Adjustable Cable Drum Wiring for Reconfigurable Aircraft Cabins
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft cabins, the wiring of components such as seats, walls, and monuments often needs to be adapted retrospectively due to changes in space division and customer requirements, making it complicated to adjust cable connections.
Innovation Solution
A length-adjustable cable device comprising a cable with standardized plugs and a cylindrical cable drum with a rolling-up surface, allowing the cable to be easily unwound and reconnected as the cabin components are rearranged, with features like a pretensioning device and locking mechanism for tension and length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length cable connections are used in aircraft cabins, then the initial wiring installation is simple, but the cable connections become complicated to adapt when cabin components are rearranged
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connection system is made dynamic through the cable drum mechanism that allows the cable length to be adjusted freely. The cable can be unwound and rewound as needed when cabin components are rearranged, transforming the static fixed-length cable into a dynamic adjustable-length cable that adapts to different spatial configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The key parameter of cable length is made changeable through the cable drum mechanism. Instead of being fixed, the cable length can be extended or retracted according to the new positions of cabin components, allowing the system to adapt to different layouts while maintaining a relatively simple connection structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable length is extended to accommodate component repositioning, then adaptability improves, but cable damage and tension control become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The cable drum acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cable and the cabin components. It provides controlled cable dispensing and retrieval, maintaining proper tension through the pretensioning device while allowing the cable length to adjust. This intermediary structure protects the cable from damage by preventing excessive bending, twisting, or uncontrolled tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The pretensioning device on the cable drum provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining appropriate cable tension before any rearrangement occurs. This prevents the cable from becoming too loose or too tight during component movement, protecting it from damage while allowing the necessary flexibility for adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If standardized plugs are used for cable connections, then ease of connection improves, but the need for length adjustment increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable drum mechanism is merged with the standardized plug connection system. The drum provides the length adjustment functionality while the plug provides the standardized connection interface, combining two functions (length adjustment and standardized connection) into a single integrated cable device that maintains ease of operation while adding adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A length-adjustable cable device for wiring an aircraft cabin includes a cable and a cable drum with a cylindrical wall which is arranged around an axis of rotation and has an outwardly facing rolling-up surface. The first end of the cable is fastened to or arranged on the cable drum in such a manner that the first connection provided at the first end can be connected to a corresponding connection of another cable device. The cable is wound up onto the rolling-up surface in such a manner that it is unwound from the rolling-up surface by rotation of the cable drum about the axis of rotation thereof when the second end is moved away from the cable drum. The cable drum is configured for fastening to a cabin component of an aircraft cabin.