Aircraft Mobile Device Infrastructure with Mechanical Fuse Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a flexible and reliable infrastructure within aircraft to accommodate and charge mobile devices, allowing for universal compatibility with existing and future devices, while ensuring maintainability and protection against damage from excessive forces.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a modular aircraft infrastructure comprising interchangeable elements such as a power charger, receptacle, arm, and holding plate, featuring quick-release mechanical and electrical couplings, a mechanical fuse for protection, and a power supply with resettable fuse protection, designed for universal compatibility and easy installation without modification of the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent mountings are secured to aircraft interior for receiving removable brackets, arms or devices, then device support is provided, but the removable portion can be damaged by excessive forces and potentially damage the aircraft body mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a mechanical fuse element that is designed to fail under excessive force before the permanent mounting or aircraft body is damaged. This protective mechanism is pre-installed in the removable bracket assembly, allowing it to absorb and dissipate excessive forces through controlled failure of the fuse element, thereby protecting both the device and the aircraft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fuse acts as an intermediary between the removable device assembly and the permanent aircraft body mounting. It provides a controlled failure point that mediates the transmission of excessive forces, allowing the system to fail safely without transmitting damaging forces to the critical permanent mounting or aircraft structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular interchangeable elements are used for device mounting, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but connection reliability may be reduced due to repeated attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized quick-release coupling system with complementary male and female portions that can accommodate multiple device types and configurations. The universal interface allows different devices to be mounted using the same basic coupling mechanism, providing adaptability while maintaining reliable connections through consistent design and proper engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate, interchangeable components (removable bracket, arm, holding plate, and quick-release couplings) that can be independently attached and detached. This segmentation allows for easy reconfiguration and device changes while each component maintains its structural integrity and connection reliability through dedicated coupling mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If quick-release couplings are implemented for easy device removal, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical strength may be reduced compared to permanent connections
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release coupling mechanism employs dynamic principles by using spring-loaded locking elements and movable locking surfaces that automatically engage when components are assembled and can be easily disengaged through a release mechanism. The spring force maintains continuous pressure on the locking surfaces, providing strong mechanical connection during normal use while allowing rapid release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release coupling merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: mechanical strength through interlocking surfaces, ease of release through a unified release lever, and electrical connection through integrated contacts. This merging allows the system to achieve both high strength and easy operation simultaneously by coordinating these functions in a single coupling action.
Data Source
AI summary
A new infrastructure for mobile devices and electronic loose equipment, preferably an aircraft infrastructure, is designed to be deployed for both new production aircraft and the after-market installed base for all parts of the aircraft that have human interaction, such as the galley, cockpit or cabin. The architecture is designed around two main objectives: creating stylized and functional products with flexibility in design and providing reliability and maintainability for operators while integrating power and charging mediums to those devices. This architecture is composed of several elements that as a whole complete our new architecture for mobile devices and electronic loose equipment design.