Aircraft Sidewall Panel Lock Strip Installation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft sidewall installation systems require specialized tools and hardware, are time-consuming, and pose challenges in alignment and removal, leading to potential damage and misalignment of panels during installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A wall panel system featuring a lock strip with a three-position locking slot, spline, and tabs that allow for easy attachment and removal by sliding the lock strip to align the locking or release portion, facilitating quick and secure installation and removal without damaging the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners and specialized tools are used for sidewall installation, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, clips, brackets) with a friction-based insertion system. The panel simply inserts into the frame channel and is retained by friction between the panel edge and channel walls, eliminating the need for tools and complex fastening operations while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all fasteners, brackets, clips, and specialized hardware from the installation system. The frame channel is designed to directly receive and retain the panel through its geometric configuration and frictional engagement, eliminating the need for separate attachment components.
2Reliability
If multiple frame brackets and fasteners are used for sidewall installation, then secure attachment is achieved, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The frame channel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides panel insertion, provides alignment references, secures the panel through friction, and allows for adjustment. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate alignment and fastening operations, improving both precision and ease of installation.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening systems are used, then panel retention is achieved, but panel removal becomes difficult and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system transitions from static mechanical fastening to dynamic friction-based retention. The panel is held in place by friction during normal operation but can be easily removed by applying slight force to overcome the friction, enabling simple insertion and removal without tools or damage risk.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A system (8) for attaching a wall panel (10) includes a wall panel 10) and a lock strip (58). The wall panel has a back (14) and a tab (38) extending from the back. The lock strip is moveably attached to a wall frame member (12), and has a three-position locking slot (60), including a receiving portion (62) configured to receive the tab, a locking portion (64) configured to lock the tab with respect to the frame member, and a release portion (66) configured to release the tab. The wall panel is removably attachable to the frame member by inserting the tab into the receiving portion and linearly moving the lock strip to lock the tab in the locking portion. The system can be used for attaching interior sidewall panels in an aircraft.