Embedded Puck Attachment Mechanism for Reconfigurable Aircraft Interiors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft fixture attachment mechanisms, such as rail-based systems, are inflexible, heavy, and prone to damage, as they require fixed installation and protrude from the surface, making them unsuitable for varying configurations and safety standards.

Innovation Solution

The use of puck-based attachment mechanisms, which are embedded within the aircraft structure, providing flexible and reconfigurable attachment points that can be easily modified or removed, reducing weight and enhancing safety by being flush with the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rail-based attachment mechanisms are used, then fixtures can be securely attached to the aircraft structure, but the mechanisms protrude from the surface making them prone to damage and reducing safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddamage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having attachment mechanisms protrude outward from the aircraft surface, the patent inverts the design by embedding the attachment devices flush within the surface. The attachment fitting engages with the embedded body from the interior side, so the attachment interface is hidden within the surface rather than exposing protruding elements that could be damaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is nested within the aircraft structure surface. The body of the attachment device is embedded in the surface, with its attachment interface recessed inside, creating a nested configuration where the functional elements are contained within the surface envelope rather than extending outward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If fixed installation mechanisms are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but flexibility and reconfigurability of aircraft fixtures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into multiple independent attachment devices distributed across the aircraft surface. Each attachment device is a discrete unit that can be independently engaged or disengaged, allowing individual fixtures to be repositioned or reconfigured without affecting the overall structural integrity of the aircraft or requiring modification of the attachment devices themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The attachment fitting can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged from the embedded body, allowing the configuration of aircraft fixtures to be changed as needed while maintaining secure attachment during each configuration state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If protruding attachment mechanisms are used, then attachment strength is sufficient, but weight increases and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidattachment device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protruding portion of traditional attachment mechanisms and replaces it with an embedded design. The attachment fitting is the only element that extends outward, while the main body of the attachment device is removed from the exterior and embedded within the surface, reducing the amount of material required and eliminating the need for heavy reinforcing structures to support protruding elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional attachment mechanisms are used, then installation is straightforward, but reconfiguration and modification require significant effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment devices are pre-installed and embedded in the aircraft surface during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary action creates a permanent infrastructure of attachment points that remain in place, allowing fixtures to be quickly attached or removed by simply engaging or disengaging the attachment fittings without requiring any modification to the attachment devices themselves or the aircraft structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10933969B2Puck attachment mechanism for flexible aircraft configuration

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise an attachment device configured to be embedded in a structure, wherein the attachment device comprises: a body comprising a first flange and a second flange, wherein the body is configured such that the first flange and the second flange are coupled together internally within the body when the attachment device is embedded in the structure; an attachment fitting for coupling a component to the structure in which the attachment device is embedded.