Modular test rack for civil aircraft flight test

Abstract

The application provides a modular test cabinet for civil aircraft flight test, and relates to the field of flight test equipment design, which comprises: a cabinet installation area, various test equipment is installed through detachable structural members; a power distribution area located on one side of the cabinet installation area for controlling power supply of the test equipment; a signal function area located on the other side of the cabinet installation area; and a power supply function area located at the bottom of the cabinet installation area, which is connected with the power distribution area. The cabinet installation area is independently arranged, the mechanical module and the electrical module of the device are independently built and operated, the power distribution area and the signal function area are respectively located on the two sides of the cabinet installation area, and the functions of the two areas are independent, so that the installation function adjustment and the modular installation design can be quickly realized, and the cabinet installation work of the on-site implementer, equipment replacement and line change are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flight test equipment design, and in particular to a modular test cabinet for civil aircraft flight testing. Background Technology

[0002] During aircraft test flights, test cabinets are required. These cabinets are primarily used to install test systems, interconnect electrical circuits within the cabinets to test and acquire various parameters. Because previous test items were relatively fixed, existing technology has primarily used integrated test cabinets, where the entire cabinet structure is molded as a single piece, which is sufficient to meet the usage requirements.

[0003] However, with advancements in technology and configuration, significant differences have emerged between various aircraft, leading to diverse testing requirements. This has resulted in numerous inconveniences associated with this monolithic test cabinet design. For instance, different equipment needs to be installed within the cabinet for different usage scenarios, necessitating customized design and a complete redesign of the cabinet structure and test equipment installation. Each installation requirement necessitates a different cabinet, and the entire cabinet only possesses mechanical structural attributes. Specific test equipment wiring designs are required when installing different devices within the cabinet, and electrical wiring designs are needed each time new test equipment or circuit boards are installed within the cabinet. This undoubtedly increases design and manufacturing costs.

[0004] Furthermore, the existing racks are installed in a discrete manner, resulting in a large amount of redundant space and wasting rack installation resources. Moreover, when installing racks, they need to be hoisted onto the aircraft and then moved on-site; typically, one test rack requires 3-4 adults to move. This also increases transportation costs.

[0005] The existing electrical modification designs for all server racks are integrated designs, meaning that power and signal electrical transmission lines are only separated as a whole and bundled together, making it difficult to locate the transmission lines. Furthermore, when relocating or disassembling the server rack, it is necessary to remove all the equipment inside the entire rack, which is a lot of work and repetitive.

[0006] In summary:

[0007] (a) Regarding structural technology, in traditional technology, the cabinet only has mechanical structural functions and no clear definition of signal separation modules. It is impossible to achieve the ability to quickly adjust functions and respond to demands. Moreover, the electrical system is a function independent of the cabinet and is not integrated with the cabinet. The electrical circuit and electrical signal separation modules are independent systems of the cabinet. The electrical system and the cabinet are not an independent system but part of the whole electrical system. They do not have independent module attributes, and the response speed and functions are relatively weak.

[0008] (b) Regarding design methods, in traditional technologies, the cabinet is formed by welding structural components together, resulting in excessive cabinet size and weight, inconvenient handling, and restrictions on the height of equipment. Installation of test equipment requires riveting mounting plates, leading to extensive post-installation work and inability to promptly meet temporary equipment installation needs. Electrical wiring within the cabinet can only be designed after the test equipment is installed, and every adjustment to the equipment or board design necessitates wiring adjustments. Signal and power cables are bundled together, with complex internal conductor segments, making rapid conductor location impossible. The cabinet lacks independent electrical units, resulting in a tangled web of electrical wiring and structure. Furthermore, the cabinet lacks independent power units, requiring interconnection with external power systems, hindering rapid response to power demands. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular test cabinet for civil aircraft flight testing, which can more quickly realize the adjustment of installation functions and modular installation design to meet the installation needs of different sets of test equipment, and facilitate the cabinet installation work, equipment replacement and wiring changes for on-site personnel.

[0010] This invention provides a modular test cabinet for civil aircraft flight testing, comprising: a cabinet installation area for mounting various test devices via detachable structural components; a power distribution area located on one side of the cabinet installation area for controlling the power supply to the test devices; a signal function area located on the other side of the cabinet installation area; and a power function area located at the bottom of the cabinet installation area, which contains a power connection power distribution area.

[0011] Furthermore, the cabinet mounting area includes multiple mounting modules arranged along the height direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the power distribution area includes multiple power separation modules arranged along the height direction, and the signal function area includes multiple signal separation modules arranged along the height direction. The positions of the power separation modules and the signal separation modules correspond to the mounting module.

[0013] Furthermore, cable routing channels are provided between the power distribution area and the signal function area and the cabinet installation area, and all cable routing channels are connected to the power function area.

[0014] Furthermore, the cable channel is divided into several sub-channels, and the connection lines of different power separation modules or signal separation modules are located in different sub-channels.

[0015] Furthermore, the cabinet mounting area includes a height bracket, and multiple mounting modules are fixed on the bracket along the height direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the height bracket includes corner pieces vertically arranged on both sides, and several fixing holes are opened on both sides of the corner pieces along the height direction. The mounting module includes a mounting panel, and the two ends of the mounting panel are respectively fixed to the corner pieces through the fixing holes.

[0017] Furthermore, the mounting panel has several mounting holes along its length.

[0018] Furthermore, there is a gap between two adjacent mounting panels, and the test device is installed between the two adjacent mounting panels.

[0019] Furthermore, a rib is provided between the two sides of the corner piece.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are that by setting up the cabinet installation area independently, the mechanical modules and electrical modules of the device can be built and operate independently, and the power distribution area and signal function area are located on both sides of the cabinet installation area, with each having independent functions. This facilitates faster adjustment of installation functions, modular installation design, and makes it easier for on-site personnel to install cabinets, replace equipment, and change lines. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall internal structure of the cabinet according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cabinet installation area of ​​the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an installation module according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Side view;

[0026] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 3 Top view;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another installation module of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the height support of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the corner piece of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cable routing channel of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply functional area design of the present invention;

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 1-Rack installation area, 2-Power distribution area, 201-Power separation module, 3-Signal function area, 301-Signal separation module, 4-Power function area, 401-Power supply, 5-Mounting module, 501-Mounting panel, 502-Mounting hole, 6-Height bracket, 601-Corner plate, 602-Fixing hole, 603-Rib plate, 7-Cable channel, 701-Main power channel, 702-Main signal channel, 703-Sub-channel, 8-Rack; Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the present invention provides a modular test cabinet for civil aircraft flight testing, comprising: a cabinet installation area 1, for installing various test equipment through detachable structural components; a power distribution area 2, located on one side of the cabinet installation area 1, for controlling the power of the test equipment; a signal function area 3, located on the other side of the cabinet installation area 1; and a power function area 4, located at the bottom of the cabinet installation area 1, wherein a power supply 401 is connected to the power distribution area 2.

[0039] Specifically, in this device, in order to enable the cabinet to quickly respond to the functional adjustment needs of the internal test system and to structure the cabinet functional units, the cabinet installation area 1 is used as a mechanical module, the power function area 4 as a power module, the power distribution area 2 as a power supply module, and the signal function area 3 as a signal module; thus, the entire cabinet is functionally and logically divided, where each functional unit is an independent system, which together constitute the test cabinet product.

[0040] The main power channel 701 and the main signal channel 702 can achieve electrical isolation, and the signal categories can be distinguished to meet electromagnetic compatibility requirements and upgrade product functions. The power function area 4 can realize power conversion within the cabinet at the bottom of the cabinet. That is, the main power 401 allocated to the cabinet through test flight is distributed in the power function area 4, and the relevant equipment connection interfaces are fixed in the power distribution area 2, so as to achieve the purpose of pre-setting the cable channel while facilitating operation.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] like Figures 1-2 As shown, the rack mounting area 1 includes multiple mounting modules 5 arranged along the height direction.

[0043] Specifically, through multiple installation modules 5, this device can install the necessary test equipment or remove unnecessary test modules according to the flight test requirements of different aircraft, thus improving the compatibility of the cabinet structure. Furthermore, while supporting more functions, it also allows for more refined configuration of related modules within the same or different installation modules 5, eliminating the need to redesign cabinets with different test modules for different aircraft flight test requirements, thereby saving equipment costs. The entire cabinet management is more refined, the interfaces are more clearly defined, and it can quickly respond to the needs of adjusting the internal test system modules based on equipment function adjustments, as well as the electromagnetic compatibility and safety requirements of the products.

[0044] Example 3

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the power distribution area 2 includes multiple power separation modules 201 arranged along the height direction, and the signal function area 3 includes multiple signal separation modules 301 arranged along the height direction. The positions of the power separation modules 201 and the signal separation modules 301 correspond to the mounting module 5.

[0046] Specifically, each power separation module 201 corresponds to one mounting module 5, facilitating cable routing for the equipment within that module 5; each signal separation module 301 corresponds to one mounting module 5, allowing for easy and intuitive observation of the information within that module 5. Furthermore, since the power separation modules 201, mounting modules 5, and signal separation modules 301 are arranged sequentially at the same / corresponding height positions within the rack, wiring is significantly easier, as is adjusting the wiring in the power distribution area 2 based on the display information in the signal function area 3. This device enables more refined rack management, clearer interfaces, and rapid response to rack disassembly, assembly, and internal design adjustments.

[0047] Example 4

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, cable routing channels 7 are provided between the power distribution area 2 and the signal function area 3 and the cabinet installation area 1, and all cable routing channels 7 are connected to the power function area 4. The cable routing channel 7 is divided into several sub-channels 703, and the connection lines of different power separation modules 201 or signal separation modules 301 are located in different sub-channels 703.

[0049] Specifically, the cabling channel 7 includes a main power channel 701 and a main signal channel 702. The main power channel 701 is located between the power distribution area 2 and the cabinet mounting area 1, used to connect the power supply equipment of the power function area 4 to the distribution equipment (distribution lines, transformers, etc.) within the power distribution area 2. The distribution equipment within the power distribution area 2 connects to the various test devices within the responsible installation module 5. This can also be achieved through the main power channel 701, for example, by creating cabling sub-channels 703 on the left and right sides of the main power channel 701. Similarly, the main signal channel 702 is located between the signal function area 3 and the cabinet mounting area 1, used to connect the power supply equipment of the power function area 4 to the various signal instruments, controllers, etc., within the signal function area 3. Alternatively, the various test devices within the installation module 5 can be directly connected to the various instrumentation devices within the signal function area 3. This can also be achieved through the main signal channel 702, for example, by creating cabling sub-channels 703 on the left and right sides of the main signal channel 702.

[0050] The cable channel 7 is modularly designed through internally divided sub-channels 703, connecting the power function area 4 and the power distribution area 2. The power distribution area 2 then uses a splitter to connect different device terminals.

[0051] Example 5

[0052] like Figures 2-8 As shown, the rack mounting area 1 includes a height bracket 6, and multiple mounting modules 5 are fixed to the bracket along the height direction. The height bracket 6 includes corner pieces 601 vertically arranged on both sides. Each corner piece 601 has several fixing holes 602 on both sides along the height direction. Each mounting module 5 includes a mounting panel 501, with both ends of the mounting panel 501 fixed to the corner piece 601 through the fixing holes 602. The mounting panel 501 has several mounting holes 502 along its length. There is a gap between adjacent mounting panels 501, and the test equipment is installed between adjacent mounting panels 501. Ribs 603 are provided between the two sides of the corner piece 601.

[0053] Specifically, two corner pieces 601 are located on the left and right sides inside the cabinet 8, with fixing holes 602 at fixed intervals. The fixing holes 602 serve two purposes: first, to allow multiple mounting panels 501 to be detachably fixed in the height direction using bolts or other means; and second, to further reduce the weight of the entire cabinet. The corner piece 601 has two angled sides. One side is detachably connected to the cabinet body through the fixing hole 602, and the other side is detachably connected to the mounting panel 501 through the fixing hole 602. The two sides of the corner piece 601 are connected by a rib plate 603 for structural reinforcement. The power supply functional area 4 is also mounted via the corner piece 601, facilitating disassembly, transportation, and adjustment of its position inside the cabinet.

[0054] Therefore, depending on the number of test modules to be installed, the number of mounting panels 501 can be selectively installed. For example, if there are many types of test modules, the mounting panels 501 can be arranged more compactly to improve space utilization; conversely, if there are fewer types of test modules, the mounting panels 501 can be arranged more dispersedly to increase heat dissipation. Different test devices for each type of test module are installed on one mounting module 5. Through the display in the signal function area 3, the corresponding test devices can be quickly located for debugging, removal, and addition. While being compatible with more functions, the related modules are more refined, allowing for rapid response to the needs of rack disassembly and assembly, as well as rack internal design adjustments.

[0055] There is a gap between the two adjacent mounting panels 501, forming a heat dissipation area. The upper and lower ends of the test equipment are detachably connected to the two adjacent mounting panels 501 through the mounting holes 502. The body of the test equipment is exposed in the heat dissipation area and does not contact the mounting panels 501, which facilitates heat dissipation. Alternatively, air-cooled / water-cooled equipment (such as cooling fans) can be installed on the back of the mounting panel 501 in the cabinet 8 to dissipate heat from the exposed body of the equipment and reduce the failure rate of the equipment.

[0056] Alternatively, a mounting panel 501 can be used, with only a portion of the test equipment connected to the mounting panel 501 via mounting holes 502, while the rest is exposed outside the mounting panel 501, which is beneficial for heat dissipation.

[0057] Alternatively, two sets of corner brackets 601 can be symmetrically arranged front and back inside the rack 8, meaning two mounting panels 501 can be symmetrically arranged in both front and back directions inside the rack 8, allowing for the mounting of more test equipment. Air-cooled / water-cooled equipment and other heat dissipation devices are positioned between the front and back mounting panels 501, simultaneously cooling the test equipment on both sides.

[0058] How to use and how to operate this device:

[0059] The power supply is located in the bottom power function area 4, and is connected to the power separation module 201 in the power distribution area 2 via the main power channel 701, and then connected to the test equipment in the rack mounting area 1 via a branch line. The power function area 4 is also connected to the signal separation module 301 in the signal function area 3 via the main signal channel 702. The multi-channel structure in the main power channel 701 and the main signal channel 702 realizes the modular design of the corresponding power separation module 201, mounting module 5, and signal separation module 301.

[0060] Mounting module 5 consists of a detachable mounting panel 501 mounted on corner piece 601. Both corner piece 601 and mounting panel 501 are detachable, facilitating rack disassembly, transportation, and assembly, as well as overall equipment manufacturing and relocation. Different test devices for each type of test module are mounted on one mounting module 5. The corresponding test devices can be quickly located, debugged, removed, or added via the signal separation module 301 in the signal function area 3. While supporting more functions, the modules are more refined, enabling rapid response to rack disassembly / reassembly and internal design adjustments.

[0061] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular test cabinet for civil aircraft flight testing, characterized in that, include: The rack mounting area is used to install various test equipment using detachable structural components; The power distribution area, located on one side of the cabinet installation area, is used to control the power supply to the test equipment; The signal function area, located on the other side of the cabinet installation area, houses different test devices for each type of test module, mounted on a single module. The display in this area allows for quick location, debugging, removal, and addition of the corresponding test devices. The power supply functional area is located at the bottom of the cabinet installation area, and contains a power connection and power distribution area; The cabinet installation area includes multiple installation modules arranged along the height direction; The power distribution area includes multiple power separation modules arranged along the height direction, and the signal function area includes multiple signal separation modules arranged along the height direction. The positions of the power separation modules and the signal separation modules correspond to the mounting module. Cable routing channels are provided between the power distribution area and the signal function area and the cabinet installation area, and all cable routing channels are connected to the power function area. The rack mounting area includes a height bracket, and multiple mounting modules are fixed to the bracket along the height direction. The height bracket includes corner pieces vertically arranged on both sides, and each corner piece has several fixing holes on both sides along the height direction. Each mounting module includes a mounting panel, and both ends of the mounting panel are fixed to the corner pieces through the fixing holes. Both the corner pieces and the mounting panel are detachable. The fixing holes serve as weight-reducing holes to further reduce the weight of the entire rack. The two adjacent mounting panels are spaced together to form a heat dissipation area. Several mounting holes are provided on the mounting panel along its length. The upper and lower ends of the test device are detachably connected to the two adjacent mounting panels through the mounting holes. The body of the test device is exposed in the heat dissipation area and does not contact the mounting panel, which facilitates heat dissipation of the device. The cable channel includes a main power channel and a main signal channel; The main power channel is located between the power distribution area and the cabinet installation area, and is used to connect the power devices in the power functional area to the distribution devices in the power distribution area, and to connect the distribution devices in the power distribution area to the various test devices in the installation module under its responsibility. The main signal channel is located between the signal function area and the cabinet installation area, and is used to connect the power supply equipment of the power function area to each signal instrument and controller in the signal function area, or to directly connect to each instrument and device display in the signal function area through each test device in the installation module. The main power channel and the main signal channel are configured to achieve electrical isolation. The cable channel is divided into several sub-channels, with cable sub-channels opened on the left and right sides of the main signal channel and the main power channel, respectively. The connection lines of different power separation modules or signal separation modules are located in different sub-channels.

2. The modular test cabinet for civil aircraft flight testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The corner piece has two angled sides, one side of which is detachably connected to the cabinet body of the cabinet through the fixing hole, and the other side of which is detachably connected to the mounting panel through the fixing hole.

3. The modular test cabinet for civil aircraft flight testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Ribs are provided between the two sides of the corner piece.

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