Compressible Interior Module Edge for Adaptive Gap Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interior components in vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, and trains, suffer from gaps that are not aesthetically pleasing due to loose seals caused by structural movements and passenger interaction, leading to a compromised cabin appearance.

Innovation Solution

An interior component with a rigid section and an integrated compressible section that forms a seal, adapting to surrounding structures to close gaps without separate seals, using additive manufacturing to create geometric structures and materials with varying Shore hardness for flexibility and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate soft seals are used to close gaps between interior components, then the gaps are initially closed, but the seals become loose due to structural movements and passenger interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal effectivenessVSAvoidseal position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the seal function directly into the interior component by creating a compressible section that is integrally formed with the rigid plate. This merging eliminates the need for separate seal components, ensuring the seal remains permanently attached to the interior component and cannot become loose or detached during vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by creating a compressible section with varying Shore hardness values. The compressible section has a different hardness parameter than the rigid plate, allowing it to deform and adapt to gaps while maintaining structural integrity. This parameter differentiation enables the seal to accommodate structural movements without losing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid plate is used for interior components, then structural stability is maintained, but gaps cannot be adaptively closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate structural stabilityVSAvoidgap closing adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a compressible section with specific material properties at the edge of the rigid plate, while the rest of the plate maintains its rigid characteristics. This localized modification allows the plate to maintain overall structural stability while the specific compressible region provides adaptive gap-closing capability through deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by integrating a compressible section with different material properties into the rigid plate structure. The composite construction combines the rigidity of the plate material with the compliance of the compressible material, enabling both structural stability and adaptive sealing functionality within a single component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If separate seals are pressed into gaps, then gaps are closed, but the seals can be pulled out by passengers or become loose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap closing capabilityVSAvoidseal retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the seal function into the interior component itself through integral formation of the compressible section. This eliminates separate seal components that could be pulled out or become loose, as the sealing function is permanently embedded in the component structure during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compressible section provides self-service by automatically adapting to and closing gaps through its inherent compressibility. The section deforms under compression to seal gaps and rebounds to maintain continuous contact, providing automatic seal retention without requiring separate fastening mechanisms or external retention structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 integrated seal maintains a consistent appearance by adapting to structural changes and passenger interaction, eliminating the need for separate seals and enhancing sustainability through recyclable materials.

Implementation Method 1

the compressible section can contact the other interior component or fixed structure and can close any gap therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the rigid section can have a first Shore hardness and the compressible section can have a second Shore hardness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShore hardness variation: Shore Durometer

Data Source

PatentUS12565302B2Interior module with a compressible side edge and method of producing an interior module

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

An interior component for a passenger cabin. The interior component comprises a plate, which itself comprises a rigid section, and a compressible section. The rigid section and the compressible section form an integral body, and the compressible section is arranged at an end or side of the plate. Also an aircraft having such interior component and a method of manufacturing such interior component using additive manufacturing.