Retractable Aircraft Linking Part for Obstruction-Free Nose Cone Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of a nose cone module into an aircraft fuselage is hindered by the need for a horizontal and rectilinear path, which complicates structural links due to projecting elements, requiring a fastening mechanism that allows easy and quick linking without obstructing the installation process and minimizing tooling and environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A linking part with a hollow elongated section and a tenon that can move between retracted and deployed positions, allowing easy alignment and linkage to a support element without obstructing the installation, featuring a tenon with a longitudinal oblong hole and complementary notched faces for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tenon is permanently extended for direct linking, then the linking operation is simple and quick, but the tenon becomes an obstruction during the installation movement of the module
Solution Approach 1:
The tenon is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions rather than fixed. The movable connection allows the tenon to adapt its state based on operational requirements: retracted during installation to avoid obstruction, and extended during linking to enable direct connection. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between being an obstruction and enabling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The linking function is separated from the structural body by making the tenon a distinct, movable component. This segmentation allows the tenon to be independently positioned - retracted when not needed for linking, and extended when linking is required - thus eliminating the permanent obstruction problem while maintaining linking capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tenon is retracted during installation, then the installation path is clear and movement is easy, but the linking operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable connection mechanism provides a simple dynamic transformation that converts the tenon from retracted to extended state. This simple mechanical movement adds minimal complexity while enabling the tenon to clear the installation path and then engage for linking, resolving the contradiction between clear installation path and simple linking operation.
3Productivity
If a horizontal rectilinear integration path is used, then the module can be installed directly, but the projecting elements of structural links create obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable tenon can be retracted during the horizontal rectilinear movement phase to eliminate obstructions from projecting elements, enabling smooth direct installation. Once the module reaches its final position, the tenon is extended to enable the linking operation. This dynamic adjustment maintains high installation productivity while eliminating obstruction problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tenon is retracted in advance before the installation movement begins, preparing the path for smooth horizontal rectilinear movement. This preliminary action prevents obstructions from projecting elements during the critical installation phase, maintaining productivity while avoiding harmful obstructions.
Data Source
AI summary
A linking part for an aircraft is disclosed having an elongated section including an internal longitudinal seat and a tenon mounted in the seat. The tenon includes a linking element at a free longitudinal end thereof and configured in a retracted position in which the tenon is fully inserted in the seat and does not create an obstruction, enabling the linking part to be easily moved towards the support element, or a deployed position (P2) in which the free longitudinal end of the tenon is outside the seat and is able to be linked using the linking element to the support element, thereby enabling a link to be made simply and quickly.