Lockable Panel Catch Assembly for Fastener-Light Seat Track Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel installations require a large number of fasteners, making the process laborious and time-consuming for both installation and removal, particularly in applications like aircraft floor panels.
Innovation Solution
A panel assembly utilizing moveable lockable catches with non-linear edges that interleave with corresponding beam flanges, reducing the need for fasteners by transferring loads through these interlocking mechanisms, allowing for quicker installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large number of fasteners are used to affix panels to structural frames, then the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the installation time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple coupling devices distributed across the panel-frame interface. Each coupling device handles a portion of the load transfer, allowing the total connection function to be achieved with fewer individual components while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coupling devices are combined into an integrated connection system that simultaneously provides both vertical load resistance and shear load resistance. This merging of functions reduces the total number of fasteners needed compared to traditional distributed fastening systems.
2Reliability
If a large number of fasteners are used to secure panels, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the complexity of the assembly process and the number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling devices are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing both vertical load resistance and shear load resistance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate fasteners for different load types, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system changes the parameters of individual coupling devices to handle higher loads per device, allowing fewer devices to achieve the same total connection reliability. This parameter optimization reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the required connection strength.
3Force
If conventional fasteners are used to attach floor panels, then the load transfer capability is sufficient, but the weight of the assembly and installation time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary fasteners from the traditional connection system, retaining only the essential coupling devices needed for load transfer. This extraction reduces both installation time and the number of components without compromising load transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling devices incorporate movable elements that allow for dynamic adjustment during installation, enabling quicker positioning and securing of panels compared to static fastener systems. This dynamic capability reduces installation time while maintaining load transfer effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel assembly (200) for installation onto a seat track beam (202) including a beam flange having a non-linear edge (208) is disclosed. The panel assembly includes a panel (218) and a lockable catch (228) moveably connected to the panel. The lockable catch includes a lockable mating edge (230) configured to selectively mate with the non-linear edge of the beam flange of the track beam. The lockable catch also includes a lockable catch edge extending beyond the lockable mating edge. The lockable catch is moveable on a lower surface of the panel between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position the lockable catch edge is retracted. In the locked position, the lockable mating edge mates with the non-linear edge of the beam flange and the lockable catch edge retains the panel on the track beam.