Variable Cross-Section Frame for Aircraft Partition Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing partition wall devices for aircraft lack flexibility and stability while also being inefficient in terms of weight, design, and installation, as they typically consist of uniform frame components that do not adapt well to different requirements.

Innovation Solution

A partition wall device with a frame unit that features multiple frame sections with significantly different cross-sectional dimensions, shapes, and materials, allowing for enhanced flexibility, stability, and cost-effectiveness, including a modular structure with side and transverse frame elements that can be adapted to various configurations and materials such as plastic, metal, or composite materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If uniform frame components are used in partition wall devices, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame unit is divided into multiple frame sections (first frame section, second frame section, third frame section) with different cross-sectional dimensions. Each section can be independently designed and manufactured with specific properties (different wall thicknesses, different cross-sectional areas) to meet local structural requirements, while still being part of a unified frame system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different frame sections are assigned different cross-sectional dimensions and material properties based on their specific functional requirements. For example, sections requiring higher strength have larger cross-sections or different wall thicknesses, while other sections may have smaller cross-sections for weight reduction. This allows each part of the frame to have the optimal quality for its specific location and function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If frame sections with different cross-sectional dimensions are used, then flexibility and stability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame unit with multiple different frame sections is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables flexible configuration options, maintains stability, and allows for weight optimization. The same frame unit structure can accommodate different partition wall configurations and requirements, making it a multi-functional solution that reduces overall system complexity despite the varied section dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Weight of moving object

If non-uniform frame sections are implemented, then weight efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-sectional parameters (dimensions, wall thicknesses) of the frame sections are varied to optimize weight. Sections with lower structural requirements have smaller cross-sections and thinner walls, reducing material usage and weight. Sections requiring higher strength have larger cross-sections. This parameter variation allows weight optimization while the manufacturing process can still use standardized procedures for producing different section types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3436350B1Separating wall device and method for producing a separating wall device
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 E I S AIRCRAFT
  • EP3436350B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3436350B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3436350B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a separating wall device, in particular for a vehicle (10a), comprising at least one frame unit (12a; 12b: 12c), which, at least in an assembled state, defines at least one separating-unit holding region (14a) and which has at least one frame section (16a; 16b; 16c). According to the invention, the frame section (16a; 16b; 16c), examined along a frame center line (18a; 18c), which extends in the frame section (16a; 16b; 16c) and along the frame section (16a; 16b; 16c), has at least two frame cross-sections (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b; 20c, 22c), which are substantially different from each other.