduced, but installation becomes tricky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The multifunctional substructure serves as an intermediary that provides structural support and protection for the fragile composite piping. This allows the use of lightweight composite materials while eliminating installation difficulties through the substructure's robust mounting interfaces.
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 solution simplifies fuselage assembly, reduces installation time, optimizes space usage, and facilitates easier maintenance by allowing the use of a single preassembled substructure for multiple components, thereby lowering labor costs and improving access to the air distribution system.
Implementation Method 1
The ducts are preferably formed from a composite material and are produced by a pultrusion process
Implementation Method 2
utilizing pultrusion and bonding techniques for preassembly
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft fuselage including a fuselage skin, cross-members supporting a floor of the aircraft, wherein the fuselage includes a multifunctional substructure fixed to at least one of the cross-members in a lowered part of the cross-member. The multifunctional substructure comprises: at least one duct of an air distribution system having a substantially rectangular section at the location of the at least one cross-member and having lateral walls of the duct that are substantially vertical; a seat fixing track or a stiffener fixed on a first lateral wall of the duct of the multifunctional substructure, and; a seat fixing track or a stiffener fixed on a second lateral wall, opposite the first lateral wall, of the duct of the multifunctional substructure.