Sandwich Panel Hooking Assembly for Damage-Free Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing sandwich panels in aircraft cabins risk damaging the panels or scratching the rails due to the use of sharp-edged tools, necessitating a safer and more efficient removal process.
Innovation Solution
A sandwich panel assembly with hooking means between its external layers, featuring a bore for a tool attachment, and a complementary tool with fixing means to facilitate safe lifting without damaging the panel or structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sharp-edged tool is used to grip and lift the sandwich panel, then the panel can be removed, but the panel side or rail may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated removal tool as an intermediary between the operator and the sandwich panel. This tool features a shoe with a bearing surface that contacts the rail and a lever arm that applies force to the panel through a hooking means, eliminating the need to directly grip the panel with sharp-edged tools and thus preventing damage to both the panel and rail
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a shoe for bearing against the rail, a lever arm for applying mechanical advantage, and a hooking means for engaging the panel. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while protecting the sandwich panel from damage
2Productivity
If a tool is placed in the gap between the structure and sandwich panel to lift it, then the panel can be removed, but the tool may scratch the rail or damage the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated removal tool serves as a protective intermediary that transfers the lifting force from the operator to the sandwich panel without requiring direct contact between sharp tools and the panel edges. The tool's design with a bearing surface and lever arm ensures force is applied safely
Solution Approach 2:
The hooking means is pre-installed on the sandwich panel during manufacturing, positioned to engage with the removal tool before the removal operation begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when removal is needed, the tool can immediately engage without requiring insertion into tight gaps, preventing scratching of the rail and panel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (100) with a wing (102b) having a receiving face (104a) and carrying at least one nut (106), a sandwich panel (110) bearing against the receiving face (104a) and comprising a core (110a) and two external layers (110b) and for each nut (106), a fixing screw (114) which screws into the nut (106) passing through the sandwich panel (110), where for a nut (106), the sandwich panel (110) comprises a hooking means (120) between the two external layers (110b), where the hooking means (120) is crossed by a bore (120a) opening at each external layer (110b) and of diameter greater than the diameter of the fixing screw (114), and where the hooking means (120) comprises inside the bore (120a), fixing means (120b) ensuring removable fixing of a tool. With such an arrangement, it is possible to handle the sandwich panel without risk of damaging it.