Self-Aligning Aircraft PCA Hose Adapter for Kink-Free Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for connecting a preconditioned air hose to an aircraft often result in undue stress on the hose and connection points due to rigid designs, leading to kinking and airflow degradation, and previous solutions fail to meet regulatory standards or require proprietary parts.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning adapter system with flexible and rotational stages that allows the air hose to adjust and rotate freely, integrating with traditional PC air hoses and chutes to reduce stress and improve airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed or rigid connection system is used to connect the hose to the aircraft, then the connection is secure and stable, but the hose cannot be positioned as desired and becomes kinked and stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic self-aligning connection system. The adapter assembly includes a first adapter with a ball-and-socket joint that allows automatic alignment with the aircraft opening, and a second adapter with a rotary mechanism that enables rotational adjustment. This dynamic system maintains secure connection while accommodating positional variations and preventing hose stress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the connection system to include multiple degrees of freedom. The ball-and-socket joint provides angular adjustment capability, while the rotary mechanism adds rotational adjustment. These parameter changes allow the hose connection to adapt to different positions and orientations, eliminating the need for fixed rigid alignment
2Ease of operation
If the hose is required to twist and turn to arrange the air chute in the proper position, then the connection can be made to the aircraft, but the hose becomes kinked and stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary adapter assembly that acts as a mediator between the hose and the aircraft connection. This adapter assembly includes alignment mechanisms and rotational joints that absorb the misalignment and positioning adjustments, preventing the stress from being transmitted to the hose itself. The intermediary device protects hose integrity while enabling proper connection
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tapered section is included to accommodate differing diameters between the hose and hatch door opening, then the connection can be made, but additional connection points are created that must be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diameter adaptation function with the alignment and rotational adjustment functions into a single integrated adapter assembly. Rather than having separate tapered sections and alignment mechanisms, the design combines these features into unified adapter components that handle multiple functions simultaneously, reducing the overall complexity
4Ease of operation
If a fixed elbow and rotary mechanism are used to allow the fixed elbow to face a desired direction, then directional adjustment is possible, but the systems often fail to rotate freely when subjected to significant load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the rotary mechanism to work in conjunction with the ball-and-socket joint, creating a dynamic system that can adjust direction while supporting load. The mechanism allows free rotation during positioning, and once aligned, the connection stabilizes under load without binding or binding
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for connecting a traditional air chute to an air hose delivering preconditioned air to an aircraft includes an adapter system. The adapter system includes a flexible stage having an exterior surrounding a hollow interior configured to receive air from the air hose and deliver the air to the air chute. The adapter system also includes a rotational stage coupled to the flexible stage and having an exterior surrounding a hollow interior configured to receive air from the air hose and deliver the air to the air chute. The flexible stage is adjustable relative to the rotational stage to selectively move the hollow interior of the flexible stage between extending along a common axis through the air chute and the rotational stage and not extending along the common axis.