V-Shaped Spring Clip Eliminates Bracket Rattling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft bracket assemblies experience rattling during taxiing and turbulence due to shaking motions causing rapid, periodic contact between components, particularly between the gonzo and hinge in ceiling panel bracket assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A v-shaped spring clip is fastened to the gonzo and hinge bracket components, eliminating space between the clevis and curved lip, and securing the bushing in place to prevent rattling by providing interference and securing the bushing during aircraft shaking motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bracket assembly is used to secure ceiling panels, then the panels are held in place, but rattling occurs during aircraft shaking motions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip acts as an intermediary component between the gonzo and hinge. It fills the gap between these two components and provides continuous contact through its elastic deformation, preventing direct periodic contact and rattling between the gonzo and hinge while maintaining their connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip utilizes elastic deformation (change in shape parameter) to maintain continuous contact between the gonzo and hinge. By configuring the spring portion according to the gap dimensions, it dynamically adjusts its shape to fill the space and eliminate periodic separation that causes rattling.
2Ease of manufacture
If space exists between the gonzo and hinge, then assembly is easier, but rattling occurs due to periodic contact
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip serves as a mediator that occupies the space between the gonzo and hinge. It maintains easier assembly by not requiring precise tight fitting, while simultaneously preventing rattling through continuous elastic contact that eliminates periodic separation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the bushing is not secured, then installation is simpler, but shaking motions cause rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip combines multiple functions: it fills the gap between gonzo and hinge, secures the bushing in place, and prevents rattling simultaneously. By merging these functions into a single component, it simplifies installation while eliminating rattling caused by unsecured bushing.
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
The v-shaped spring clip effectively eliminates rattling by ensuring continuous contact between the clevis and curved lip, and securing the bushing, thereby reducing noise and vibration within the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
The spring portion is configured to provide interference between the gonzo and the hinge... The spring portion may be configured according to a configuration of a space formed between a gonzo and a hinge
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods provide a spring clip for use in a bracket assembly, such as a bracket assembly used to secure a ceiling panel to an aircraft or other vehicle or structure. According to embodiments described herein, a spring clip may include a spring portion according to a configuration of a space formed between a gonzo and a hinge.