Toolless Removable Bracket for Reconfigurable Aircraft Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft interior installation methods, such as riveting, result in permanent fixtures that alter the aircraft structure, making it difficult to adapt for different uses without costly tooling and coordinated pilot holes.
Innovation Solution
A removable toolless mounting bracket with a main body formed from a single piece of material, featuring bends for structural support and a mounting clip with prongs and a pad for secure hand-mounting to aircraft structures like lighting rails without the need for tools or fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If riveting or permanent mounting methods are used, then the bracket is securely fixed to the aircraft structure, but the aircraft structure is permanently altered and tooling is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into separate components: a main body portion and a removable mounting clip. The mounting clip can be detached and reattached to different locations on the aircraft structure, allowing the same bracket to be reused in multiple positions without permanently altering the aircraft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip acts as an intermediary element between the bracket main body and the aircraft structure. It provides a reversible connection mechanism that secures the bracket to the structure through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for permanent fasteners while maintaining reliable mounting.
2Reliability
If traditional tool-based mounting methods are used, then secure installation is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is designed to be self-installing through a snap-fit mechanism. The installer simply inserts the clip into the bracket main body, and the friction fit and geometric interlocking automatically secure it in place without requiring tools, fasteners, or additional fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fastening system (screws, rivets, bolts) is replaced with a friction-based snap-fit mechanism. The mounting clip relies on friction between its contact surfaces and the bracket main body, combined with geometric interlocking, to achieve secure mounting without mechanical fasteners.
3Stability of the object's composition
If permanent fixtures are installed on aircraft structure, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability for different uses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is designed to be easily removed and reused. When the bracket needs to be relocated or reconfigured, the mounting clip is simply detached from the bracket main body and can be reinstalled at a different location, allowing the aircraft interior to be reconfigured without permanent alterations to the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent fixture to a dynamic reversible connection. The mounting clip can be inserted and removed multiple times, allowing the bracket position to change while maintaining secure attachment when installed, thus providing flexibility in aircraft interior configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable bracket configured to install to a structure. The removable bracket includes a main bracket body and a mounting clip attached to the main bracket body. The mounting clip includes a pair of prongs configured to insert into a pair of holes in the structure and become secured to the structure.