Integrated Dashboard Ventilation Duct to Cut Panel Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft instrument panels with ventilation systems are heavy, complex, and require numerous parts, leading to increased stress, complexity, and installation time.
Innovation Solution
An instrument panel with a main structure and upper cover formed from composite material, integrated airflow channels, and a co-consolidation attachment method, eliminating the need for additional ventilation ducts and fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate ventilation duct and support members are added to the instrument panel, then the ventilation function is achieved, but the mass and structural stress increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation duct is integrated directly into the main structure of the instrument panel as an internal cavity, eliminating the need for separate support members and reducing overall mass. The main structure simultaneously provides mechanical support and houses the ventilation channel, achieving both functions with a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The main structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework of the instrument panel, houses the ventilation duct internally, and supports the mounting of control equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ventilation-specific components.
2Reliability
If separate ventilation duct and support members are added, then ventilation is provided, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation duct is merged with the main structure as an internal feature rather than a separate component. This integration reduces the total number of parts from multiple separate components (panel, duct, support members) to a unified main structure with built-in ventilation capability.
3Reliability
If separate ventilation duct and support members are added, then ventilation is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation duct is combined with the main structure as a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for mounting the duct and support members. This reduces installation time and simplifies the assembly process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dashboard (3) comprising a main structure (4) extending longitudinally and having a concave shape, the main structure (4) comprising an upper face (42), the dashboard (3) being notable in that it comprises an upper cover (5) extending longitudinally along the length of the main structure (4), the upper cover (5) being mechanically connected to the main structure (4) and mounted on the upper face (42) of the main structure (4) so as to define a duct (W) for the circulation of an air flow between the upper face (42) of the main structure (4) and the upper cover (5), the upper face (42) comprising a plurality of orifices which are configured to allow the airflow to circulate inside the main structure (4).