Curtain Retention Bracket With Self-Tightening Clasp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curtain retention systems for aircraft cabins are cumbersome and time-consuming to attach and deploy, leading to untidy stowage and inefficient retention of foldable curtains.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped chambered body with a flexible clasp and bow-shaped strap, allowing for easy manual operation and secure retention of the curtain, produced using additive manufacturing for customization and high torsional stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a textile strap is used to retain the curtain, then the curtain can be retained in a stowed position, but the attachment and deployment becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into separate functional components: a U-shaped chambered body for structural support and mounting, a flexible strap for securing the curtain, and a clasp mechanism with latch feature for quick engagement and disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp mechanism incorporates a movable latch feature that can be easily engaged and disengaged, transforming the static strap retention into a dynamic system that allows rapid attachment and deployment of the curtain without time-consuming operations.
2Reliability
If a textile strap is used to retain the curtain, then the curtain can be retained, but the stowage becomes untidy
Solution Approach 1:
The strap, clasp, and mounting structure are merged into an integrated assembly where the strap is permanently attached to the clasp mechanism. This integration ensures that all components work together as a unified system, maintaining neat and organized stowage appearance while providing reliable curtain retention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing is used to produce the U-shaped chambered body, then customization is facilitated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Additive manufacturing enables easy modification of design parameters such as the U-shaped chambered body geometry, chamber configurations, and mounting features. By changing digital model parameters rather than physical tooling, customization is achieved without increasing actual manufacturing complexity.
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
Enables quick, easy, and tidy stowage and retention of foldable curtains, improving deployment efficiency and reducing operational time while allowing for customization options.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge pin portion having a first end seated in the first opening and a second end seated in the second opening
Implementation Method 2
The strap is flexible and has a bow shape in an unstressed state
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for retaining a foldable curtain in a stowed position. A curtain retention bracket comprises a U-shaped chambered body having high torsional stiffness and a clasp comprising a flexible strap. The clasp has one end configured to be pivotably coupled to one arm of the U-shaped chambered body and another end configured to be latchable onto the other arm of the U-shaped chambered body. The clasp can be easily opened and closed manually using one hand. The geometry of the clasp is such that forces exerted on it by the stowed curtain cause it to pull tighter closed. The U-shaped chambered body may be produced using an additive manufacturing process.