Aircraft Fuselage Stanchion Segmentation for Cabin Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft fuselage designs face challenges with the installation of system runs due to vertical stanchions, which either require deep floor beams and frames for structural support or compromise passenger and cargo space when these stanchions are omitted.

Innovation Solution

The use of structural and non-structural stanchions, where structural stanchions provide full load support and non-structural stanchions are used for system installations, allowing for efficient installation of cargo liners and systems without deep floor beams or frames, thereby increasing passenger space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If vertical stanchions are used to support floor beams, then structural support is provided, but installation of system runs becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidinstallation of system runs
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stanchion system is segmented into two functional types: structural stanchions that provide load support and non-structural stanchions that facilitate system installation. This segmentation allows each type to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between structural support and system installation ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Non-structural stanchions act as intermediaries between the structural stanchions and the system runs (wires, hydraulic lines, air-conditioning ducts). These intermediary stanchions provide attachment points for system runs without compromising the structural integrity provided by the structural stanchions, thereby facilitating easy installation while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If deep floor beams and locally reinforced frames are used to achieve structural stability, then stanchions can be omitted, but space available in passenger cabin and cargo compartment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidspace available in passenger cabin and cargo compartment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented between structural stanchions (providing load support) and non-structural stanchions (providing system attachment). This eliminates the need for deep floor beams and locally reinforced frames while maintaining structural stability, thereby preserving cabin and cargo space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing the depth of floor beams (vertical dimension) or frame reinforcement (horizontal dimension) to achieve stability, the solution uses stanchions that extend vertically to provide support. This dimensional shift allows structural stability to be achieved without increasing the footprint or depth that would encroach on cabin and cargo space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If non-structural stanchions are used for system installations, then installation efficiency is improved, but structural support must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidstructural support
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stanchion system is clearly segmented into structural and non-structural components with distinct functions. Structural stanchions maintain load-bearing capacity while non-structural stanchions provide attachment points for system runs. This segmentation ensures that structural support is not compromised while enabling efficient system installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different stanchions are designed with different properties suited to their specific functions: structural stanchions are optimized for load support, while non-structural stanchions are optimized for system attachment. This local differentiation of quality allows each component to perform its function optimally without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3461736B1Fuselage with structural and non-structural stanchions
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3461736B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3461736B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3461736B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fuselage portion of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft) is disclosed. The fuselage portion comprises a frame; a floor beam attached to the frame and comprising ends; a structural stanchion comprising a first end and a second end; a first structural coupling joining the first end of the structural stanchion and the floor beam; a second structural coupling joining the second end of the structural stanchion and the frame; a non-structural stanchion comprising a third end and a fourth end; a first non-structural coupling joining the third end of the non-structural stanchion and the floor beam; and a second non-structural coupling joining the fourth end of the non-structural stanchion and the frame.