Trim Attachment Element for Aircraft Stowage Bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching a threshold trim to overhead stowage bins in aircraft are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and can be affected by chemical solvents, leading to undesirable effects at fastener locations.
Innovation Solution
An attachment element comprising a bonding member, a biased member, and a groove is used to securely attach the trim member to the stowage bin cover, where the bonding member is bonded to the trim and the biased member is biased towards the bonding member, with a groove configured to receive a portion of the cover, ensuring secure attachment without the need for countersunk fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If countersunk fasteners are used to attach the threshold trim to the torque tube cover, then the trim is securely attached, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastener components from the attachment system and replaces them with a groove-based mechanical interlock. The groove is formed directly in the torque tube cover, eliminating the need for separate countersunk fasteners. This extraction simplifies the attachment process while maintaining secure connection through the groove geometry that receives and retains the trim member.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment element is segmented into distinct functional components: the groove formed in the torque tube cover and the corresponding protrusion on the trim member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the groove provides the retention mechanism while the protrusion provides the engagement feature, achieving secure attachment without complex fasteners.
2Reliability
If countersunk fasteners are used to attach the threshold trim, then the trim is securely fastened, but undesirable effects are induced at the fastener locations by the fasteners and chemical solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastener elements that create vulnerability to chemical solvent damage. By replacing fasteners with a groove-based mechanical interlock system, the attachment point is eliminated as a separate component that could be affected by solvents. The groove is formed as an integral feature of the torque tube cover, reducing exposure to harmful chemical effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary mechanical feature that provides attachment security without requiring direct fastener contact. The groove geometry mediates the connection between the trim and cover, distributing stresses and eliminating concentrated load points where fasteners would be vulnerable to chemical degradation.
3Productivity
If a simple attachment method is used, then assembly is faster and less labor-intensive, but the trim member may experience unwanted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system incorporates dynamic retention through the groove geometry. The groove is designed to receive and elastically retain the trim protrusion, allowing for thermal expansion and contraction while preventing unwanted movement. This dynamic design maintains stability without requiring over-constrained rigid fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove cross-section features curved surfaces that provide radial retention of the trim member. The curved geometry of the groove walls engages the protrusion on the trim, creating a snap-fit or elastic retention mechanism that prevents movement in multiple directions while allowing for natural dimensional variations.
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
This solution reduces assembly time and labor, while preventing unwanted movement of the trim member, and minimizes the adverse effects of chemical solvents, providing a more efficient and durable attachment method.
Implementation Method 1
The biased member may be biased towards the bonding member... A bias of the biased member towards the bonding member may be sufficiently high to prevent the portion of the cover held within the groove from moving
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for attaching a trim member for a stowage bin to a structure associated with the stowage bin. A bonding member of an attachment element may be bonded to the trim member. A portion of the structure may be received within a groove formed between the bonding member and a biased member of the attachment element. The portion of the structure may be held in place within the groove by the biased member of the attachment element such that the trim member is attached to the structure.