Aircraft Monument Protection Bracket System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in protecting expensive and heavy monuments during their movement and installation in aircraft manufacturing, where existing methods such as using tape or hook and loop fasteners are time-consuming and wasteful, especially when dealing with large quantities in a manufacturing facility.
Innovation Solution
A monument protection system featuring nodal bracketry with modular links and hook and loop fasteners allows for quick and easy attachment and removal of protective blankets, reducing the need for tape and streamlining the process by using a temporary mechanical interface that can be easily installed and removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tape or hook and loop fasteners are used to attach protective blankets to monuments, then the monuments are protected during movement and installation, but the process becomes time-consuming and wasteful of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is segmented into removable brackets that attach to the monument and separate fastening components (hook and loop fasteners) that connect the blanket to the brackets. This segmentation allows the brackets to remain on the monument while the blanket and its fasteners can be quickly removed and reused on the next monument, significantly reducing the time and material waste associated with traditional tape-based methods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If tape or hook and loop fasteners are used to attach protective blankets to monuments, then the monuments are protected during movement and installation, but the process becomes wasteful of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the reusable brackets (which remain on the monument) from the blanket and its fastening components. The blanket with its hook and loop fasteners can be removed, recovered, and reused on subsequent monuments, eliminating the need to discard tape or other single-use fastening materials after each monument is protected.
3Productivity
If monuments are handled during manufacturing, then they can be installed in the aircraft, but they are at risk of cosmetic or functional damage due to their heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
Protective blankets are attached to the monuments before they are moved or installed in the aircraft. These blankets act as a cushioning layer that protects the expensive monument surfaces from cosmetic damage or functional inconsistencies that could occur during handling, transport, and installation operations.
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 the time and material required for blanket installation and removal, saving approximately 27 man-hours per aircraft and minimizing tape usage, thus enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A monument protection system featuring nodal bracketry with modular links and hook and loop fasteners allows for quick and easy attachment and removal of protective blankets
Data Source
AI summary
A method of protecting a monument during manufacturing of a vehicle. The method includes attaching a plurality of brackets to the monument prior to installation in the vehicle, each of the plurality of brackets having corresponding fasteners facing outwardly relative to the monument. The method also includes connecting a blanket to the corresponding fasteners. The method also includes installing the monument in the vehicle, disconnecting the blanket, and removing the plurality of brackets from the monument.