Aircraft Monument Connector Plates for Fast Multi-Line Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft monument connection systems lack flexibility and efficiency in connecting multiple lines, requiring time-consuming and labor-intensive installation processes, especially when swapping or adding monuments like toilets and galleys, due to the complexity of flexible connector lines.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose connector system featuring a base bracket, system connector plate, and monument connector plate with a movement device that allows the system connector plate to transition between open and closed positions, enabling easy connection and disconnection of multiple lines with standardized adapters, facilitating automated installation and easy monument exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible feed lines are used to achieve monument positioning flexibility, then the monument can be displaced within the system port flexibility range, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate plates: a system connector plate with first line adapters and a monument connector plate with second line adapters. This segmentation allows the monument to be connected to the system quickly by bringing the two plates together, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual connections of flexible feed lines while maintaining positioning flexibility through the modular plate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The first line adapters are pre-installed on the system connector plate and the second line adapters are pre-installed on the monument connector plate during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the monument is installed, the connection is achieved simply by bringing the pre-configured plates together, dramatically reducing installation time while preserving the flexibility to position the monument within the system port flexibility range.
2Device complexity
If multiple line connectors are combined as a system port with predefined position, then the connection structure is simplified, but the flexibility in positioning the monument is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system connector plate is designed to be movable relative to the base bracket, transitioning between an open position (for installation/access) and a closed position (for operation). This dynamic design allows the connector structure to remain simple and compact during operation while providing the flexibility needed during installation to position the monument appropriately, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system connector plate serves multiple functions: it provides a simplified connection structure through the integrated first line adapters, enables monument positioning flexibility through its movable design, and facilitates quick connection by aligning with the monument connector plate. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both the simplification of connection structure and the maintenance of positioning flexibility.
3Extent of automation
If standardized line adapters are used on connector plates, then automated installation becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into two specialized plates, each with standardized line adapters configured for specific connection tasks. This segmentation allows automated systems to handle each plate independently and precisely, facilitating automated installation. The standardized interfaces on each plate reduce the complexity burden by making the automation process more manageable despite the overall device complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system connector plate and monument connector plate are designed to merge together in a precise, standardized manner during automated installation. The standardized line adapters on both plates are configured to align and connect automatically, enabling robotic or automated assembly systems to perform the installation without manual intervention. This merging capability justifies the increased device complexity by enabling full automation of the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A multipurpose connector for connecting a multiplicity of lines of an aircraft monument. The multipurpose connector comprises a base bracket, a system connector plate configured to receive a multiplicity of first line adapters, a monument connector plate configured to receive at least one second line adapter, and a movement device configured to move the system connector plate relative to the base bracket and the monument connector plate between an open position and a closed position. The system connector plate is, in the closed position, arranged relative to the monument connector plate such that the at least one second line adapter of the monument connector plate is operatively connected to an associated first line adapter of the system connector plate, and, in the open position of the system connector plate, the multiplicity of first line adapters and the at least one second line adapter are detached from one another.