Helicopter Modular Panel System Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helicopter airframes require customization of panels to accommodate various accessory packages, leading to modifications that can be costly and time-consuming, as existing systems lack standardized methods for easy fabrication and repair.
Innovation Solution
A modular panel system comprising a skin panel and a brace assembly, configured to define separate brace and accessory regions based on operational characteristics, allowing for easy customization and adaptation to different helicopter configurations without significant modification to the airframe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If panels are customized for each helicopter configuration to accommodate accessory packages, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system is segmented into standardized base panels and separate accessory mounting components. The base panels maintain uniform dimensions and attachment patterns, while accessories are mounted using standardized brackets and fasteners that interface with pre-defined mounting locations on the base panels. This segmentation allows different accessory configurations without requiring custom panels for each helicopter variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The base panels are designed with universal mounting features including standardized attachment patterns, reinforced attachment zones, and multiple potential accessory locations. These universal features allow the same base panel to support various accessory packages across different helicopter configurations, eliminating the need for configuration-specific panel modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panels are modified to accommodate accessory packages, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base panels are manufactured in advance with pre-defined attachment zones, reinforced mounting locations, and standardized attachment patterns before accessories are selected. This preliminary preparation of universal mounting infrastructure allows rapid assembly of different accessory configurations without requiring post-manufacturing panel modifications, significantly reducing both time and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive modifications are made to panels for different configurations, then adaptability is improved, but repair difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system separates the permanent base panel structure from the removable accessory components. Base panels maintain standardized, unmodified structures with consistent attachment patterns, while accessories are mounted using interchangeable brackets and fasteners. This segmentation simplifies repair by allowing accessories to be removed and replaced without affecting the base panel integrity, and base panels can be repaired using standardized procedures regardless of accessory configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A blank panel assembly comprising a skin panel configured to define a brace region and an accessory region and a brace assembly operatively connected to the skin panel within the brace region of the skin panel. The brace assembly comprises first and second main members, a plurality of cross members, and plurality of brace members. The first and second main members are riveted to the skin panel within at least a portion of the brace region. The plurality of cross members are riveted to the skin panel within at least a portion of the brace region. The third cross member portions are riveted to the third main member portions. The at least one accessory is adapted to be supported by the skin panel in the accessory region.