Lightweight Panel Clamping Frame for Detachable Hinge Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching components to lightweight sandwich panels, such as those used in aircraft interiors, is challenging due to the difficulty in distributing loads or forces across the material volume, and existing solutions like inserts and clip connectors create significant interference contours and are aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element comprising a holding frame and an insert element, where the holding frame is attached to the lightweight panel in a form-fitting manner, and the insert element is inserted into a receiving pocket in the frame, allowing for a detachable and aesthetically minimal connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fasteners (screws, nails, spot bonding) are used to attach components to sandwich panels, then the attachment is secure, but the load distribution across the material volume is poor and the interference contour is large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from point-based anchoring to surface-based anchoring by distributing fastening elements across a large area of the sandwich panel. This dimensional change from 0D point to 2D surface distribution improves load distribution while reducing stress concentration at individual attachment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding frame is divided into multiple segments with several fastening elements distributed across its structure. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple attachment points rather than concentrated at a single point, reducing stress on the sandwich panel.
2Strength
If inserts with threaded nuts or clamps are glued into oversized blind holes, then the connection is secure, but the weight increases and installation effort is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, distributes loads across the sandwich panel surface, and incorporates fastening elements for component attachment. This merging eliminates the need for separate inserts, threaded nuts, and clamps, reducing overall weight and simplifying installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If clip connectors are pushed onto the edge of sandwich panels, then installation is easy, but the interference contour is large and aesthetic appearance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are nested within the holding frame structure, which itself is designed to be flush with or integrated into the sandwich panel surface. This nesting approach allows easy installation while minimizing the external interference contour and improving aesthetic appearance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a large surface area is used for force introduction into the lightweight construction element, then load distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes loads across the sandwich panel surface, provides a mounting structure for fastening elements, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality achieves large surface area load distribution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A detachable connecting element (100) between a lightweight panel (110) and a hinge (150) with two tabs (170, 180) comprises (a) a retaining frame (200) for a force-fit and form-fit connection with a lightweight panel (110) and (b) an insertion element (300) which can be inserted into a receiving pocket (250) provided in the retaining frame (200) in a form-fit manner, locked there in its final position, and released again. This insertion element is optionally designed as a tab of the hinge (150) or connected to such a tab. The retaining frame (200) has an outer contour with two substantially parallel top surfaces (210, 215) and four side surfaces arranged between them, wherein three of the side surfaces form part of a circumferential groove (220) which is designed to receive lightweight panel edge sections (112, 114, 116) which act as a spring in a form-fitting manner and the fourth side surface has the access (225) to the receiving pocket (250).In an assembly process, the retaining element is preferably bonded into a correspondingly designed recess in the lightweight panel in a form-fitting/force-fit manner. The connecting element is preferably used as a hinged connection for the access cover of an aircraft.