Aircraft Wire Support Bracket Optimizing Harness Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing aircraft environmental control systems face challenges in routing and supporting wiring for cabin air compressors, which can lead to interference with other components and wear, affecting the maintenance of cabin pressure and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A wire support member with a bracket and flanges is designed to securely route and support wiring bundles from the pack control unit to inboard and outboard modules, preventing entanglement and contact with other components, using a lightweight yet rigid material to minimize weight impact on the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring is routed through the ECS without support members, then the wiring may be simpler to install, but the wiring will interfere with other components and wear through
Solution Approach 1:
Wire support members act as intermediary components between the wiring and the ECS structure. These support members provide a protective interface that prevents direct contact between the wiring and other ECS components, thereby preventing wear and interference while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring system is divided into segments with individual support members at key locations. Rather than requiring a continuous complex support structure, discrete support members are placed at critical points where wiring may contact other components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If heavy support structures are used to route wiring, then the wiring will be well-supported and protected, but the aircraft weight will increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with optimized geometric parameters and material properties to achieve the necessary mechanical strength with minimal mass. By carefully selecting thickness, length, and material characteristics of the support members, adequate wiring support is provided while keeping the added weight to a minimum
Solution Approach 2:
The wire support members utilize thin-walled structural designs that provide adequate mechanical support through optimized geometry rather than mass. The support members function as thin-shell structures that offer protection and routing capabilities without requiring heavy materials
3Length of moving object
If wiring is routed close to other ECS components, then the wiring path will be shorter, but the wiring will interfere with and wear through other parts
Solution Approach 1:
Support members are positioned at critical locations where wiring passes near other ECS components. These intermediaries maintain the necessary clearance between the wiring and potential contact surfaces, preventing wear and interference while allowing the wiring to follow a relatively short path through the ECS
Data Source
AI summary
A wire support member for an environmental control system includes a bracket having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a thickness. A first arm projects from the bracket, a first flange projects from a first end of the first arm. The first flange includes a first harness support opening therethrough. A second arm also projects from the bracket parallel to the first arm, and a second flange projects from a second end of the second arm. The second flange has a second harness support opening therethrough. A ratio of a diameter of the first harness support opening and of the second harness support opening to the thickness of the bracket optimizes the routing and support for the wiring.