Avionics Rack Module With Modular Cooling Column Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avionics bays are complex to assemble and install due to their cramped space, while ensuring optimal cooling of avionics components is necessary.
Innovation Solution
An avionics bay module comprising two shelves and a column, where each shelf has a tray and a half-shell forming a chimney for air circulation, allowing easy assembly and dual mechanical support and cooling functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional avionics bays with integrated cooling flows are used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but assembly complexity increases and installation becomes difficult in cramped spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The avionics bay is divided into modular units, each comprising a column and two shelves that can be assembled independently. The half-shells are pre-formed with integrated cooling channels, allowing the cooling system to be segmented into discrete, easily assembled modules rather than requiring complex in-situ construction of the entire cooling network.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelves are nested within the column structure, with each shelf comprising half-shells that fit together to form complete cooling channels. The avionics elements are positioned on the shelves within the modular unit, creating a nested arrangement where the cooling structure contains the equipment, simplifying both assembly and installation in confined spaces.
2Temperature
If traditional avionics bays with integrated cooling flows are used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but installation difficulty in cramped spaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into self-contained modular units that can be manufactured and tested independently before installation. Each module includes pre-integrated cooling channels within the half-shells, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly in cramped avionics bay spaces and reducing installation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are pre-formed within the half-shells during manufacturing, and the modular units are pre-assembled with shelves and columns before installation. This preliminary preparation of cooling structures allows for straightforward installation in confined spaces without requiring complex in-situ construction operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular shelves with half-shells forming columns are used, then assembly ease is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural and cooling functions are merged into the half-shells, which simultaneously provide mechanical support as shelf components and form cooling channels through their internal geometry. This merging eliminates the need for separate structural frames and cooling ducts, reducing overall structural complexity despite the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shells serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the shelves, form cooling channels for air circulation, and create the column structure when assembled in pairs. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly while maintaining structural integrity.
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
Facilitates easy assembly of avionics bays with optimal cooling of avionics elements by ensuring efficient air circulation and heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a first air flow and a second air flow each circulating in the column and in the shelves to cool at least one avionics element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An avionics bay module (1), the module (1) comprising two shelves (2) and a column (5), the column (5) connecting the two shelves (2), the module (1) comprising a first airflow and a second airflow, each circulating within the column (5) and the shelves (2) to cool at least one avionics component. Each of the two shelves (2) comprises (i) a platform (4) extending along a transverse plane (P1) and intended to support an avionics component, and comprises (ii) a half-shell (6) extending along a longitudinal plane (P2) intersecting the transverse plane (P1) and intended to be assembled with another half-shell (6) of the other shelf (2) of said module (1), to form the column (5). Thus, the assembly of two shelves makes it easy to form an avionics bay module. In addition, the column formed by the assembly of two shelves operates a dual function of mechanical support and air circulation.The proposed avionics module advantageously allows for the easy assembly of an avionics bay while ensuring optimal cooling of the avionics components placed on the avionics bay.