Aircraft Floor Attachment Stud Head for High-Torque Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft monument floor attachment studs require high torque for installation, which often leads to damage or failure due to the use of hex keys, failing to meet aviation standards without compromising functionality.

Innovation Solution

The aircraft monument floor attachment stud features a tool section with a hexagonal cross-section and sloped surfaces transitioning to a body diameter, allowing for improved torque transfer and reduced risk of failure, while maintaining compliance with aviation standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high torque is applied during installation of the attachment stud, then the installation strength is improved, but the stud or tool may damage or fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation strengthVSAvoiddamage or failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate head structure with a tool section and body section that acts as a mediator between the installation tool and the stud. The head includes shaped portions with sloped surfaces that distribute torque evenly, preventing stress concentration that would lead to stud or tool damage while still achieving the required installation strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If hex keys are used to install the attachment stud, then the installation process is simplified, but the hex key or stud may be damaged due to high torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddamage or failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment stud into distinct functional sections: a tool section for tool engagement, a head with shaped portions for torque distribution, and a threaded body for fastening. This segmentation allows the tool section to receive torque while the shaped portions in the head distribute the stress, preventing damage to both the tool and stud while maintaining ease of operation with standard tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If torque is concentrated at a single point during installation, then the installation process is faster, but the stud or aircraft structure may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoiddamage risk to aircraft structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating varied geometric features at different locations of the head structure. The shaped portions with sloped surfaces are strategically positioned to distribute torque across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it at a single location. This local variation in geometry ensures fast installation while preventing damage to the aircraft structure through even torque distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3943393B1Aircraft monument floor attachment stud
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 BE AEROSPACE INC
  • EP3943393B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3943393B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3943393B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An aircraft monument floor attachment stud may include a body (200) configured to pass through an opening (106) of an aircraft monument (104), and a head (210). The body may include a body diameter. The body may be configured to couple to a fitting (116) inserted into a mount point installed within an aircraft cabin floor. The head may include a tool section (212) with a tool section diameter (214) less than the body diameter. The tool section may be configured to receive a predetermined amount of torque from a tool to secure the aircraft monument to the fitting. The head may include a shaped section (218) with an intermediate diameter (228) greater than the tool section diameter and less than the body diameter. The shaped section may include at least one shaped portion with at least one sloped wall, and may be configured to provide a transition between the tool section diameter and the body diameter.