Aircraft Wall Module Clamping for Fast Precise Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex and labor-intensive process of attaching wall modules to the aircraft fuselage, which is exacerbated by the lightweight construction and need for precise alignment, necessitates a simpler and more efficient fastening method to facilitate automated assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A holding device utilizing two clamping devices, one with a pivot-mounted clamping jaw and an actuating lever, and a second fork-shaped clamping device, to securely attach wall modules at their top and bottom edges, allowing for initial placement without additional securing points, with optional additional fasteners for further stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple screwing processes are used at numerous fastening points to attach wall modules, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the installation time and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into two distinct clamping devices: a first clamping device for initial rough alignment and a second clamping device for fine adjustment and final securing. This segmentation allows each device to specialize in a specific function, reducing the overall complexity and time of the attachment process while maintaining reliability through the coordinated action of both devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first clamping device performs preliminary rough alignment of the wall module before the second clamping device is engaged for fine adjustment. This preliminary action establishes the basic position and orientation of the wall module, reducing the adjustment range needed by the second device and thereby reducing total installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple screwing processes are used at numerous fastening points, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidfastening process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex fastening process is divided into two distinct clamping devices with specialized functions. The first device handles rough alignment with simpler mechanics, while the second device handles fine adjustment and final securing. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual device compared to a single multi-functional fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second clamping device incorporates a movable clamping jaw that can be adjusted dynamically to achieve fine alignment adjustments. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to position deviations without requiring complex pre-adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall fastening process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If lightweight construction materials are used for wall modules, then the weight is reduced, but the attachment and anchoring becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall module weightVSAvoidattachment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first clamping device performs preliminary rough alignment and temporary securing of the lightweight wall module before the second clamping device is engaged. This preliminary action prevents the lightweight module from shifting during the attachment process, making the subsequent fine adjustment and final securing simpler and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment and securing functions are extracted from a single complex fastening process and assigned to two separate clamping devices. The first device extracts the rough alignment function, while the second device extracts the fine adjustment and final securing function. This extraction simplifies each individual device and the overall attachment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment is required for wall module attachment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment process is segmented into two stages: rough alignment by the first clamping device and fine adjustment by the second clamping device. This segmentation allows each device to focus on a specific precision level, achieving high overall precision without requiring either device to perform the entire alignment sequence, which would be time-consuming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second clamping device employs a movable clamping jaw that can be dynamically adjusted to achieve precise alignment. This dynamic adjustment capability enables fine-tuning of the wall module position after the first device has established rough alignment, achieving high precision efficiently without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 attachment process, enabling quick and secure installation and removal of wall modules, reducing labor and time, while maintaining structural integrity and accommodating temperature fluctuations through elastic damping elements.

Implementation Method 1

The damping element 43, 44 is/are attached to the surface(s) of the clamping jaw(s) 31, 32 facing the receiving space 36

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The damping element 43, 44 is/are attached to the surface(s) of the clamping jaw(s) 31, 32 facing the receiving space 36

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3708483B1Holding device for wall modules
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 SFS GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP3708483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708483B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3708483B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2e

AI summary

A holding device for a wall module 10 of the cabin lining in an aircraft comprises two different clamping devices. The first clamping device 30 includes a clamping body 33 with a first clamping jaw 31, fixed relative to the clamping body, and a second clamping jaw 32, movable relative to the clamping body 33, which in turn is operatively connected to an actuating lever 35 or can be temporarily connected. In the "closed" state, the clamping jaws 31 and 32 form a receiving space 36 for the wall module 10. A locking mechanism 37 fixes the position of the clamping jaws 31 and 32 relative to each other in the "closed" state.