Aircraft Power Module Swapping With Quick Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft propulsion systems face challenges in efficiently integrating energy sources and improving safety during ground operations, particularly in handling and swapping power systems between flights.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for on-ground recharging and swapping of electric power systems in aircraft, utilizing quick connectors and ground service vehicles to facilitate efficient exchange of power systems, including battery modules, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing maintenance time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional aircraft power systems are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance time and ground operations are excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance speedVSAvoidtime on ground

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is divided into modular components (power system modules) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows rapid swapping of entire power system modules without disassembling individual components, significantly reducing maintenance time and ground operations while maintaining structural integrity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Power system modules are pre-assembled and pre-tested before installation in the aircraft. This preliminary preparation ensures that when maintenance is needed, fully functional modules can be quickly swapped in without requiring extensive on-ground assembly or testing, thereby reducing time on ground and improving maintenance productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If power systems are frequently swapped, then aircraft readiness is improved, but operational safety during ground operations may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft readiness speedVSAvoidsafety during ground operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A ground service vehicle acts as an intermediary during power system module swapping operations. This specialized vehicle provides controlled support and alignment during the removal and installation processes, ensuring safe handling of heavy modules while enabling rapid exchange. The intermediary vehicle maintains operational safety through guided procedures while improving aircraft readiness through efficient module replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If modular power system modules are implemented, then maintenance difficulty is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower system maintenance easeVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized interfaces and mounting structures are designed to be universal across different power system module types and aircraft configurations. This universality simplifies maintenance procedures as the same removal and installation processes apply to all modules, reducing maintenance difficulty despite the presence of multiple module types. The standardized approach actually reduces operational complexity compared to custom-fit solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4091868B1Hybrid-electric and all-electric aircraft power systems

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

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AI summary

A system for an aircraft (1) comprises an electric energy module (108) and a connector module (114c) operatively connected to the electric energy module (108). The connector module (114c) is structured to attach the electric energy module (108) to the aircraft (1) when the connector module (114c) is in an engaged mode while in use, and operable between the engaged mode and a disengaged mode, the connector module (114c) being in the disengaged mode while in use disengaging the electric energy module (108) from the aircraft (1).