Aircraft Gatebox Adaptor Frame for Rapid Tool-Free Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Changing types of gateboxes on an aircraft is time-consuming and costly, requiring extended aircraft downtime due to the need for extensive personnel and tools.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring an adaptor frame that securely attaches and detaches different types of gateboxes using a compressible seal and quick-release fastenings, allowing for rapid switching without the need for tools, thereby reducing downtime and operational costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional gatebox attachment methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the time and complexity required for changing gateboxes increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegatebox attachment securityVSAvoidtime required for gatebox changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gatebox attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a frame that remains on the aircraft and gateboxes that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows the gatebox to be changed without affecting the frame or requiring complex disassembly procedures, thereby reducing change time while maintaining secure attachment through dedicated coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is pre-equipped with coupling mechanisms and mounting structures before the gatebox is attached. This preliminary preparation of the attachment interface eliminates the need for on-site assembly or complex fastening procedures during gatebox changes, allowing for rapid exchange while ensuring secure attachment through pre-positioned coupling points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional gatebox attachment methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the number of personnel and tools required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegatebox attachment securityVSAvoidpersonnel and tool requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gatebox and frame coupling mechanisms are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing through features such as complementary geometric interfaces and automatic locking elements. This self-service design eliminates the need for multiple personnel or specialized tools to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment, reducing operational complexity while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The frame's coupling mechanisms are designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different gatebox types using the same attachment interface. This multi-functionality allows a single frame design to work with various gatebox configurations, reducing the need for specialized attachment equipment or multiple types of fastening systems, thereby simplifying personnel and tool requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If gateboxes are frequently changed on an aircraft, then operational flexibility is improved, but aircraft downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegatebox switching flexibilityVSAvoidaircraft operational availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system incorporates dynamic coupling mechanisms that enable rapid connection and disconnection of gateboxes through simple manual operations. The design allows the gatebox to be quickly attached or detached without requiring prolonged aircraft downtime, thus improving operational availability while maintaining the flexibility to change gateboxes as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame acts as an intermediary component that remains permanently mounted on the aircraft, providing a stable interface for attaching different gateboxes. This intermediary structure eliminates the need to repeatedly attach and detach entire gatebox assemblies from the aircraft structure, reducing the time required for gatebox changes and minimizing aircraft downtime while preserving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution significantly reduces the time and personnel required for attaching, detaching, and switching gateboxes, minimizing aircraft downtime and operational disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible seal operable to create a barrier between the frame and a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10196145B2System and method for affixing gateboxes to an aircraft

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 TEXAS TRANSLAND LLC

AI summary

A system for affixing a gatebox to an aircraft includes a first type of gatebox operable to release material from an aircraft, a second type of gatebox operable to release material from the aircraft, a frame coupled to the aircraft operable to receive a selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox; and a plurality of fastenings operable to secure the selected one of the first type of gatebox and the second type of gatebox to the frame.