Removable Aperture System for Aircraft Electronic Component Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft apertures are typically permanently fastened and not easily accessed or removed, making it difficult to salvage or upgrade electronic components, and exposing them to damaging manufacturing environments.
Innovation Solution
A removable aperture system comprising a septum sleeve, aperture fitting, and removable aperture, allowing for easy installation and removal of electronic components, reducing the risk of damage during manufacturing and enabling component upgrades or replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If apertures are permanently fastened in aircraft assemblies, then structural integrity is maintained, but accessibility and removability of electronic components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture assembly is segmented into distinct components: the aperture housing permanently fastened to the aircraft structure, and the electronic component tray that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the structural portion to remain fixed while the electronic portion becomes accessible and removable.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components are extracted from the permanent structure by placing them in a separate removable tray or housing that interfaces with the permanently fastened aperture. This extraction allows electronic components to be removed without affecting the permanent structural attachment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If electronic components are embedded in permanently fastened apertures, then assembly integrity is maintained, but ease of repair and upgrade deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture system is divided into a permanent structural aperture and a removable electronic component housing. This segmentation maintains the integrity of the aircraft assembly while enabling easy removal and replacement of electronic components for repair or upgrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic component housing transitions from a fixed permanent state to a dynamic removable state, allowing it to be easily detached and reattached. This dynamic design facilitates maintenance operations while maintaining assembly integrity when installed.
3Ease of manufacture
If aircraft assemblies are manufactured with embedded electronic components, then integration is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and risk of damage to sensitive components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into two independent stages: manufacturing the aircraft assembly with the permanent aperture, and separately manufacturing the electronic component housing. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced independently using appropriate processes, then assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic component housing is prepared in advance as a separate assembly with pre-installed electronic components. This preliminary action allows electronic components to be protected during their own manufacturing and testing, then integrated into the aircraft assembly without exposing them to damaging manufacturing environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a septum sleeve, an aperture fitting, and a removable aperture. The septum sleeve is substantially hollow and is configured to be positioned at least partially within a core of an assembly of an aircraft. The aperture fitting is configured to provide an interface to mechanically fasten the removable aperture. The removable aperture is configured to contain one or more electronic components and to be removably positioned at least partially within the septum sleeve.