Omega-Loop Anchor Plate for Lightweight Sandwich Panel Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the air travel industry is to securely and simply introduce force into lightweight sandwich plates used for passenger cabin wall coverings without increasing weight, as traditional anchoring methods are complex and difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
An anchor point comprising a planar anchor plate with a resilient omega-shaped element and locking tongues that can be inserted into a blind or through-hole, allowing for secure force introduction and easy assembly, enabling the use of cable ties or other securing elements for retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional anchoring methods (screws, nails, dowels) are used in sandwich plates, then the core material can be locally loaded, but the retention is very little
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor point is divided into multiple functional components: an anchor plate for force distribution, a resilient element for elastic retention, and locking tongues for mechanical interlocking. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to retention while maintaining ease of installation in the sandwich plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element provides dynamic retention through elastic deformation, allowing the anchor point to adapt to the sandwich plate structure while maintaining secure holding capability. The elastic properties enable the anchor to be inserted and then lock into position, providing strong retention without complex manufacturing.
2Reliability
If blind holes are introduced into the core with anchor points anchored completely in the volume (undercut anchoring), then secure anchoring is achieved, but there is a significant increase in weight locally
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor plate is designed to remain partially exposed on the surface of the sandwich plate, extracting the need for complete subsurface anchoring. This allows the anchor to provide secure retention through its resilient element and locking tongues while minimizing the amount of material required and avoiding significant local weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor point concentrates its anchoring function in specific localized regions through the locking tongues that engage with the sandwich plate core, rather than requiring distributed anchoring throughout the entire anchor volume. This localized quality approach provides secure anchoring with minimal material usage and weight.
3Reliability
If anchor points are anchored completely in the volume of honeycomb structure, then secure retention is achieved, but the anchoring can hardly be removed again
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element provides dynamic retention that allows for both secure holding and controlled release. The elastic properties enable the anchor to be firmly retained in the sandwich plate during normal operation, while also allowing for removal when needed by overcoming the elastic retention force, thus providing both reliability and ease of repair.
4Strength
If fixing means are adhesively-bonded or screwed with washers over both covering layers, then force introduction is ensured, but the complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor point segments the force introduction function into the anchor plate (which distributes force) and the resilient element with locking tongues (which provide mechanical retention). This eliminates the need for complex adhesive bonding or washer-based screwing systems, providing simple yet effective force introduction into the sandwich plate.
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
This solution provides a lightweight, easy-to-assemble anchor point that securely fastens to sandwich plates without significant weight increase, allowing for easy removal and adaptation to various securing elements, enhancing the anchoring of fixtures and reducing complexity in aircraft fuselage attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element 14 (14') which is connected thereto and which in turn has at least two locking tongues 16, 17. The resilient element 14 which is preferably constructed as a plastics material loop in the form of an omega and which applies the resilient action primarily in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the anchor plate
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor point (10) for a fastening element (30), such as a cable tie, includes a substantially flat anchor plate (12) and a resilient element (14) connected thereto, which in turn has at least two locking tongues (16, 17). The anchor plate has a substantially circular disc shape. The resilient element is preferably designed as a plastic loop in the shape of an omega and exerts its resilient action primarily in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the anchor plate. Via an opening in the anchor plate a fastening element/cable tie can be passed through the anchor plate and is deflected by the locking tongues or the resilient element so that it passes through a second opening again to the surface. By pulling on the cable tie, the locking tongues are spread apart by compression of the resilient element and are fixed in or behind the opening of a surface.