Removable Mid-Section Floorboard with Cam Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable flooring systems for aircraft fuselage assembly are costly, complex, and pose safety hazards due to instability and difficulty in accessing interior areas, as they often require multiple workers and can tip or flex during use.
Innovation Solution
A modular removable flooring system featuring rectangular floorboard panels with integrated latch assemblies and locking disks, which secure to longitudinal support structures via a D-ring flush mount cam latch, ensuring stability and easy installation/removal, and can be made from durable materials like plastic or composite materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If floorboard panels are made heavy to ensure stability and safety, then worker safety is improved, but installation and removal require two workers and become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The floorboard is divided into a panel portion and a separate latch assembly. The latch assembly acts as an independent segment that can be operated individually to secure or release the panel, allowing one worker to install or remove the entire panel by manipulating the latch mechanism rather than handling the heavy panel alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the worker and the heavy floorboard panel. Instead of directly moving the heavy panel, the worker operates the latch assembly which then secures or releases the panel, making the installation and removal process easier while maintaining panel stability when locked.
2Reliability
If integrated fasteners are added to each edge of floorboard panels for secure attachment, then floorboard stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and panel complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single latch assembly located at one end of the panel. Instead of having separate fasteners at each edge, the latch assembly consolidates the securing mechanism, reducing panel complexity while maintaining stability through the centralized locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly performs multiple functions: it secures the panel to the support structure, connects adjacent panels together, and provides a carrying handle. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fasteners at each edge, reducing overall panel complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
3Ease of manufacture
If floorboard panels use plastic zip ties for attachment, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the panels become unstable and may tip creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly uses a simple, inexpensive design with a cam latch mechanism that can be manufactured at low cost similar to zip ties, but provides permanent, reusable securement. The cam latch creates a mechanical locking action that prevents panel tipping while remaining cost-effective and suitable for temporary flooring applications.
4Ease of operation
If floorboard panels are made with carrying handles (holes), then ease of installation is improved, but protrusions create tripping hazards on the walking surface
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying function is localized to specific areas of the panel where handles are integrated into the latch assembly or positioned at the edges, while the main walking surface remains smooth and free of protrusions. This localized placement allows easy installation without creating tripping hazards on the primary walking area.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrying handle function is merged with the latch assembly structure itself. The latch mechanism incorporates handles or grip areas that serve dual purposes: facilitating easy installation/removal and providing carrying capability, while keeping the panel walking surface smooth and safe.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A removable flooring system includes modular floorboard panels (120) having one or more latches (125), placed on longitudinal support structures (110) having mating locking disks (150, 600), so that the floorboard panels (120) can be readily secured to the longitudinal support structure (110). In one embodiment, the floorboard panel (120) comprises a top skin (320), a frame (330), and a bottom skin (350). Two latches (125) may be located in the panel (120), where each latches (125) comprise a latch handle (310), a moveable cam (311), and a board disk (340). The locking disk (150, 600) is affixed to the longitudinal support structure (110), and is designed to receive the board disk (340). The latch (125) can be rotated so the cam (311) readily engages and disengages with the locking disk (150, 600). To use the system, a plurality of longitudinal support structures (110) are placed in a plane, and a plurality of floorboard panels (120) are placed over the longitudinal support structure (110), and affixed by rotating the cam (311) in the latch (125).