Integrated Overhead Panel with Modular Submodules

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing overhead panels for aircraft cockpits are complex, costly, and cumbersome due to multiple modules and parts, requiring a drip shield for attachment, which complicates installation, increases weight, and poses aerodynamic and electrical segregation issues, along with excessive wiring length and storage challenges.

Innovation Solution

A self-supporting overhead panel with integrated submodules, featuring a rear plate with central and peripheral connectors, a front metal sheet with illuminated labels, and mini-harnesses for standardized connections, eliminating the need for a separate frame and drip shield, while incorporating dampening pins for protection and a thermoplastic anti-condensation layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent submodules are used on a separate frame, then functional modularity is achieved, but device complexity and number of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional modularityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support frame and drip shield into a single integrated overhead panel structure. The frame serves dual purposes: supporting submodules and acting as a drip shield, thereby reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining functional modularity through the submodule architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The overhead panel frame is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for submodules, acts as a drip shield to protect against water damage, and serves as a mounting structure for illuminated labels. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate drip shield is used for attachment, then protection against water damage is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against water damageVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drip shield function is merged into the overhead panel frame structure itself. The frame is designed with features that directly prevent water damage to submodules and wiring, eliminating the need for a separate drip shield component and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate modules are used, then functional versatility is achieved, but weight and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidpanel weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the support frame and drip shield into a single overhead panel structure, the patent reduces the total weight compared to having separate components. The unified structure eliminates redundant materials and reduces overall mass while maintaining functional versatility through modular submodules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If traditional wiring harnesses are used, then electrical connections are achieved, but wiring length and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionsVSAvoidwiring length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates illuminated labels and wiring arrangements during the manufacturing stage rather than during installation. This preliminary action allows for optimized wiring paths and reduced wiring length, as the connections are pre-configured in the overhead panel structure itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design simplifies production, reduces weight and volume, enhances accessibility, and provides secure, direct wiring with reduced length, improved installation, and integrated drip protection, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and electrical segregation.

Implementation Method 1

The rear plate may include an integrated circuit plate the final layer of which is an anti-condensation layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnti-condensation layer:

Implementation Method 2

the overhead panel includes dampening pins positioned on the rear surface of the rear plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDampening: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9271406B2Overhead panel for an aircraft cockpit and aircraft including such a panel

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

The invention relates to an overhead panel able to be positioned in an aircraft cockpit, which includes an assembly of independent submodules (67), each of which is associated with a particular system or a particular function of the aeroplane, incorporated in a rigid self-supporting module (60), including a front face (65) to which the submodules (67) are attached, and two side faces fitted with peripheral electrical connectors (63) intended to be connected to different systems of the aeroplane.The invention also relates to a method of manufacture of such a panel.