Aircraft Mast Assembly with Open Panel for Internal System Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling aircraft masts are cumbersome due to limited accessibility for installing internal systems within the primary structure, making the process lengthy and complex for operators.

Innovation Solution

A method that assembles the primary structure with at least one side panel left open to facilitate easier installation of internal systems, allowing better visibility and reduced installation time, followed by closure of the side panel to form a complete box shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the primary structure is assembled completely before installing internal systems, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the accessibility for installing internal systems becomes limited and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process is segmented into distinct phases: first assembling the primary structure with one side panel removed for accessibility, then installing internal systems, and finally closing the structure with the side panel. This segmentation allows operators to access the interior easily during installation while maintaining structural integrity throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side panel is removed in advance before internal system installation to create accessibility and visibility. This preliminary action enables operators to install internal systems without having to disassemble the entire structure, thereby simplifying the installation process while maintaining the benefits of a complete structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the primary structure is assembled completely before installing internal systems, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process is divided into sequential steps where the side panel is removed early, internal systems are installed while the structure is partially open, and then the side panel is closed. This segmentation eliminates the need to wait until the entire structure is assembled before installing internal systems, thereby reducing total assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side panel is removed in advance to facilitate internal system installation. This preliminary action creates immediate accessibility and visibility, allowing operators to install internal systems without additional time for disassembly or complex maneuvering, thus reducing overall installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the side panel is removed to improve accessibility, then the installation ease is improved, but the structural completeness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidstructural completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is assembled with one side panel removed as a deliberate design choice in the assembly sequence. This segmentation allows the structure to be functionally complete for its intended purpose while providing necessary accessibility during installation. The side panel is closed afterward to restore structural completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side panel is removed in advance to provide accessibility and visibility for internal system installation. This preliminary action does not compromise the eventual structural completeness, as the side panel is closed after installation. The temporary removal is justified by the installation requirements and is resolved by restoring structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3683149B1Method for mounting a mast of an aircraft
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP3683149B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3683149B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3683149B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assembling an aircraft mast comprising a primary structure (44) and at least one internal system (60) at least partially positioned inside the primary structure (44). The assembly method is characterized in that the internal system is positioned inside the primary structure before the last side panel of the primary structure is attached. In the absence of one of the side panels, the internal systems (60) are more easily installed.