Avionic Media Docking Station with Over-Center Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional media docking stations are unsuitable for aircraft due to their bulkiness, fragility, and inability to securely retain devices during sudden disturbances, necessitating a lightweight, rugged, and compact solution that can operate in various orientations and securely lock media devices in both retracted and extended positions with minimal power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An actuated media docking station with a hingedly mounted receptacle and a bi-stable over-center locking mechanism, utilizing a rotary actuator to rotate the receptacle between loading and retaining positions, ensuring secure retention and minimal power consumption, and an avionic media system that integrates this docking station for aircraft use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional media docking stations are used, then they can provide basic docking functionality, but they become cumbersome, heavy, and fragile for aircraft usage
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is divided into separate functional components: a housing assembly, a receptacle assembly, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight and strength, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural robustness through targeted reinforcement of critical load-bearing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assembly uses locally reinforced structures at critical stress points (such as mounting interfaces and locking mechanism attachments) while maintaining lighter materials in non-critical areas. This local quality approach ensures structural robustness where needed without adding unnecessary weight throughout the entire docking station.
2Reliability
If conventional docking stations are used, then they can accommodate media devices, but they cannot securely retain devices during sudden disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the receptacle assembly. When the receptacle is inserted, the locking mechanism self-activates to secure the device; when the receptacle is removed, the lock self-releases. This eliminates the need for separate control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a purely mechanical locking mechanism that uses spring-loaded latches and cam-actuated engagement. This mechanical substitution simplifies the overall system by eliminating sensors, motors, and control electronics while providing reliable retention during sudden disturbances.
3Reliability
If the receptacle is designed to retract fully for security, then device protection is improved, but access for insertion and removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle assembly is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to transition between multiple positions: an extended position for easy device access, a retracted position for secure protection during inertial loads, and intermediate positions for device insertion and removal. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing different configurations for different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically as the receptacle transitions to the retracted position, before any inertial loads are applied. This preliminary locking action ensures device protection is already in place when protection is needed, while the extended position remains accessible for device insertion and removal operations.
4Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism is implemented, then device security is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces powered actuation systems with a passive mechanical locking mechanism that uses spring-loaded latches and gravity-assisted engagement. The receptacle assembly's movement itself triggers the locking action through cam surfaces and lever arms, eliminating the need for motors or actuators that would consume electrical power.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating based on the receptacle's position. As the receptacle moves into the retracted position, the locking mechanism automatically engages through mechanical interaction between the receptacle and locking components. This self-service operation requires no external power input while maintaining reliable mechanical locking.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an avionic media system (130) are provided, as are embodiments of an actuated media docking station (20). In one embodiment, the avionic media system (130) includes an actuated media docking station (20) and an onboard electronic device (142). The actuated media docking station (20) includes, in turn, a housing assembly (24), a mass media device ("MMD") receptacle (22) coupled to the housing assembly (24), a connector (68) configured to interface with an MMD (26) when inserted into the MMD receptacle (22), and an actuator (28) coupled to the housing assembly (24) and to the MMD receptacle (22). The actuator (28) moves the MMD receptacle (22) between: (i) a loading position in which the MMD (26) can be inserted into the MMD receptacle (22), and (ii) a retaining position in which removal of the MMD (26) from the MMD receptacle (22) is physically obstructed.