Fuselage and aircraft comprising a multifunctional air distribution sub-structure and method of assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing aircraft fuselage structures face challenges in efficiently assembling and maintaining systems within the limited and difficult-to-access 'triangle' zone, where components like air conditioning pipes are fragile and voluminous, leading to increased installation and maintenance costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional substructure integrating air distribution ducts with structural and functional components, featuring a duct of substantially rectangular section that can be assembled with seat attachment rails and stiffeners, allowing for simultaneous assembly of air distribution, stiffeners, and seat rails, and enabling access and maintenance from the passenger cabin without entering the triangular area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rigid pipes of large cross-section are used for air distribution, then air flow performance is maintained, but installation difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the air distribution conduit by transitioning from rigid composite pipes to flexible hoses with different material composition (polymer-based). This allows the system to maintain adequate air flow capacity while dramatically improving installation ease, as flexible hoses can be routed through tight spaces and connected without complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible hoses instead of rigid pipes for air distribution. These flexible shells allow the air distribution system to adapt to the confined triangle zone geometry and facilitate easier installation and maintenance operations, directly addressing the installation difficulty associated with rigid pipes of large cross-section
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual components are installed separately in the triangle zone, then system functionality is complete, but assembly time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components (air distribution conduits, electrical harnesses, water pipes, fire extinguishers) into an integrated assembly that is installed as a single unit in the triangle zone. This combining of functions into one assembly dramatically reduces assembly time and labor costs while maintaining all required system functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multifunctional assembly that performs multiple system functions simultaneously (air distribution, electrical power, water supply, fire safety) within a single integrated structure. This universal assembly approach maintains complete system functionality while improving productivity by reducing the number of separate installation operations required
3Reliability
If traditional separate assembly methods are used, then each system is installed correctly, but maintenance and repair operations become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multifunctional assembly into modular components that can be individually accessed and replaced. The assembly includes quick-connect interfaces that allow maintenance personnel to isolate and service specific systems (air, electrical, water) without dismantling the entire structure, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining installation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces access panels and service ports as intermediary elements that provide maintenance personnel with direct access to components within the triangle zone. These intermediaries enable easy inspection and repair of internal systems without requiring disassembly of surrounding structures, thus improving maintenance accessibility while preserving system installation integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
The aircraft fuselage comprises a fuselage skin (12), cross members (30) supporting an aircraft floor (40), and a multifunctional substructure (200) attached to at least one of the cross members (30) in a lowered portion (33) of said cross member (30). The multifunctional substructure includes: at least one duct (20) of an air distribution system having a substantially rectangular cross-section at the location of said at least one cross member (30) and having substantially vertical side walls of said duct (20); a seat mounting rail (21) or a stiffening profile attached to a first side wall (20) of said duct of the multifunctional substructure (200); and a seat mounting rail (21) or a stiffening profile (22) attached to a second side wall, opposite the first side wall, of said duct (20) of the multifunctional substructure (200).