Aircraft Fuselage Line Assembly With Shared Brackets and Flexible Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing installation methods for potable water and vacuum toilet systems in aircraft require a high number of interface points with the aircraft structure, leading to increased installation effort, weight, and complexity, especially when adapting to customer-specific cabin layouts.
Innovation Solution
A modular line assembly that combines first and second line sections with flexible second line sections, allowing for independent attachment to the first line section without direct interfaces to the aircraft structure, reducing the number of required interfaces and enabling flexible routing and spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate sub-system installations are mounted to the aircraft structure with their own brackets, then each sub-system can be independently installed and maintained, but the number of interface points to the aircraft structure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate sub-system installations (potable water system, vacuum toilet system, waste-water system) into a single integrated line assembly that attaches to the aircraft structure at one common interface point. The first line section with first line brackets provides the primary attachment to the aircraft structure, while subsequent line sections attach to previous line sections rather than directly to the structure, merging multiple interfaces into one.
Solution Approach 2:
The line assembly is divided into multiple separable line sections (first line section, at least one second line section, and optionally a third line section) that can be independently installed, removed, or replaced. Each line section has its own brackets designed for holding that specific section, allowing modular maintenance and installation while presenting a unified interface to the aircraft structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional bracket distances are used based on structural element spacing, then the installation follows standard aircraft structure patterns, but flexible hoses require modified bracket distances
Solution Approach 1:
Different line sections have different flexibility characteristics that are matched to appropriate bracket distances. The first line section (typically a rigid or semi-rigid pipe) uses standard bracket distances aligned with aircraft structural elements. Subsequent line sections (typically flexible hoses) use shorter bracket distances that account for their elastic properties and movement requirements, optimizing both structural integration and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket distances are optimized based on the dynamic characteristics of each line section material. Rigid sections maintain fixed positions at standard structural intervals, while flexible hose sections use shorter intervals that accommodate elastic deformation and movement during aircraft operation, allowing the system to adapt to structural movements without requiring modified bracket designs.
3Productivity
If flexible hoses are used for potable water lines, then installation effort and weight are reduced, but the bracket distances must be modified from conventional spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket distance parameter is changed based on the material properties of each line section. Flexible hoses use shorter bracket distances compared to rigid pipes, and this parameter is systematically applied throughout the line assembly design. The brackets are positioned at optimized intervals that account for the elastic properties of flexible hoses, reducing installation effort while maintaining proper support.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customer-specific monument positions are required due to individual cabin layouts, then the system can be customized to customer requirements, but each sub-system needs to be adapted separately with high effort
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-systems are merged into a single integrated line assembly that moves as one unit. When customer-specific monument positions are required, the entire assembly can be repositioned or reconfigured as a single entity rather than adapting multiple separate sub-systems independently. The modular line sections can be easily connected and disconnected to accommodate different cabin layouts, significantly reducing customization effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The line assembly is designed with pre-configured connections and standardized interfaces that allow for rapid repositioning and reconfiguration. The modular line sections with their standardized brackets and connection points enable preliminary preparation of the assembly in standard configurations, which can then be quickly adapted to customer-specific requirements without extensive on-site customization work.
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 significantly reduces installation effort and complexity by eliminating the need for additional support structures and interfaces, minimizing vibration and noise, and allowing for flexible routing and adaptation to customer-defined monument positions.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic properties of such hoses are of high advantage for the installation process
Implementation Method 2
the differential pressure between the cabin and outside air is used to convey waste through a titanium pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4b~6
AI summary
A line assembly for installation in an aircraft fuselage comprises a first line section having a first diameter, at least one second line section having a second diameter, a set of first line brackets, and a set of second line brackets, wherein the first line brackets comprise a first receiving space designed for holding the first line section and a first support portion for attaching the first line brackets to a structural part of the fuselage, wherein the second line brackets comprise a second receiving space designed for holding the at least one second line section and a second support portion for attaching the second line brackets to the first line section, wherein at least one second line section comprises a higher flexibility than the first line section, and wherein the at least one second line section is attached to the first line section through a plurality of second line brackets that are arranged at a distance to and are independent from the first line brackets.