Aircraft Floor Panel Support Clip for Seat Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft floor panels face deformation under pressure due to lack of support at the edge, and conventional e-nut systems are costly and time-consuming, especially with the use of cork tape for structural support.
Innovation Solution
A panel support clip with a frame and fingers that forms a channel to clip onto the seat track, providing structural support to the floor panel without the need for cork tape, allowing for blind side installation and reducing installation time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cork tape is used to provide structural support between the floor panel and seat track, then the floor panel edge is supported against deformation, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the cork tape from the fastening system. The support surface is directly formed on the seat track structure itself, removing the need for separate cork tape components while maintaining the necessary support functionality against floor panel deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support function with the seat track structure by directly forming the support surface on the seat track. This integration combines previously separate functions (structural support and fastening) into a single unified system, reducing component count and installation complexity
2Reliability
If e-nut system with cork tape is used for fastening, then the floor panel is securely attached to the seat track, but the cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the e-nut components from the fastening system. A simplified direct fastening method is implemented that achieves secure attachment without requiring e-nuts, thereby reducing component complexity while maintaining fastening reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface on the seat track serves a dual function: it provides structural support and simultaneously acts as a template for locating and securing the floor panel. This self-positioning capability eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures and additional locating components
3Strength
If cork tape is used to support the floor panel edge, then deformation is prevented, but the weight and cost of the panel increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the cork tape material from the assembly. The support function is achieved through the seat track structure itself, which provides the necessary edge support without adding the weight of separate tape materials
Solution Approach 2:
The seat track structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the floor panel edge, serves as a template for fastener location, and enables secure fastening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cork tape components, reducing overall weight
Data Source
AI summary
A panel support clip including a frame having a first engagement surface and at least one fastener retention feature, and a plurality of fingers each having a second engagement surface and a panel support surface opposite the second engagement surface, each of the plurality of fingers extends from the frame so that the second engagement surface opposes the first engagement surface to form a channel.