Aircraft Cable Routing Fixture with Directional Exit Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of aircraft cabling systems leads to inefficient installation and maintenance, as multiple cables often follow the same route, and breaking out optical cables without cutting them is challenging, with existing systems like raceways not efficiently utilizing space and complicating cable identification and removal.
Innovation Solution
A cable routing system comprising a routing fixture with a channel and an exit fitting, where the exit channel is directed away from the routing channel, along with a clamp for secure retention, allowing cables to be easily installed, maintained, and broken out without cutting, and featuring a low profile design that conforms to structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If channels are routed raceways are used to contain multiple cables, then cable routing is simplified, but space efficiency decreases and cable identification and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cable routing into separate individual channels rather than grouping multiple cables together in raceways. Each cable has its own dedicated channel, which simplifies identification and maintenance while using space more efficiently than bulk raceways.
Solution Approach 2:
Each routing channel is designed with specific local features including an opening along its length for cable access and an exit fitting that directs the cable away from the channel. This localized design allows each channel to be optimized for its specific cable while maintaining overall system efficiency.
2Reliability
If optical cables are routed through channels, then cable protection is improved, but breaking out cables without cutting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The routing channel is pre-designed with an opening along its length and an exit fitting that can be engaged to direct the cable away from the channel. This preliminary preparation allows cables to be broken out at any point along the route without cutting, while maintaining protection within the channel during installation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The exit fitting acts as an intermediary component that connects the cable within the protected channel to the external environment. It allows the cable to exit the channel at any point without compromising the protective enclosure, enabling easy breakout while maintaining cable protection.
3Device complexity
If multiple cables follow the same route, then cable routing complexity is reduced, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of routing multiple cables together in a single complex bundle or raceway, the system segments each cable into its own dedicated channel. This segmentation simplifies installation and maintenance by allowing individual cable access and identification, while the overall routing structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing channel design is universal and can accommodate any cable type. Each channel provides the same protective and organizational functions, allowing the system to handle multiple cables along the same route while maintaining ease of installation and maintenance through standardized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable routing system is disclosed including a routing fixture and an exit fitting. The routing fixture defines a channel for a cable. The channel is engaged by the exit fitting and a cable in the channels exits through an exit channel defined by the exit fitting. The exit channel is directed away from the channel in the routing fixture. The resulting assembly allows low profile cable runs that can conform to a structural surface and in which cables can be broken out easily, without a requirement to cut the cable. A clamp may be provided to further secure the exit fitting to the routing fixture. A method of installation involves installing a cable into a routing channel before installing the exit fitting. The cable routing system can be used in an aircraft, including space constrained areas such as within an aircraft wing.