Aircraft Interior Coupling Kit With Radial Locking for Automated Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of aircraft cabin interiors still requires significant manual effort, limiting automation in aircraft manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A coupling kit-of-parts for mounting an interior substructure to an aircraft primary structure, featuring a locking member and a mounting member with radially movable parts that engage the primary structure in a form-fitting manner, allowing for automated locking and easy installation/deinstallation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual assembly methods are used for mounting interior substructure to aircraft primary structure, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced and automation cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement is divided into distinct functional components: a mounting member with first and second member parts that can move relative to each other, a separate locking member, and an elastic member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling automated manipulation by robotic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second member parts are designed to move radially relative to each other between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic movement enables the locking channel to open and close automatically during the mounting process, allowing robotic systems to insert and secure the locking member without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to ensure reliable fastening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically urges the first and second member parts into the engaged position, creating the locking channel and securing the locking member in place without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The system self-regulates through elastic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is integrated into the mounting member itself through the locking channel formed by the first and second member parts. The locking member works in conjunction with the elastic member to provide secure fastening, combining multiple functions into a unified mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If form-fitting engagement is used to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second member parts feature curved engagement surfaces that provide form-fitting engagement. The radial movement and curved geometry allow the components to self-align and compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the aircraft primary structure and interior substructure mounting surfaces.
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
Enables automated and efficient mounting of interior components to the aircraft primary structure, compensates for manufacturing tolerances, and provides secure, rotation-resistant fastening without the need for additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is arranged to urge the first and second member parts radially inward along the radial direction such that, when the locking member is removed from the locking channel, the first and second member parts are pushed radially inward by the elastic member
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve automation in the mounting of interior components (24) to an aircraft primary structure (12), the invention proposes a coupling kit-of-parts (46) for mounting an interior substructure (22) to a primary structure (12) of an aircraft (10). The kit (46) includes a locking member (48) and a mounting member (62). When the locking member (48) is inserted into the mounting member (62), a first member part (64) and a second member part (65) are pushed radially outward to engage the primary structure (12) in a form-fitting manner. When the locking member (48) is removed, the first and second member parts (64, 65) are urged radially inward thereby disengaging from the primary structure (12).