Modular Aircraft Line Assembly With Decoupled Bracket Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing installation methods for aircraft water and waste systems require numerous interface points with the aircraft structure, leading to high installation costs, complexity, and adaptation efforts due to conventional bracket distances and rigid pipe configurations, which are not flexible enough to accommodate customer-specific cabin layouts.

Innovation Solution

A modular line assembly comprising a first line section and a second line section with flexible second line brackets that are independent from the aircraft structure, allowing for decoupled bracket spacing and reduced interface points, enabling flexible routing and reduced adaptation efforts for customer-defined monument positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigid pipe systems with fixed bracket distances are used, then structural support is provided, but adaptability to customer-specific cabin layouts is reduced and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to customer-specific cabin layoutsVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The line system is divided into modular line assemblies, each comprising multiple line sections (rigid and flexible) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different cabin layouts by selecting and arranging appropriate modules, reducing overall installation complexity while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates flexible line sections that can dynamically adjust to different spatial requirements and customer-specific monument positions. This dynamic flexibility eliminates the need for rigid fixed bracket distances, allowing easy adaptation to various cabin configurations without increasing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If numerous interface points with aircraft structure are used, then structural support is ensured, but installation costs and adaptation efforts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidinstallation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple line sections and support functions are merged into integrated line assemblies. The first and second line brackets are combined into a single assembly unit that provides both structural support and line positioning, reducing the number of separate interface points required while maintaining reliability and lowering installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The line brackets are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural support elements and as positioning elements for the line sections. This universal design reduces the number of dedicated support interfaces needed, thereby reducing installation complexity and costs while ensuring adequate structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If flexible hoses are used instead of rigid pipes, then installation effort and weight are reduced, but bracket distances must be modified偏离ing from conventional spacing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation effortVSAvoidbracket distance configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible hose system is segmented into modular line assemblies with predefined configurations of flexible and rigid sections. This segmentation allows the use of flexible hoses for reduced installation effort while maintaining standardized bracket spacing through the modular design, eliminating the need to modify conventional bracket distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If second line brackets are attached to aircraft structure, then support is provided, but number of interface points and adaptation efforts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesupportVSAvoidadaptation to monument positions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The first line section acts as an intermediary between the aircraft structure and the second line section. The second line brackets attach to the first line section rather than directly to the aircraft structure, reducing the number of structure interfaces while maintaining support strength and enabling easy adaptation to different monument positions through the flexible intermediate connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11878785B2Modular line assembly for installation in an aircraft fuselage

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A line assembly for installation in an aircraft fuselage includes a first line section having a first diameter, a second line section having a second diameter, a set of first line brackets, and a set of second line brackets. The first line brackets include a first receiving space configured to hold the first line section and a first support portion for attaching the first line brackets to a fuselage structural part. The second line brackets include a second receiving space configured to hold the second line section and a second support portion for attaching the second line brackets to the first line section. The second line section includes a higher flexibility than the first line section. The second line section is attached to the first line section through a plurality of second line brackets arranged at a distance to and independent from the first line brackets.