Flexible Cable Aircraft Floor Hull Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft designs require heavy anti-crash connecting rods to withstand forward acceleration of 9 g, leading to increased mass and potential structural instability under compressive loads.

Innovation Solution

A flexible cable connects the floor and hull structures, tensioning under tensile loads and relaxing under compressive loads, reducing the need for high compressive strength and allowing for a lighter mass design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid anti-crash connecting rods are used to withstand 9 g forward acceleration, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the weight of the connecting structure increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to withstand 9 g forward accelerationVSAvoidmass of connecting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connecting element from rigid to flexible. The flexible cable can withstand tensile loads during forward acceleration (9 g deceleration) but does not need to resist compressive loads, allowing for a significant reduction in mass while maintaining the required reliability for crash protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible cable that adapts its mechanical response based on loading conditions. The cable tensions under tensile loads during deceleration and relaxes under compressive loads, optimizing the mass-strength trade-off

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If rigid anti-crash connecting rods are used to maintain structural stability, then the strength under compressive loads is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressive strength of connecting structureVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex rigid mechanical connecting rod system with a simpler flexible cable system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex joints, bearings, and adjustment mechanisms, thereby simplifying manufacturing, installation, and maintenance while achieving the same safety function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 flexible cable connection reduces the aircraft's total mass by approximately 15 kg while maintaining the ability to withstand 9 g forward acceleration, with a 20% reduction in connector mass and simplified installation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

When the connection between the portion of a hull structure and the portion of a floor structure is subject to tensile load (deceleration of the aircraft), the cable gets tensioned and makes it possible to meet the current standards of withstanding an acceleration of 9 g towards the front of the aircraft.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

When the connection between the portion of a hull structure and the portion of a floor structure is subject to compressive load (for example lateral bending load), the flexible cable relaxes, and potentially may bend slightly.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10046845B2Flexible connection between the floor structure and the hull structure of an aircraft

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

The disclosure herein relates to a part of an aircraft structure including a portion of a floor structure and a portion of a hull structure, connected to one another by a connecting element. In accordance with, the disclosure herein the connecting element includes a flexible cable fixed at one of the ends thereof to the portion of a floor structure and fixed at the other, second of the ends thereof to the portion of a hull structure. When the connection between the portion of a floor structure and the portion of a hull structure is subjected to tensile load, the flexible cable makes it possible to meet the standards of resistance to forward accelerations of the aircraft. When the connection is subjected to compressive load, the flexible cable relaxes and bends, which limits the requirements of withstanding compressive stresses and therefore the weight of the connecting element.