U-Shaped Rail Component for Aircraft Cabin Module Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of aircraft cabin modules in conventional aircraft is complex due to separate cabling for voltage supply and data lines, requiring extensive mechanical mountings and being inefficient in handling vibrations and acceleration forces.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped rail component with spring-loaded locking projections and electrical contacts that allow for flexible positioning and secure locking of aircraft cabin modules, integrating voltage supply and data exchange capabilities, and made from lightweight, insulating materials like aluminum or CFRP, with protective caps to prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cabling for voltage supply lines and data lines is used, then electrical supply and data exchange can be provided independently, but the assembly complexity increases and the device becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage supply lines and data lines into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector housing contains both electrical contacts for power supply and data transmission, eliminating the need for separate cabling systems. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining reliable electrical supply and data exchange functions.
2Reliability
If extensive mechanical mountings are used for attaching cabin modules, then secure attachment is achieved, but the assembly effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into functional components: a connector housing for electrical connections, a mounting component with attachment elements, and integrated locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall assembly complexity. The mounting component can be attached separately from the electrical connector, streamlining the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges mechanical attachment functions with electrical connection functions into a single integrated device. The mounting component and connector housing work together as one assembly unit, eliminating the need for separate mechanical mountings and electrical connectors. This integration reduces assembly steps and time while maintaining secure attachment.
3Strength
If conventional mechanical mountings are used, then structural support is provided, but the device is not robust enough against vibrations and acceleration forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector housing is made from a composite material that combines mechanical strength with vibration damping properties. This composite structure provides both the structural support needed for mechanical strength and the damping characteristics required to resist vibrations and acceleration forces during flight operations.
4Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials like aluminum or CFRP are used for the rail component, then weight is reduced, but corrosion protection becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials such as CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) for the rail component, which provides both lightweight properties and inherent corrosion resistance. CFRP combines the strength of carbon fiber with the protective properties of polymer matrices, eliminating corrosion issues while maintaining low weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs protective caps that can be easily replaced to protect the electrical contacts from corrosion. These protective caps serve as a simple, replaceable barrier that prevents corrosive environments from affecting the electrical contacts, providing a cost-effective solution to the corrosion problem.
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 simplifies the assembly of aircraft cabin modules by allowing flexible positioning and secure locking, reduces cabling complexity, enhances robustness against vibrations, and facilitates easier integration of new modules, improving maintainability and adaptability to varying cabin layouts.
Implementation Method 1
spring-loaded locking projections being fitted on the plug pin, which locking projections catch into the locking points configured as locking recesses for locking the plug pin
Implementation Method 2
the centre portion thereof connecting the two limbs comprising the electrical contacts for the voltage supply and for the exchange of data with the aircraft cabin module
Implementation Method 3
the component is configured in U shape as the rail component, the limbs thereof having locking points for the releasable locking of the plug pin fitted to the aircraft cabin module
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attaching an aircraft cabin module, which device comprises a component with limbs for the releasable locking of a plug pin, fitted to the aircraft cabin module, and a plurality of electrical contacts. The component is configured in U shape as the rail component, the limbs thereof having locking points for the releasable locking of the plug pin fitted to the aircraft cabin module and the center portion thereof connecting the two limbs comprising the electrical contacts for the voltage supply and for the exchange of data with the aircraft cabin module.