Segmented Aircraft Access Cover With Movable Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft access covers with operable devices require drilling holes into the aircraft surface, leading to stress raisers and increased weight due to reinforcement needs.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft access covers with movable panels and connectors, allowing devices to change orientation and spatial footprint, enabling installation and removal without direct fastening to the aircraft surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-piece bolted access panels are used to secure devices to the aircraft surface, then devices can be mounted on the aircraft, but holes must be drilled into the aircraft surface creating stress raisers and requiring reinforcement that increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel is divided into multiple separate panels instead of using a single-piece bolted panel. These modular panels can be attached to each other through connectors without requiring direct fastening to the aircraft surface, thereby avoiding stress raisers and reinforcement weight while maintaining secure device mounting
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors serve as intermediary elements that join multiple access panel sections together without requiring direct attachment to the aircraft surface. This intermediary mechanism allows device mounting while eliminating the need for drilled holes and surface reinforcement
2Reliability
If single-piece bolted access panels are used to secure devices to the aircraft surface, then devices can be mounted on the aircraft, but holes must be drilled into the aircraft surface creating stress raisers
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel system is segmented into multiple sections that connect through connectors rather than requiring single-piece bolting to the aircraft surface. This segmentation eliminates the need for drilled holes and associated stress concentration points in the aircraft structure
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors act as intermediary components that join access panel sections without direct attachment to the aircraft surface, thereby eliminating stress raisers caused by drilled holes while maintaining secure device mounting capability
3Ease of manufacture
If devices are fixed in one orientation on access panels, then device installation is simple, but the spatial footprint cannot be adjusted for easier installation or removal through limited openings
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel system incorporates movable connectors that allow panels and attached devices to change orientation and spatial configuration. This dynamic capability enables the assembly to be compact for passage through limited openings during installation, then expanded or reconfigured for optimal operational positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The connector mechanism enables changes in spatial parameters (orientation, position, footprint) of the access panel and attached devices. This parameter adjustability allows optimization of installation characteristics by configuring the assembly in different spatial arrangements as needed
4Ease of operation
If access panels with devices are passed through openings in the aircraft surface, then installation is possible, but the device may collide with surrounding structures during maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel system uses movable, articulating connectors that allow the panel and attached device to dynamically adjust their configuration during installation. This enables the assembly to be maneuvered through openings in a compact form and then deployed to the final position, reducing collision risk with surrounding structures
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft access cover for an opening in the surface of an aircraft. The aircraft access cover includes a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and second panel configured to be attachable to each other such that the surface of the aircraft is clampable between the first panel and second panel when the first panel and the second panel are attached to each other. A device that is operable to perform a function while attached to the aircraft access cover is attachable by a connector to the first panel of the aircraft access cover, the connector allowing the device to be movable between a first orientation relative to the first panel and a second orientation relative to the first panel.