Reinforced Aircraft Cargo Side Walls Eliminate Vertical Struts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and inflexibility in designing aircraft cargo holds due to vertical struts limiting configuration options and increasing production costs, while existing solutions fail to simplify the assembly and reconfigurability of cargo compartments.
Innovation Solution
A cargo compartment module with reinforced side walls connected to the floor via joints, using fiber composite materials and sandwich structures, which can support the main deck and eliminate the need for vertical supports, allowing for flexible use of the lower aircraft area and easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If vertical struts are used to support the main deck, then structural stability is ensured, but configuration freedom and space utilization in the lower deck are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the vertical struts from the aircraft structure by transferring their load-bearing function to the reinforced side walls of the cargo compartment module. This removal of unnecessary structural elements frees up space in the lower deck and provides configuration freedom while maintaining structural stability through the reinforced side walls that directly support the main deck.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls of the cargo compartment module are designed to perform multiple functions: they enclose the cargo compartment, provide structural reinforcement, and directly support the main deck. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vertical struts, thereby freeing up space and providing configuration freedom while maintaining structural stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vertical struts are installed to provide structural support, then aircraft stability is maintained, but production complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the cargo compartment enclosure and the structural support system into a single integrated structure. The reinforced side walls simultaneously serve as the cargo compartment boundaries and as the load-bearing elements that support the main deck, eliminating the need for separate vertical struts and reducing production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are designed as multi-functional components that provide both enclosure and structural support. By making the side walls load-bearing elements, the invention eliminates the need for additional vertical struts, thereby simplifying the production process and reducing the number of parts to be assembled.
3Reliability
If traditional cargo hold assembly methods are used with separate functional devices and supporting structures, then functional requirements are met, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the cargo compartment enclosure, supporting structures, and functional device mounting interfaces into a single integrated module. The reinforced side walls include predefined mounting points and interfaces that allow functional devices to be directly attached, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are pre-reinforced during manufacturing with integrated mounting points and interfaces for functional devices. This preliminary preparation of the structure allows for simplified installation of functional devices later, as the mounting infrastructure is already in place, thereby reducing assembly complexity.
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 enables a more flexible and efficient use of aircraft space, reduces production costs, and simplifies the assembly process by providing a supporting structure that can adapt to different aircraft configurations without vertical struts, enhancing the reconfigurability and stability of the cargo hold.
Implementation Method 1
the floor and/or side wall are made of a fiber composite material
Implementation Method 2
using fiber composite materials and sandwich structures
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cargo compartment module for an aircraft, comprising: - at least one floor (20); - at least one side wall (40a, 40b) connected to the floor (20); - upper mounting devices (42) for connecting the side wall (40a, 40b) to the main deck (6), in particular crossbeams of the main deck (6); - lower mounting devices (42') for connecting the side wall (40a, 40b) to frames (2) and/or other structural elements of the aircraft, wherein the side wall (40a, 40b) has reinforcements (41, 41') such that the side wall (40a, 40b) in an assembled state forms part of the supporting structure of the aircraft and/or supports the main deck.