Aircraft Raceway Cover Assembly Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for routing conductive elements in aircraft passenger cabins are time-consuming, require installers to work in uncomfortable positions, and result in variable configurations, leading to increased production costs and ergonomic issues, with secondary shielding layers adding weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A raceway cover assembly and sidewall closeout area cartridge system that allows conductive elements to be pre-assembled and routed off the aircraft, featuring a snap-in installation mechanism, reducing the need for on-site conduit trimming and minimizing ergonomic challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive elements are routed through conduits installed in the aircraft passenger cabin, then the conductive elements can be protected and organized, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires installers to work in uncomfortable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling conduits and routing conductive elements through them at an assembly plant or work station before aircraft installation. This allows the time-consuming routing work to be performed in an ergonomic environment with proper tool availability, while the actual aircraft installation becomes a simpler, faster process of installing pre-configured assemblies.
2Ease of operation
If installers route conductive elements in conduits within the aircraft, then the work can be done on-site, but installers must work in uncomfortable positions for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the ergonomically challenging routing work to an assembly plant or work station environment where installers can work in comfortable positions with proper lighting, tools, and space. The pre-assembled conduits and conductive elements are then installed in the aircraft as complete units, eliminating the need for installers to work in cramped aircraft spaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conduits are trimmed and cut to fit conductive elements using hand tools, then the conduits can be customized to fit, but Foreign Object Debris is created that may damage aircraft decorative surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conduit trimming and cutting operations from the aircraft installation environment and performs them at an assembly plant or work station. This removes the source of Foreign Object Debris from the aircraft interior, preventing potential damage to decorative surfaces while still allowing conduits to be customized to fit conductive elements properly.
4Reliability
If secondary shielding layers are installed around electrical runs to protect from contact sources, then the conductive elements are protected from damage, but the aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function into the conduit structure itself, which is already installed and provides physical protection for conductive elements. By using the conduit as the protective barrier rather than adding separate shielding layers, the design maintains conductive element protection while avoiding the additional weight that would result from redundant protective layers.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a raceway cover assembly for installing conductive element(s) in an aircraft. The raceway cover assembly includes a raceway cover for removable coupling to a raceway. The raceway is configured for attachment to a sidewall assembly for use in a cabin of the aircraft. The raceway cover includes a first cover side, a second cover side, and retaining element(s) disposed on the first cover side. The raceway cover assembly further includes the conductive element(s) coupled and retained to the first cover side, with the retaining element(s), to form the raceway cover assembly. The conductive element(s) and the raceway cover are assembled together at a location off of the aircraft, prior to installing the raceway cover assembly with the one or more conductive elements in the aircraft, which allows for routing of the one or more conductive elements in the raceway cover at the location off of the aircraft.