Integrated Electrical Power Centre Module for Aircraft Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of electrical power centers in aircraft is complex due to increased component size, congestion, and safety requirements, leading to difficulties in maintenance, electromagnetic disturbances, and reduced reliability, particularly with the use of heavy and bulky equipment and extensive cabling.
Innovation Solution
The method involves formatting equipment into a parallelepipedic shape for alignment with the electrical power center, allowing for direct connections and easy maintenance, with a modular design that includes fluidic cooling and thermal insulation, and quick connectors for efficient installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional independent assemblies with satellite boxes are used, then electrical power distribution function is achieved, but device complexity and congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical power centre and satellite boxes into a single integrated module. The satellite boxes are positioned adjacent to the power centre and connected through direct internal connections rather than external cabling, eliminating the need for separate independent assemblies and reducing overall system congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite boxes are nested within the same structural housing as the electrical power centre, with each satellite box containing its own equipment (autotransformers, transformer-rectifiers, static undulators, batteries) integrated into the common module structure, reducing spatial requirements and congestion.
2Temperature
If power boxes are not integrated into the main box, then heat dissipation and electromagnetic disturbances are managed, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The module is segmented into distinct functional zones: the electrical power centre area and adjacent satellite box areas, each with dedicated equipment. This segmentation allows heat-generating equipment to be spatially separated while maintaining integrated connections, balancing thermal management with maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite boxes are positioned in a spatial arrangement adjacent to but integrated with the power centre, creating a distributed three-dimensional layout that facilitates heat dissipation through spatial separation while maintaining ease of access for maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If extensive cabling is used for connections, then electrical power distribution is achieved, but weight and line drop increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connecting cables from the external system and replaces them with direct internal connections within the integrated module. The satellite boxes are electrically connected to the power centre through short internal conductors rather than long external cables, eliminating the need for extensive cabling and reducing weight.
4Reliability
If equipment is distributed in cargo compartment, then electrical power centre function is achieved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power centre and satellite boxes are merged into a single integrated module that can be mounted as one unified assembly on the aircraft structure. This consolidation improves mechanical stability by reducing the number of separate mounting points and creating a more rigid, vibration-resistant structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies electrical connections, enhances accessibility and reliability, and optimizes maintenance by reducing congestion and mass distribution, while improving mechanical stability and reducing the complexity of wiring and venting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The module can also comprise a cooling circuit being active by fluid circulation with an interface with the formatted equipment
Implementation Method 2
A thermal insulation can be provided so as to insulate individually some pieces of equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An integration method and module aims at simplifying the electrical connections between equipment and an electrical power center to be supplied electricity, while enabling a good accessibility of each piece of equipment for easier maintenance. To do so, a particular integration of this equipment is carried out so as to be able to connect the equipment in a direct extension of the electrical power center. According to one embodiment, an integration module includes a frame and a cover, the frame having a substantially parallelepipedic shape adapted to be able to extend longitudinally along a main axis in parallel with a longitudinal main side of the electrical power center. Cells, which define a constant cross section and an adjustable width enabled by movable intermediary walls, extend perpendicularly to the main longitudinal axis. Such cells are adapted to receive formatted electrical equipment.