Twisted Strap Aircraft Floor Load Transfer
Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger floor systems in commercial aircraft require multiple fasteners and complex truss structures to manage forward tensile and aft compression loads, which can be costly and may obstruct decompression venting, while existing solutions fail to meet stringent load-carrying requirements and regulatory guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A twisted strap with rectangular cross-section ends, oriented at 40 to 120 degrees, is used to transfer loads from the passenger floor to the sidewall, reducing the need for multiple fasteners and simplifying the structural design while meeting load-carrying requirements by connecting to the floor and sidewall via apertures and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metallic trusses with multiple fasteners are used to secure passenger floors, then load-carrying capacity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single twisted strap component that integrates both tensile and compressive load paths. The strap replaces traditional separate truss members and multiple fasteners with one unified element that accomplishes the same load transfer function through its twisted geometry and single-aperture fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the strap by introducing a twist angle (40-120 degrees) between the first and second ends. This parameter change enables the single strap to simultaneously resist both forward tensile loads and aft compression loads, replacing the need for multiple straight truss members with different orientations.
2Strength
If multiple fasteners and complex truss structures are used, then load transfer capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening operations into a single aperture through which one fastener secures the entire twisted strap assembly. This eliminates the need for multiple separate fasteners and reduces assembly steps, directly lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining load transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential load-transfer function from complex truss structures and concentrates it into a single twisted strap element. By removing unnecessary structural complexity and retaining only the critical load-path function, the design reduces manufacturing cost while preserving strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional truss structures are used to secure passenger floors, then structural integrity is improved, but occlusion of decompression venting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load-bearing function from bulky truss structures that obstruct venting paths and concentrates it into a thin twisted strap. This extracted design maintains structural integrity while minimizing interference with decompression venting between upper and lower fuselage portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted strap functions as a thin, flexible load-transfer element that can be positioned within the fuselage structure without creating significant obstruction. Its slender profile allows decompression venting pathways to remain clear while still providing the necessary structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
A twisted strap transfers loads generated by an aircraft passenger floor from the floor to an aircraft fuselage. The twisted strap may be formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium alloy. The twisted strap has first and second ends configured to be twisted between 40 to 120 degrees relative to the other whenever connected to a seat track and a forward-aft extending fuselage stiffener, respectively. In at least one form, the twisted strap has a length ranging from 15 to 30 inches, a width of 1 to 2 inches, and thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 inch. Each end incorporates apertures for accommodating separate connectors spaced at least four-to six diameters apart along the length of the twisted strap, and the twisted strap is configured to accommodate minimums of 9 G's of force in tension and 1.5 G's in compression.