Composite Floor Beam Support Bracket with Conductive Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for supporting floor beams in aircraft structures using composite materials face challenges with electrical conductivity and grounding, as composite materials have poor electrical conductivity, requiring secondary metallic structures for current grounding and return networks.
Innovation Solution
The use of conductive elements, such as integrally formed or cable buss bar conductive elements, with support brackets that are electrically conductive, allowing for the support of floor beams without fasteners and providing a current return network and grounding, even with composite materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If composite materials are used for floor beams and structure, then weight is reduced, but electrical conductivity and grounding capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The floor beam assembly is segmented into composite floor beams for weight reduction and separate conductive elements for electrical functionality. The conductive elements are distinct components that can be integrally formed with support brackets or attached separately, allowing the structural and electrical functions to be independently optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
Conductive elements serve as intermediary components between the composite floor beams and the aircraft structure's grounding system. These elements provide the necessary electrical conductivity path without requiring the floor beams themselves to be conductive, thus mediating between the lightweight composite material and the electrical grounding requirement.
2Strength
If fasteners are used to attach floor beams to hoop frames, then structural connection is achieved, but installation time and misalignment risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket and conductive element are merged into a single integrally formed component in many embodiments. This combination eliminates the need for separate fastening operations and electrical connection steps, reducing installation time while maintaining both structural support and electrical conductivity functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets are designed to self-align and support the floor beams without requiring precise mate-drilled holes or complex fastening procedures. The brackets provide inherent alignment features and support surfaces that guide the floor beams into proper position, reducing the skill and time required for installation.
3Manufacturing precision
If mate-drilled holes are used for fastener alignment, then precise hole alignment is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mate-drilling and hole alignment process is extracted and replaced with a simpler support bracket system. The brackets provide mechanical support and alignment without requiring precise hole drilling between the floor beams and hoop frames, eliminating the most time-consuming and error-prone aspect of the installation process.
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
This solution enables effective electrical communication and grounding within aircraft structures using composite materials, reducing misalignment and installation time, and eliminating the need for mate-drilled holes, while maintaining a low resistance electrical current return network.
Implementation Method 1
conductive elements extending from the at least one support bracket and configured for electrically communicating with the at least one support bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A floor beam assembly, system, and method for supporting floor beams within a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, a floor beam assembly for installing a floor beam within a structure is provided. The assembly includes at least one floor beam, wherein at least a portion of each floor beam comprises a composite material. The assembly also includes at least one support bracket attached to a structure, wherein each support bracket is configured to support at least a portion of a floor beam thereon. In addition, the assembly includes at least one conductive element extending from the at least one support bracket and configured for electrically communicating with the at least one support bracket.