Modular Component Holder With Bayonet Lock for Fast Aircraft Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component holders for vehicles, particularly aircraft, require a variety of specialized sheet metal parts to achieve flexibility in attaching insulation mats and components, leading to complexity and inefficiency in stock management.

Innovation Solution

A modular component holder with a base part and plug-on element featuring a bayonet lock mechanism, allowing for tool-free assembly and self-locking connections, which distributes forces evenly and can be adapted to various vehicle structures using identical mechanical interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized sheet metal parts are used to achieve flexibility in attaching components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in attaching componentsVSAvoidnumber of different sheet metal parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal base part with standardized attachment points that can accommodate multiple plug-on elements of different types. The base part serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling attachment to various surfaces, and serving as a common interface for different plug-on elements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized sheet metal parts while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The component holder is divided into modular segments: a common base part and interchangeable plug-on elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility through combinations of standardized modules rather than requiring unique parts for each application. The plug-on elements can be selectively attached to the base part to meet different functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base part is pre-configured with attachment points and the plug-on elements are pre-designed with complementary locking features. This preliminary preparation of standardized interfaces enables rapid assembly without requiring complex fastening operations during installation. The components are designed to fit together immediately upon engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, rivets) with a snap-fit locking mechanism. The plug-on elements feature locking protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the base part, creating a secure attachment through elastic deformation and geometric interlocking rather than threaded fasteners. This substitution significantly reduces assembly time while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4289724B1Component holder
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SFS GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP4289724B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4289724B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4289724B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

In vehicle construction, particularly in aircraft, a component holder is used for the indirect fastening of components to the fuselage or a body-in-white. A component holder according to this description comprises a base part (100) and a mounting element (300) that can be locked to the base part (100) and has a component receptacle (500) attached to it. The base part (100) is essentially constructed as a circular shell, the upper edge (110) of which has retaining and locking elements (120, 120', ... 130, 130', ...). The lockable attachment element (300) in turn has an essentially dome-shaped basic structure, wherein the lower edge area of ​​the dome (340) has holding and locking elements (320, 320',.., 330, 330'...) which are mechanically and functionally complementary to those of the base part (100) and can interact with them in a locking manner.The component receptacle is integrally formed on the mounting element and is located on the outside at the zenith of the dome (340). The dome (340) of the mounting element is formed from at least three, preferably four, ribs angularly offset around its circumference. The ribs extend from the lower edge region of the dome to the base of the component receptacle at the zenith of the dome.