Aircraft Lining Panel Installation Device with Pivoting Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of mounting lining panels in aircraft cargo compartments is time-consuming and requires multiple personnel, as one person must hold the panel while another secures it to the bar structure, limiting their ability to perform other tasks.

Innovation Solution

A compact installation device with pivoting and movable beams, along with longitudinal elements and hooks, allows for easy positioning and suspension of lining panels, enabling single-person operation and efficient installation by supporting the panel during fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple persons are used to mount lining panels, then the panel can be held and fixed simultaneously, but the time consumption increases and worker availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting operationVSAvoidmounting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (the holding device with clamping mechanism) that acts as a mediator between the worker and the lining panel. This device temporarily holds the panel in position during installation, allowing the worker to focus on fixation without needing to manually support the panel, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is designed to be self-operating through a spring-loaded clamping mechanism that automatically grips and releases the panel. The device serves itself by maintaining constant pressure on the panel edge through the spring force, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and enabling faster installation while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If a worker holds the lining panel during installation, then the panel remains stable for fixing, but the worker is blocked from other activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel stabilityVSAvoidworker availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device serves as an intermediary tool that assumes the stabilizing function previously performed by the worker's hands. The device clamps the panel edge and maintains its position against the bar structure, freeing the worker to perform other tasks such as drilling, screwing, or moving to the next panel location, thus resolving the conflict between panel stability and worker availability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device separates the stabilization function from the fixation function. One component (the holding device) is dedicated entirely to stabilizing the panel, while the worker focuses on the fixation task. This functional segmentation allows each element to excel at its specific task without interfering with the other, eliminating the time loss associated with dual-tasking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the installation device is compact during transport, then storage and handling are improved, but the functional capability during installation must be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidinstallation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device incorporates a telescopic or collapsible structure where the clamping arms and support elements can be nested within the main body during transport. The device transitions from a compact storage configuration to a fully extended functional configuration during installation, allowing full adaptability and versatility when needed while minimizing volume during transport and storage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2886443B1Installation device
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP2886443B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2886443B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP2886443B1 patent drawingFigure 1e~1f

AI summary

An installation device (50) for installing a lining panel (101) in an aircraft (4) comprises a main beam (51) having a first main beam section (52) and a second main beam section (53) and a hinge (54) pivotably connecting a first end (55) of the first main beam section (52) and a first end (56) of the second main beam section (53) with each other such that the first main beam section (52) can be pivoted relative to the second main beam section (53) about an axis (A1) aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (A2) of the first main beam section (52). The installation device (50) further comprises a first movable beam (57) provided at a second end (58) of the first main beam section (52) such that it is movable relative to the first main beam section (52) along the longitudinal axis (A2) thereof, and a second movable beam (59) provided at a second end (60) of the second main beam section (53) such that it is movable relative to the second main beam section (53) along a longitudinal axis (A3) thereof: Also, a first longitudinal element (61) connected to an end of the first movable beam (57) facing away from the first main beam section (52), and a second longitudinal element (62) connected to an end of the second movable beam (59) facing away from the second main beam section (53) are provided.