Aircraft Line Mounting System with Integrated Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mounting wire bundles in aircraft are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring significant effort and tools, especially when adding or modifying wire bundles, which increases manufacturing time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A line mounting system comprising support structures and spacers that can be easily aligned and secured to attachment structures within the aircraft without the need for tools, allowing for efficient configuration and installation of wire bundles with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sponge clamps and cable ties are used to secure wire bundles, then the wire bundles can be connected to the aircraft structure, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring tools and multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components including a body portion with integrated spacers and a separate clamp portion. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and installation while maintaining secure wire bundle connection. The modular design enables the support structure to be installed as a unit or in parts, reducing installation time and tool requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated support structure: the body portion includes integrated spacers for positioning, the clamp portion for securing wire bundles, and attachment features for mounting to the aircraft structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate sponge clamps, cable ties, and alignment tools, thereby improving installation productivity while ensuring reliable wire bundle connection.
2Reliability
If multiple wire bundles are installed sequentially using traditional methods, then all wire bundles can be connected, but the manufacturing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-configured with integrated spacers at predetermined positions during manufacturing. These spacers are built into the body portion before installation, establishing the correct spacing and configuration for multiple wire bundles in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming measurements and adjustments during installation, allowing multiple wire bundles to be installed simultaneously or in rapid succession while maintaining precise configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated spacers on the support structure automatically maintain the desired spacing and configuration of wire bundles without requiring external measurement tools or adjustment mechanisms. The spacers self-position the wire bundles at the correct intervals, and the clamp portion self-secures the bundles once positioned. This self-service capability significantly reduces installation time while ensuring consistent, reliable wire bundle configuration across multiple installation locations.
3Reliability
If traditional clamps with sponge material are used, then wire bundles can be held together, but adding or modifying wire bundles requires removing and replacing the entire clamp system
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses discrete, spaced intervals for securing wire bundles rather than a continuous clamp. The clamp portion can be positioned at specific locations along the wire bundles, and individual sections can be added, removed, or modified independently. This segmentation allows for easy modification of the wire bundle configuration without requiring removal and replacement of the entire support structure, while still providing reliable support at each secured location.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to be adaptable and adjustable rather than fixed. The clamp portion can be repositioned along the wire bundles, and the number of clamp sections can be modified based on the wire bundle configuration. This dynamic design allows the support structure to accommodate changes in wire bundle数量 and arrangement, making modifications easier while maintaining reliable support for the wire bundles throughout their length.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for mounting lines in an aircraft. A line mounting system for the aircraft comprises support structures and spacers. The support structures are configured to slide into positions relative to attachment structures in the aircraft and connect to the attachment structures in the positions. The spacers are associated with the support structures. A number of lines is configured to be connected to the spacers. The number of lines is held in a desired configuration in the aircraft when the support structures are secured to the attachment structures.