Aircraft Electrical Connector Layout for Moving Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft systems face challenges in transferring electrical power between movable components, which can be exacerbated by the type of aircraft system and the required relative motion.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft system with a first structure, a second structure movable relative to the first, and an electrical connector comprising a cable harness in the first structure and a connector body that moves through an aperture as the second structure moves, allowing for a stable and reliable electrical connection without the need for the cable harness to extend similarly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable harness extends between the first and second structures to provide electrical connection, then electrical power can be transferred between movable components, but the cable harness is exposed to interference and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is extracted from the cable harness and positioned separately within the aperture of the first structure. The cable harness remains confined to the first structure while the connector body extends through the aperture to connect with the second structure, removing the vulnerable cable portion from the exposed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body acts as an intermediary component between the cable harness and the second structure. It receives electrical connection from the cable harness inside the first structure and provides connection to the moving second structure, isolating the cable harness from direct exposure to environmental interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cable harness is confined to the first structure, then the cable harness is protected from environmental interference, but it cannot provide connection to the moving second structure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into two distinct parts: the cable harness confined to the first structure and the connector body extending through the aperture. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the cable harness provides stable electrical connection while the connector body provides mechanical coupling to the moving second structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body extends in a different spatial dimension (through the aperture perpendicular to the cable harness direction) compared to the cable harness. This dimensional change allows the cable harness to remain protected within the first structure while the connector body reaches out to connect with the moving second structure.
3Reliability
If the connector body is rigid to maintain stable connection, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the connector body follows a pre-defined path which may deviate under airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-defined path constraint, which initially appears as a limitation, is converted into a benefit by providing a predictable and controlled movement trajectory for the connector body. The rigid connector body following this predetermined path ensures consistent electrical connection geometry while the aperture provides guidance and stability against airflow deviations.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft system has a first structure, and a second structure coupled to the first structure and movable between first and second positions relative to the first structure. The aircraft system has an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection running between respective components housed within the first and second structures. The electrical connector has a cable harness housed within the first structure, and a connector body coupled to an end of the cable harness. The connector body extends through an aperture formed in the first structure, and the connector body is coupled to the second structure such that movement of the second structure between the first and second positions relative to the first structure causes the connector body to move through the aperture.