Offset Flange Insert for Airplane Floor Panel Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening systems for airplane floor panels often result in gaps between the floor panel and the seat track due to a flange, leading to concentrated forces on the panel, which can compromise the distribution of loads such as air pressure and passenger movement.
Innovation Solution
An offset flange insert system comprising a base portion, an interconnect portion, and a flange portion that allows the flange to be bonded to the bottom surface of the floor panel beyond the airframe's edge, ensuring even load distribution without gaps between the panel and the seat track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flange is included on the sleeve insert, then the insert can be secured to the floor panel, but a gap is created between the floor panel and the seat track, leading to concentrated forces
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is extracted from its traditional position at the insert level and relocated to the offset position beyond the airframe edge. This separation removes the harmful gap creation from the fastening function, allowing the insert to secure the panel while the offset flange provides load distribution without interfering with the panel-seat track interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is positioned in a different spatial dimension (beyond the airframe edge) rather than at the insert level. This dimensional relocation allows the flange to perform its load-distributing function without creating gaps at the critical panel-seat track interface, resolving the contradiction between fastening capability and force concentration.
2Ease of manufacture
If the flange is positioned at the insert level, then fastening is achieved, but gaps are created that compromise load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is relocated to another dimension (beyond the airframe edge) where it can perform its load-distributing function without interfering with the panel-seat track interface. This maintains the simplicity of fastening assembly while eliminating the harmful gaps that compromise load distribution reliability.
3Productivity
If traditional fastening systems are used, then floor panels can be attached to seat tracks, but gaps and concentrated forces compromise structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The flange function is extracted from the insert assembly and relocated to an offset position. This separates the fastening function (performed by the insert through the airframe) from the load distribution function (performed by the offset flange on the panel bottom), allowing efficient attachment while maintaining structural integrity through even load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset flange acts as an intermediary element that distributes loads from the floor panel to the bonding adhesive. By positioning the flange beyond the airframe edge, it serves as a load-distributing mediator without interfering with the critical panel-seat track interface, thereby maintaining both productivity and structural integrity.
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
The offset flange insert system allows the floor panel to lie flush with the seat track, evenly distributing loads and reducing the concentration of forces, thereby enhancing structural integrity and reducing weight without adding extra material.
Implementation Method 1
The flange portion is also configured to be bonded to a bottom surface of the floor panel beyond the lateral edge portion
Data Source
AI summary
A floor panel connection system for attaching a floor panel to an airframe is disclosed. The connection system includes an offset flange insert comprising a base portion, a flange portion, and an interconnect portion. The base portion of the insert is configured to be received in a hole in an edge region of the floor panel and includes an opening that is sized to receive a fastener. The interconnect portion extends laterally from the base portion such that when the edge portion of the floor panel is overlapping a lateral edge portion of the airframe, the flange portion of the insert is beyond the lateral edge portion. The flange portion is also configured to be bonded to a bottom surface of the floor panel beyond the lateral edge portion of the airframe.