Integrally Formed Cockpit Pedestal for Reduced Assembly Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cockpit pedestal designs are time and labor intensive to assemble due to the need for custom metal compartments for various instruments, leading to high assembly costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed cockpit pedestal with load-bearing legs and instrument receiving compartments fabricated using additive manufacturing (3D printing), allowing for specific design of compartments and reduced material usage, along with a conductive layer for grounding instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom metal compartments are used for various instruments, then each instrument can be specifically accommodated, but assembly time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate metal compartments into a single integrally formed pedestal structure. The pedestal includes a top surface with multiple recesses formed as one piece, eliminating the need to assemble separate compartments for different instruments. This reduces assembly time while maintaining the ability to accommodate various instruments with different shapes and weights.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally formed pedestal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates instrument recesses, and offers mounting surfaces for various instruments. The single structure replaces multiple specialized components, achieving multi-functionality that reduces assembly complexity while adapting to different instrument requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate compartments are fastened or welded together, then instrument-specific formatting is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate compartments that would otherwise need to be fastened or welded into a single integrally formed structure. The top surface with multiple recesses is created as one piece, eliminating the complexity of assembling and joining multiple parts while maintaining instrument-specific formatting capabilities.
3Strength
If thick side panels are used to support the top portion, then structural strength is ensured, but material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating recesses only where instruments need to be mounted, rather than using thick panels throughout. The integrally formed structure provides strength at specific locations where load-bearing is needed, while using less material in areas where full thickness is not required, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cockpit pedestal and an aircraft with a cockpit pedestal. The cockpit pedestal includes an integrally-formed frame including an instrument receiving portion defining a plurality of compartments for receiving instruments therein; and a plurality of legs supporting the instrument receiving portion, the plurality of legs being integrally formed with the instrument receiving portion, the plurality of legs being adapted for transferring a load of the plurality of instruments from the instrument receiving portion to a floor of the aircraft cockpit when the cockpit pedestal and the instruments are installed in the aircraft cockpit. In some versions the cockpit pedestal includes a conductive layer electrically grounding the instruments in the cockpit.