Aircraft Cockpit Instrument Panel Retrofit With Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy aircraft, particularly those manufactured from the 1960s to 1970s, lack the structural integrity to accommodate modern avionics systems without compromising their structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A replacement instrument panel assembly comprising a support system, base panel assembly, secondary panel assembly, and skin extension assembly, which is secured to the airframe and upper skin, allowing integration of modern avionics systems while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the original instrument panel assembly of legacy aircraft is modified to accept modern avionics systems, then the avionics integration capability is improved, but the structural integrity of the aircraft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel system is divided into multiple independent components: a support system with perimeter and inner support assemblies, a base panel assembly, a secondary panel assembly, and a skin extension assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing modern avionics integration capability without compromising the overall structural integrity of the legacy aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
A support system acts as an intermediary structure between the legacy aircraft airframe and modern avionics equipment. The support system includes perimeter support members that attach to the airframe and inner support members that provide mounting surfaces for avionics, thereby mediating the connection between old airframe structures and new avionics requirements without directly modifying the airframe's load-bearing structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modern avionics systems are integrated into legacy aircraft, then the technological capability is improved, but the complexity of installation and integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design of the instrument panel system allows for simplified installation by enabling components to be assembled and tested independently before integration into the aircraft. The base panel assembly and secondary panel assembly can be prepared separately, reducing on-site installation complexity while maintaining the ability to support various modern avionics configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system and panel assemblies are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of modern avionics equipment. The perimeter support members and inner support members provide standardized attachment points that can adapt to different avionics form factors, reducing installation complexity across various technological configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A replacement instrument panel assembly for an aircraft having an airframe and an upper skin, the replacement instrument panel assembly has a support system, a base panel assembly, a secondary panel assembly, and a skin extension assembly. The support system is adapted to be secured to the airframe. The base panel assembly is supported by the support system and comprises a base panel member defining at least one main base panel opening. The secondary panel assembly comprises at least one secondary panel member and at least one secondary panel screw. Each secondary panel member defines at least one secondary panel opening and is secured to the base panel by the at least one secondary panel screw. The skin extension assembly comprises a skin extension member supported by the support system and adapted to be secured to a portion of the upper skin.