Perforated C-Profile Fixture Mounting for Aircraft Floor Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for securing fixtures to aircraft floors, such as those using corrosion-sensitive aluminum rails, are prone to corrosion due to moisture and fluid ingress, leading to mechanical property degradation and the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Innovation Solution

A securing system comprising C-profiles with perforated webs and an omega-shape fishplate with feet, which eliminates horizontal orifices that allow fluid ingress, using structural means like retractable studs for mounting and immobilization, and materials like stainless steel for corrosion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If horizontal orifices are provided in rails for mounting fixtures, then ease of operation is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to fluid ingress and stagnation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mounting fixturesVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the orientation of the orifices from horizontal to vertical. The C-profiles feature vertical orifices instead of horizontal ones, allowing mounting pins to be inserted from above while preventing fluid from entering and stagnating in the mounting cavities, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of mounting and corrosion resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional orientation of the orifices from horizontal (parallel to floor surface) to vertical (perpendicular to floor surface). This dimensional change allows the mounting function to be preserved while eliminating the fluid stagnation problem that causes corrosion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidweight of securing device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite construction by combining stainless steel C-profiles (for corrosion resistance) with polymer or composite fishplates (for lightweight mounting). This composite approach maintains corrosion resistance while reducing overall weight compared to using solid stainless steel throughout the entire securing device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If C-profiles with vertical orifices are used instead of horizontal rails, then corrosion resistance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The C-profiles serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the floor, incorporate vertical orifices for mounting fixtures, and prevent fluid stagnation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving corrosion resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the structural support function with the mounting function by integrating vertical orifices directly into the C-profiles. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting rails with horizontal orifices, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining corrosion resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11440664B2System for securing fixtures to a vehicle floor comprising panels with perforated lateral walls

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 AIRBUS (SAS)

AI summary

Systems for securing fixtures to the floor of a transportation vehicle. The securing system has a simplified structure comprising a securing device with two C-profiles comprising a web extending between a top plate and a bottom plate, the profiles being joined by an omega-shape fishplate. Vertical lateral walls formed by the webs of the profiles are perforated.