Outboard Stringer Clip Blanket Mounting Without Insulation Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulation systems for aircraft fuselages compress insulation blankets at attachment points, negating acoustic and thermal benefits, and pose ergonomic issues during installation and relocation, while also exacerbating moisture management problems due to condensation on metallic clamps.
Innovation Solution
A flexible stringer clip system with resilient hooks attached to the outboard surface of insulation blankets, which engages stringers without compressing the insulation, reducing ergonomic challenges and preventing condensation issues by locating the clips on the outboard side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stiff stainless steel clamps are used to secure insulation blankets, then the insulation blanket is firmly attached to the frame, but the insulation blanket is compressed at the attachment point negating local acoustic and thermal benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces stiff stainless steel clamps with a flexible clip made from semi-rigid durable yet elastic material. This flexible clip maintains attachment strength while conforming to the insulation blanket surface without compression, preserving the acoustic and thermal benefits of the insulation at the attachment point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the clip from rigid metal to semi-rigid elastic material with specific flexibility characteristics. This parameter change allows the clip to exert sufficient holding force for secure attachment while avoiding the compression that occurs with stiffer materials.
2Strength
If multiple stiff clamps are used throughout the fuselage, then the insulation blanket is securely fastened, but ergonomic issues arise for installers during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible clip's elastic material properties allow it to be easily deformed and manipulated by hand during installation, improving ergonomics for installers. The clip can be bent and shaped to engage with the insulation blanket and frame stringer without requiring excessive force or complex manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates resilient attachment arms that can dynamically flex and adapt during installation. The arms can be displaced outwardly to facilitate engagement and then resiliently return to their engaged position, making the installation process easier and more ergonomic.
3Strength
If metallic clamps engage the insulation blanket on the inboard side, then the insulation is securely held, but moisture management issues are exacerbated due to water condensation and freezing on the metallic clamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clip attachment mechanism from the inboard side of the insulation blanket and relocates it to the outboard side. This relocation removes the metallic clip from the cold environment where condensation and freezing occur, eliminating the moisture management issues while preserving attachment strength through the resilient hooks engaging the frame stringer.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient hooks act as an intermediary mechanism that provides secure attachment without requiring direct contact between metallic clamps and the cold insulation blanket. The hooks engage the frame stringer structure rather than compressing the insulation, eliminating the condensation problem while maintaining attachment functionality.
4Strength
If rigid clamps are used for insulation attachment, then secure fastening is achieved, but removing or relocating clamps may tear the insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible clip's elastic material allows it to be easily removed and relocated without exerting damaging forces on the insulation blanket. The semi-rigid yet elastic material can be manipulated, removed, and repositioned while maintaining its structural integrity and attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient attachment arms provide dynamic engagement that allows for easy removal and relocation. The arms can be displaced to release the engagement with the frame stringer, enabling the clip to be moved to different positions without tearing or damaging the insulation blanket.
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 flexible clip system maintains insulation integrity, reduces ergonomic strain during installation, and enhances moisture management by preventing condensation on the clips, thus improving thermal and acoustic performance and reducing moisture-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
Each stringer clip has a connecting flange engaged to a cover of the insulation blanket. A first attachment arm extends outboard from a first end of the connecting flange and terminates in a first hook resiliently engaging the stringer.
Data Source
AI summary
An insulation system for an aircraft fuselage uses a plurality of stringers extending longitudinally. An insulation blanket is configured for installation on the stringers and a plurality of stringer clips are attached to and extend from an outboard side of the insulation blanket. Each stringer clip has a connecting flange engaged to a cover of the insulation blanket. A first attachment arm extends outboard from a first end of the connecting flange and terminates in a first hook resiliently engaging the stringer. A second attachment arm extends outboard from a second end of the connecting flange and terminates in a second hook resiliently engaging the stringer.