Angled Foam Insulation Compression Fit for Aeronautical Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aeronautical structures face challenges with existing foam insulation methods due to the need for numerous fastening devices, which increase installation time and cost, add weight, and may cause the insulation to dislodge during shock loads.
Innovation Solution
A self-retained foam insulation system using angled foam insulation members that fit between frame members via a friction fit, eliminating the need for fastening elements and ensuring retention under mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam insulation members are fastened using fastening devices, then the insulation is securely attached, but the installation time and cost increase, and the structure weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fastening devices entirely from the system, extracting the attachment function and replacing it with a self-retaining foam member design that uses compression fit and geometric interlocking between the foam member and frame members, eliminating the need for separate fastening components
Solution Approach 2:
The foam insulation member is designed to self-retain its position through its own structural features, specifically by being compressed between frame members at angles greater than 10 degrees, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the insulation without external fastening devices
2Reliability
If foam insulation members are fastened using fastening devices, then the insulation is securely attached, but the structure weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fastening devices entirely from the system, extracting the attachment function and replacing it with a self-retaining foam member design that uses compression fit and geometric interlocking between the foam member and frame members, eliminating the need for separate fastening components
Solution Approach 2:
The foam insulation member is designed to self-retain its position through its own structural features, specifically by being compressed between frame members at angles greater than 10 degrees, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the insulation without external fastening components
3Productivity
If foam insulation members are installed without fastening devices, then installation time and weight are reduced, but the insulation may become dislodged during shock loads
Solution Approach 1:
The foam insulation member is pre-formed with specific geometric features including angled ends (greater than 10 degrees) and positioning protrusions that engage with recesses in the frame members before installation, creating a pre-configured self-retaining structure that prevents dislodgement during shock loads
Solution Approach 2:
The foam member utilizes non-linear geometric features including curved surfaces and angled ends rather than flat perpendicular surfaces, creating a wedge-like compression fit that generates friction and mechanical interlocking to prevent dislodgement during shock and vibration
4Reliability
If foam insulation members are fastened using fastening devices, then the insulation is securely attached, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fastening devices entirely from the system, extracting the attachment function and replacing it with a self-retaining foam member design that uses compression fit and geometric interlocking between the foam member and frame members, eliminating the need for separate fastening components
Solution Approach 2:
The foam insulation member is designed to self-retain its position through its own structural features, specifically by being compressed between frame members at angles greater than 10 degrees, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the insulation without external fastening components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces weight, assembly time, and costs while maintaining effective thermal and acoustic insulation, with the foam insulation members remaining securely in place during normal vibration and mechanical shock loads.
Implementation Method 1
the foam insulation member may be fixedly held in place between the first and second frame members due to a friction fit resulting from the foam insulation member being disposed between the first and second frame members in compression
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device includes first (12) and second (14) frame members, and a foam insulation member (16) having first (24) and second (26) ends. At least one of the first and second ends is disposed at an angle greater than 0 degrees relative to a vertical plane. The first and second ends of the foam insulation member (16) extend between the first and second frame members (12,14) in compression. The foam insulation member (16) is fixedly held in place between the first and second frame members due to a friction fit resulting from the foam insulation member being disposed between the first and second frame members in compression.