Adaptable Electrical Grid for Aircraft Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing aircraft wiring systems require extensive planning and manufacturing effort, are cumbersome to adjust when system components are rearranged, and result in weight penalties due to the need for cable harnesses and holders, limiting flexibility and increasing installation time.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable network of lines, preferably glass fibers, is integrated into the aircraft structure, forming a lattice pattern that supports power and data transmission, allowing for pre-installed connection routes with minimal weight increase, enabling flexible reconfiguration of system components without redefining the entire cabling infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable harnesses and holders are used for aircraft wiring, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but weight increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable routing function with the aircraft structure itself by embedding conduits and cable pathways directly into structural components like floor beams, side walls, and bulkheads. This integration eliminates the need for separate cable harnesses and holders, reducing overall weight while maintaining reliable electrical connections between system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft structural elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural support and simultaneously house the wiring infrastructure. The conduits and cable pathways are built into the structure during manufacturing, allowing the same components to fulfill both mechanical and electrical routing roles, thereby reducing the weight penalty associated with dedicated wiring systems.
2Area of stationary object
If cable routing is determined during aircraft configuration, then space requirements are managed, but adaptability to component rearrangement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring infrastructure is divided into modular sections with standardized connection points and access panels located throughout the aircraft structure. This segmentation allows individual cable runs to be accessed, modified, or reconfigured without affecting the entire wiring system, enabling adaptability to component rearrangements while maintaining organized space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic cable routing system where conduits and pathways are designed to accommodate future modifications. Access panels and connection points are strategically positioned to allow easy reconfiguration of cable routes when system components are rearranged, providing flexibility without requiring complete redefinition of the cabling infrastructure.
3Reliability
If cables are spaced away from aircraft structure to prevent chafing, then cable protection is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates cable protection directly into the aircraft structure by embedding conduits and protective pathways within structural components during manufacturing. This approach protects cables from chafing and damage while eliminating the need for separate protective measures and complex installation procedures, thereby improving both cable protection and installation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an aeroplane structure comprising structural elements (10, 12, 13); a first plurality of lines (11) fixed to structural elements (10); a second plurality of lines (14, 15) fixed to structural elements (12, 13), the longitudinal direction of the second lines crossing the longitudinal direction of the first lines such that the two longitudinal directions form a network spanning the aeroplane structure at least in sections; and connecting elements for connecting selected lines of the first plurality of lines to selected lines (14, 15) of the second plurality of lines at selected points of intersection of the network, when the structural elements (10, 12, 13) are integrated into the aeroplane structure, in order to create lines for the transmission of current and/or data. The invention also relates to a method for producing such an aeroplane structure.