Aircraft Window Frame Fastening Device with Insulating Blanket Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing fastening systems for aircraft fuselages require numerous holes for insulating blankets and structural reinforcements, which weaken the frames and compromise thermal and acoustic insulation, necessitating a solution that minimizes structural modifications and maintains insulation performance.

Innovation Solution

A ring-shaped base device with adjustable arms that mounts onto the aircraft window frame, using a mortise-and-tenon system and elastic locking mechanisms, allowing for various configurations without modifying the aircraft structure, and incorporating holding tabs for insulating blankets, supports conduits and cables, and utilizes a hook-and-loop fastening system for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If holes are made in frames to fasten insulating blankets and support systems, then fastening of systems and blankets is enabled, but the frames are weakened and structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening capabilityVSAvoidframe strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A ring-shaped base device is introduced as an intermediary component that attaches to the window frame and provides multiple fastening points. This mediator enables blanket and system fastening without requiring direct holes in the main frame structure, thereby preserving frame strength while achieving the fastening function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening function is segmented from the main frame structure. Instead of making holes directly in the frame, the invention uses a separate ring-shaped base with multiple arms that can be attached to the frame and used for fastening blankets and systems independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If holes and cut-outs are made in insulating blankets to accommodate fastening devices, then fastening is enabled, but thermal and acoustic insulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening capabilityVSAvoidthermal and acoustic insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ring-shaped base serves as a mediator that fastens blankets without requiring holes or cut-outs in the blanket material itself. The blankets can be attached to the ring structure using clips or other fastening mechanisms that do not compromise the blanket's continuous insulating structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying the blanket to accommodate fastening devices (making holes in the blanket), the invention inverts the approach by providing fastening devices on the ring structure that attach to the blanket from the outside, preserving the blanket's integrity and insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If structural reinforcements are added to compensate for holes in frames, then frame strength is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe strengthVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring-shaped base acts as a structural intermediary that distributes fastening loads away from the main frame structure. By attaching this intermediate structure to the frame, the frame itself does not require additional reinforcements, as the ring base absorbs and distributes the mechanical stresses from fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate fastening devices are used for blankets and systems, then specific fastening functions are achieved, but the number of holes and modification points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening functionVSAvoidnumber of holes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated ring-shaped base device. This unified structure provides multiple attachment points for both insulating blankets and various systems (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic) without requiring separate fastening devices and multiple holes in the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ring-shaped base is designed as a universal fastening structure that can accommodate multiple different systems and blanket configurations. Its multiple arms and attachment points allow it to serve various fastening purposes simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized fastening devices for each system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8925866B2Device for fastening systems for an aircraft, adapted in particular to be used in relation to a window

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for fastening systems in an aircraft.It comprises on the one hand a ring-shaped base (2) and on the other hand arms (4, 6) borne by the ring-shaped base (2), extending outward from the latter and bearing systems supports.