Sliding Coupling Structure for Aircraft Frame Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft interior fixtures, such as overhead storage bins and monuments, face challenges in being reliably attached to aircraft frames due to variations in frame position, requiring complex and time-consuming individual positioning and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with interlocking means on two parts that allow for slidable and rotational engagement along a longitudinal axis, providing length compensation and tolerance adjustment, facilitating the attachment of pre-assembled modules to aircraft frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pre-assembled modules are used to reduce installation complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but position variations between modules and aircraft frame require compensation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system allows change in length parameter through sliding engagement of the first and second parts along the longitudinal axis. This enables adjustment to compensate for position variations between pre-assembled modules and aircraft frame, while maintaining reduced installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into first and second parts that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each part to accommodate position variations, resolving the contradiction between simplified module design and precision positioning requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If individual positioning and assembly of each system is performed, then positioning precision is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Systems are pre-assembled into modules with integrated coupling systems before installation. The coupling system is prepared in advance with adjustable length compensation mechanisms, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual positioning during installation while maintaining positioning precision through the sliding adjustment capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If coupling system length is fixed, then structural stability is improved, but ability to compensate for position variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system transitions from a fixed length design to a dynamic adjustable design. The first and second parts can slide relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the length to adapt to position variations while maintaining structural stability through the interlocking means with spaced-apart members that engage frictionally
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, time-saving attachment of pre-assembled aircraft interior fixtures by compensating for frame position variations, reducing installation complexity and cost through optimized locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
Upon relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, at least one of the first members frictionally engages with one of the second members to couple the first part and the second part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In order to allow length tolerance compensation, the invention proposes a coupling system (30) for connecting a first component and a second component is provided. The coupling system comprises a longitudinal axis (L), a first part (31) for the first component, wherein the first part comprises first interlocking means (34) and a second part (32) for the second component, wherein the second part comprises second interlocking means (36). The first part and second part are slidably engageable along the longitudinal axis to provide length compensation. The first interlocking means comprises a plurality of first members (38) that are spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis and the second interlocking means comprises a plurality of second members (42) that are spaced apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Upon relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis the first members frictionally engage with the second members to couple the first part and the second part.