Aircraft Internal Module Attachment Device with External Access Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of aircraft components into internal modules is complicated due to limited accessibility, especially in nosecone areas where the fuselage narrows, making it difficult for operators to attach modules from the internal space.

Innovation Solution

An attachment device with a chamber for introducing an attachment member from the outside allows for easier access and attachment of internal modules, featuring a hollow post with a bearing support and pressure sealing system, enabling external access and secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operators attach modules from the internal space, then the attachment can be performed within the pressurized space, but the accessibility is limited due to the narrow fuselage cross-section in nosecone areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for operatorsVSAvoidattachment device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional attachment approach by enabling attachment from the external space rather than from the internal pressurized space. The attachment device includes a chamber with a first orifice allowing attachment members to be introduced from outside the pressurized space, thereby improving operator accessibility while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a chamber as an intermediary structure that mediates between the external attachment operation and the internal pressurized space. This chamber serves as a transition zone that allows attachment members to pass through from outside while maintaining the pressure boundary, thus resolving the accessibility issue without compromising the pressurized environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If modules are grouped into larger assemblies to reduce assembly time, then productivity increases, but the complexity of attaching these larger modules decreases accessibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly timeVSAvoidaccessibility for operators

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the attachment direction - instead of operators working from inside the pressurized space to attach modules, the attachment device allows operators to work from outside the pressurized space. This enables easier handling of large modular assemblies while maintaining the benefit of pre-assembled modules for productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If attachment members are introduced from the internal space, then the attachment process is straightforward, but operator access becomes difficult in nosecone areas with limited space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the attachment approach by enabling introduction of attachment members from the external space through a chamber structure. This allows operators to work in more accessible external environments while maintaining efficient attachment processes, thereby reducing assembly time without compromising operator accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the fuselage cross-section is narrowed in nosecone areas for aerodynamic efficiency, then aerodynamic performance improves, but accessibility for attachment operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic disturbancesVSAvoidaccessibility for operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by inverting the attachment approach - instead of requiring operator access from inside the narrow nosecone area, the attachment device enables attachment operations to be performed from outside the pressurized space. This maintains the aerodynamic efficiency of the narrow fuselage cross-section while providing adequate operator accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber structure acts as an intermediary that allows attachment members to pass through the pressure boundary from outside to inside the pressurized space. This intermediary structure enables attachment operations to be performed in the more accessible external environment while still achieving internal attachment, thus resolving the accessibility issue without modifying the aerodynamic fuselage design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11679858B2Aircraft part comprising an internal module with improved attachment

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A method and apparatus for facilitating the attachment of an internal module in an internal space of an aircraft part is disclosed. The attachment device includes at least one attachment member comprising an attachment shank, a chamber for introducing the attachment member, the chamber including a first orifice through which the attachment shank passes in the installed configuration of the internal module, and a second orifice which serves for the introduction of the attachment member into the chamber from the outside.