Aircraft Cabin Raceway Modules for Accessible Component Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The design and installation of transferring components such as electrical wiring, ducting, and liquid conduits within aircraft cabins are labor-intensive and costly, requiring substantial engineering effort and manufacturing time, with limited access for maintenance and inspections due to complex routing paths and extensive use of fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A raceway system comprising modular routing components that attach to existing stowage bin supports, providing defined pathways and easy access, with transferring components secured to support struts before being routed through the system, allowing for efficient installation and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transferring components are secured to frames and stringers with fasteners, then the components are securely mounted within the internal cabin, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and requires substantial engineering effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the internal cabin into multiple routing modules that can be independently installed and configured. Each module contains pre-organized transferring components, allowing for modular installation rather than securing individual components throughout the entire cabin, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces routing modules as intermediary structures between the frames/stringers and the transferring components. These modules serve as pre-fabricated carriers that simplify the installation process by reducing the number of direct fastening operations required between components and the airframe structure.
2Reliability
If complex routing paths are created to meet requirements and avoid existing systems, then all necessary routing constraints are satisfied, but the engineering design effort and manufacturing labor hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system is segmented into discrete routing modules that can be independently designed and installed. This modular approach simplifies the overall routing complexity by breaking down complex paths into manageable segments that can be planned and executed more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing modules are designed and configured in advance with pre-defined pathways. This preliminary action allows routing constraints to be satisfied during the design phase rather than requiring complex on-site engineering efforts during installation, thereby reducing both design effort and manufacturing labor.
3Ease of manufacture
If wall structures are secured over frames and stringers, then the internal cabin is properly finished, but access to transferring components becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cabin structure by installing routing modules before final wall structures are secured. This allows transferring components to be accessed through openings in the walls at module locations, maintaining proper cabin finishing while providing designated access points for maintenance and repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing modules are installed in advance of the wall structures, allowing for pre-planned access points to be incorporated into the cabin finishing design. This preliminary installation ensures that accessibility requirements are built into the final structure rather than requiring later modifications.
4Manufacturing precision
If individual fastening of transferring components is performed, then precise positioning is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual fastening operations into a single modular installation process. By pre-attaching transferring components to routing modules at the manufacturer, the system combines what would be numerous separate fastening operations into one integrated installation step, maintaining precise positioning while significantly improving installation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The transferring components are pre-positioned and pre-fastened to the routing modules during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures precise positioning is achieved during fabrication rather than during installation, allowing for faster on-site assembly while maintaining manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A raceway system (200) and method within an internal cabin of an aircraft (100) include a plurality of routing modules (210) that are coupled together. Each of the plurality of routing modules includes a main housing (212) that routes one or more transferring components (500) to one or more monuments (208) within the internal cabin.