Aircraft Interior Module Preassembly for Efficient Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current method of mounting interior components in aircraft is time-consuming, as each component must be individually positioned and fastened to the aircraft structure, making the process inefficient and difficult to test for tightness and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preassembly of interior components into modules, which are then connected and fastened to an assembly apparatus, allowing for efficient assembly and testing outside the aircraft, with the option to form larger modules or cabin structures, facilitating easier transportation and final mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If interior components are mounted individually to the aircraft structure, then each component can be precisely positioned, but the mounting process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft interior is divided into modular sections (e.g., ceiling panels, wall panels, floor panels) that can be pre-assembled as complete units. Each module contains multiple interior components already connected together, allowing the mounting team to install entire sections rather than individual components, thereby maintaining positioning precision while dramatically reducing mounting time.
Solution Approach 2:
Interior components are pre-assembled and pre-positioned into modular sections before being transported to the aircraft. This preliminary assembly includes pre-attaching components like lighting fixtures, air vents, and decorative elements to their respective panel structures, so that when the modules are mounted, everything is already in its correct position and orientation.
2Reliability
If pipelines and electric lines are fastened individually, then each connection can be made securely, but the process is time-consuming and testing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Pipelines and electric lines are bundled together with the interior components they serve into integrated modules. For example, air conditioning ducts are pre-connected to ceiling panels, and electrical wiring is pre-routed with lighting fixtures and outlets. This merging ensures secure connections are made during pre-assembly and allows comprehensive testing to be performed on complete functional systems rather than individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
All piping and wiring connections are established in advance during the pre-assembly phase of module construction. This includes pre-pressurizing hydraulic lines, pre-connecting electrical circuits, and pre-configuring control systems. Testing can then be performed on these pre-assembled systems before final installation, significantly reducing on-site testing time while ensuring connection reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If components are assembled inside the aircraft, then final positioning is accurate, but the assembly process requires extensive space and is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is segmented into two locations: pre-assembly of modules in external facilities with ample space, and final installation in the aircraft. By dividing the work this way, the patent enables comprehensive module assembly using larger workspace available outside the aircraft, while final positioning accuracy is achieved through precise mounting procedures at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular sections serve as intermediaries between the pre-assembly process and final installation. These modules are completely assembled and tested as standalone units in external facilities, then transported to the aircraft as complete packages. This intermediary approach allows complex assembly operations to be performed in spacious external environments while ensuring accurate final positioning when the modules are installed in the aircraft.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting interior components in an aircraft includes premounting a first interior component and premounting a second interior component. At least one of the first and the second interior component is secured to a mounting device and the first and second interior components are connected to form an individual module. A plurality of individual modules secured to the mounting device are interconnected to form a large module which is secured to the mounting device. The large module is detached from the mounting device and transported to a final-mounting position in an aircraft fuselage element. The detached large module is then mounted in the aircraft fuselage element.