Aircraft Component Connector With Self-Aligning Multi-Interface Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The final assembly of aircraft components is complex due to the large size and intricate equipment systems, making manual connection of structural elements and equipment components to electrical and fluid networks challenging.
Innovation Solution
A connecting system comprising elongate elements with congruent connecting faces and holding devices that allow for quick and automatic connection of components, including length adjustment components to prevent distortion and ensure secure fluid, electrical, or optical signal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection methods are used for aircraft components, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but assembly time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting system enables self-aligning and self-connecting functionality through the interaction of the first connecting face on the structural element with the second connecting face on the equipment component. The holding devices automatically engage when the faces are brought into contact, eliminating the need for manual alignment and connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical connection system. The holding devices (such as latching mechanisms or snap-fit elements) automatically perform the connection function when the connecting faces are positioned together, substituting manual fastening operations with an automated mechanical engagement process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connecting structures are used, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion and contraction cause mechanical distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting system incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing the connecting faces to maintain contact while accommodating dimensional changes. The holding devices are designed to maintain engagement while permitting limited movement or deformation, enabling the structure to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction without losing structural integrity or causing mechanical distortion.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connection operations are performed for fluid and electrical lines, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection of fluid lines and electrical signals into a single integrated operation. When the first connecting face and second connecting face are brought into contact, both the fluid connections and electrical connections are established simultaneously through the same mechanical interface, eliminating the need for separate connection operations for each medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting faces and holding devices are designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple types of connections (fluid lines, electrical lines, and signal transfer) through a single universal interface. This universal connecting system can accommodate different types of media and connection requirements without requiring separate specialized connection mechanisms for each type.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting system for connecting components in a vehicle includes a first elongate element with a first connecting face at a first end, and a second elongate element with a second connecting face at a second end. The first and second elements each comprise holding devices distributed along an annular connecting line. The connecting faces are congruent. The connecting faces and holding devices are configured to be brought into a flush superficial contact when the orientations of the elongate elements coincide, and the mutually opposing holding devices then connect with one another. One of the elements has a length adjustment component configured to change a position of the respective connecting face in a longitudinal direction of the respective element. The connecting faces comprise at least one pair of connectable interfaces which correlate with one another in pairs for transfer of a fluid, electrical or optical signals or electrical current.