Aircraft Cable Raceway Snap-Fit Mounting and Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft cable raceway systems require space-consuming harpoon ties for cable retention and are difficult to service, as they need to be cut and replaced, and the fastening process can damage aircraft structures.

Innovation Solution

A snap-fit aircraft raceway mounting apparatus with a deformable body and a stiff foot for secure attachment to the aircraft structure, allowing easy replacement and a clamping mechanism that secures cables from above, eliminating the need for base projections and minimizing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If harpoon ties are used to secure cables in the raceway, then cable retention is achieved, but space is consumed that could be used for cable body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable retentionVSAvoidspace consumption in raceway

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of securing cables from below through the raceway base (harpoon method), the invention secures cables from above using a clamp member that engages the cable and presses it against the raceway top surface, eliminating the need for base penetration and maximizing cable space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful element (harpoon tie projecting from base) is removed and replaced with a clamp member that operates from the opposite direction, extracting the problem source while maintaining the retention function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If fairlead assemblies are used to retain cables, then cable retention is achieved, but the assembly cannot be easily undone for replacement or servicing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable retentionVSAvoidserviceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp member is designed with a movable mechanism that allows it to be easily opened and closed, transitioning from a static permanent fixture to a dynamic reversible component, enabling simple cable replacement without cutting tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting apparatus is divided into separable components (clamp member, bridge member, body) that can be independently removed and reinstalled, facilitating maintenance and cable replacement operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If bolts are used to secure the raceway to aircraft component, then secure attachment is achieved, but damage may be caused to the aircraft structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddamage to aircraft structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical fastening system (bolts/screws requiring holes) is replaced with an adhesive bonding system that attaches to the surface without penetration, eliminating the harmful effect of structural damage while maintaining attachment strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Adhesive acts as an intermediary substance between the mounting apparatus and aircraft structure, providing a strong bonding interface without requiring mechanical penetration or modification of the aircraft structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If feet project far from the side of the raceway to secure fasteners, then secure attachment is achieved, but the raceway cannot be easily replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidreplacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting apparatus is segmented into a permanent base portion (attached to aircraft) and a replaceable raceway portion, allowing the raceway to be replaced independently without removing or damaging the aircraft-mounted base

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reversible adhesive bonding system replaces permanent mechanical fasteners, enabling easy separation and replacement of the raceway while maintaining strong attachment during service

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The snap-fit design enables easy servicing and replacement of raceways without damaging the aircraft, and the clamping mechanism maximizes cable space and reduces the risk of damage during maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

Adhesive is the preferred method of attaching raceway structures because it does not involve making holes in the aircraft component to which the raceway is attached

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the snap fit formation between the foot and the body is a releasable snap fit formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9077167B2Aircraft raceway mounting and clamping apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.07.07 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD

AI summary

An aircraft raceway mounting apparatus comprising an attachment formation for attachment of the apparatus to an aircraft structure, a raceway receiving formation for receiving a raceway, the raceway receiving formation comprising a snap fit formation for retention of a raceway. An aircraft raceway clamping apparatus comprising a concave raceway receiving formation having a raceway support region and a mouth, a bridge member configured to at least partially span the mouth, a clamping member movably mounted to the bridge member to advance into the mouth.