Modular Aircraft Panel Attachment Device Using Clamping Jaw
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for fixing equipment to aircraft floors are rigid, bulky, and limit modularity, requiring predetermined rail positions and adapting panel dimensions, which complicates installation and layout, and do not allow for easy removal or reuse.
Innovation Solution
A device with a clamping member and anchoring pin that can be translated and rotated to securely attach equipment to a panel without the need for rails, allowing for easy installation, removal, and reuse, and accommodating panels of any shape or size, while being lightweight and adaptable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid mounting rails are used to fix equipment to the floor panel, then the mechanical strength and stability of the attachment are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase, and modularity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting plate that attaches to the floor panel, and a separate equipment interface. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required mechanical strength through the mounting plate while keeping the overall device complexity low by using simple, modular components rather than a complex rigid rail structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of equipment attachment from the complex rail system. By using a simple mounting plate with attachment means that directly secures equipment to the floor panel, the solution removes the unnecessary intermediate rail structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the required mechanical strength for secure attachment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If predetermined rail positions are used to accommodate floor panels, then the stability of the mounting system is improved, but the adaptability to different panel shapes and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with universal attachment means that can accommodate different floor panel shapes and sizes. The attachment mechanism is not restricted to predetermined positions but can be adapted to various panel configurations, providing both stability through secure attachment and versatility in accommodating different panel types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and adaptable features that allow it to conform to different panel geometries. Rather than requiring fixed predetermined positions, the attachment means can be positioned and configured to match the specific panel being used, maintaining stability while providing adaptability to various panel shapes and sizes.
3Strength
If floor panels are inserted into gaps between rails, then the mechanical strength of the floor structure is improved, but the ease of installation and layout flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex rail structure and the requirement to insert panels into gaps between rails. Instead, a simplified mounting plate system is used that directly attaches equipment to the panel, eliminating the intermediate rail structure and making installation straightforward without compromising mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having panels fit into gaps between rails (panel-to-rail interface), the invention inverts the approach by having mounting plates attach directly to panels (mounting-plate-to-panel interface). This reversal simplifies the installation process and maintains structural integrity by creating a direct attachment path from equipment to floor panel.
4Adaptability or versatility
If removable and reusable attachment devices are used instead of rigid rails, then the modularity and ease of removal are improved, but the mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a removable mounting plate with distinct attachment means, allowing the equipment to be securely mounted while enabling easy removal and reuse. The segmentation provides both the modularity needed for reconfigurability and the focused mechanical strength at the attachment points through the dedicated mounting plate design.
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 enhances modularity, reduces weight, simplifies installation, and allows for greater layout flexibility while meeting mechanical strength and safety requirements, such as fire resistance and reduced smoke emission, without the need for rail systems.
Implementation Method 1
said clamping member being adapted to be able to be moved in translation relative to the anchoring pin along the longitudinal axis between: a position, called the locking position, of the fastening device in which the clamping jaw and the anchoring jaw are brought together by elastic return means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for attaching an apparatus onto a panel including at least one mortise, characterized in that it includes: a clamping member (102) including a clamping jaw (105) shaped so as to be capable of engaging with a first surface opposite the panel; and an anchoring dowel (108) rotatably secured to the clamping member (102) and including an anchoring jaw (109) capable of engaging with a second coupling surface of the panel, said clamping member (102) being capable of being translatably moved relative to the anchoring dowel (108) between: a position for blocking the attachment device (100), in which the clamping jaw (105) and the anchoring jaw (109) engage so as to attach the attachment device (100) to the panel; and a position for installing the attachment device (100), in which the clamping jaw (105) is shaped so as to be capable of passing through the attachment mortise of the panel.