Vertical Intercostal for Aircraft Over-Monument Fairing Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft designs face challenges in providing lateral structural support for over-monument fairings (OMFs) in non-flex zone regions of the aircraft cabin, where typical clevis fittings are unavailable, leading to costly modifications and potential structural issues.

Innovation Solution

A vertical intercostal structure is introduced, comprising a frame member with upper, lower, and intermediate attachment regions, allowing for attachment between a secondary support rail and a lower clevis primary aircraft frame fitting structure, thereby providing lateral support for OMFs in non-flex zone areas without modifying the primary airframe structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If P4-type clevis fittings are used in standard flex zones, then lateral support for OMFs is available, but OMFs cannot be mounted in non-flex zone regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting location flexibilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A vertical intercostal structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the primary airframe structure and the OMF. This intercostal structure includes a frame member with an upper attachment region that connects to the OMF and a lower attachment region that connects to the primary structure, thereby enabling OMF mounting in non-flex zone regions where P4-type clevis fittings are unavailable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into separate functional segments: the primary airframe structure, the vertical intercostal structure (frame member), and the OMF. This segmentation allows the intercostal structure to bridge the gap between standard mounting locations and non-standard locations, providing adaptability without requiring modifications to the primary structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If primary structural interfaces are modified for custom fittings, then OMFs can be mounted in specific design configurations, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom mounting capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical intercostal structure serves multiple functions: it provides lateral support for OMFs, connects to standard primary structure interfaces, and enables mounting in non-flex zone regions. By making this support structure multi-functional, custom fittings and modifications to primary structures are avoided, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If lateral support is provided for OMFs in non-flex zone regions, then structural integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical intercostal structure provides localized lateral support precisely where needed in non-flex zone regions. The frame member is configured with specific attachment regions (upper, lower, and intermediate) that are tailored to the local structural requirements, maintaining structural integrity without unnecessarily complicating the overall support system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12275519B2Vertical intercostal structure for lateral support in aircraft interior

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A vertical intercostal for an aircraft vehicle having a vehicle cabin and an over-monument fairing arranged in a non-flex zone area of the vehicle cabin. The intercostal includes a frame member that includes an upper frame attachment region, a lower frame attachment region, and an intermediate frame attachment region to provide lateral structural support for the over-monument fairing to the airframe of the aircraft.