Aircraft Panel Mounting Passenger Supply Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
In passenger aircraft cabins, the installation of supply channel apparatuses is cumbersome due to varying dimensions and manufacturers, leading to irregular surfaces, increased assembly time, and complex connector arrangements, which affect passenger comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A modular panel system with a mounting surface featuring spaced openings for connector assemblies, allowing for flexible mounting and configuration of passenger supply units, reducing the need for individual mounting rails and enabling standardized wiring and data connections, thus simplifying installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different apparatuses are mounted in the supply channel using special mounting means for each apparatus, then the apparatuses can be securely mounted, but the installation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by providing a single standardized mounting rail system that can accommodate multiple different apparatus types (oxygen supply units, reading lights, air showers, speakers) through a common interface. The mounting rail serves multiple functions: it provides secure mounting for various apparatuses, creates a uniform appearance, and enables standardized connector placement, thereby eliminating the need for separate special mounting means for each apparatus type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting rail is segmented into multiple spaced openings along its length, with each opening capable of receiving a different apparatus. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of apparatuses while maintaining a standardized mounting structure, enabling rapid installation by simply positioning apparatuses in the appropriate openings rather than performing complex custom mounting for each device.
2Area of stationary object
If panels of different apparatuses are used to cover the supply channel, then the supply channel can be covered, but production tolerances cause color and height mismatches creating an irregular pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail acts as an intermediary element between the supply channel and the various apparatuses. It provides a standardized reference surface that compensates for manufacturing tolerances in individual apparatus panels. By mounting all apparatuses to this common rail structure with consistent spacing and alignment features, the system ensures uniform appearance and even surface coverage despite variations in individual component dimensions and colors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are provided at different places for each specific layout, then the layout requirements can be met, but considerable effort is required each time a different layout is implemented or modified
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail incorporates a universal connector system with standardized openings and connection interfaces that can accommodate different connector types and configurations. This allows the same mounting rail structure to support various layout requirements (different apparatus positions, connector placements, and configurations) without requiring custom connector arrangements for each layout, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel for covering a supply channel in a passenger cabin of a vehicle including a mounting surface facing the passenger cabin while the panel covers the supply channel. The panel is elongated in a longitudinal direction and adapted for mounting passenger supply units. The mounting surface includes spaced openings arranged along a longitudinal direction of the panel, wherein each opening includes a connector assembly for a passenger supply unit. The panel includes a mount securing passenger supply units. The mounting surface comprises extended areas for providing support in opposing lateral directions to passenger supply units mounted to the panel.