Avionics Rack Modules With Integrated Dual-Airstream Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avionics racks are complex to assemble and install in cramped avionics holds, while ensuring optimal cooling of onboard electronic elements.
Innovation Solution
An avionics rack module comprising two shelves joined by a column, with dual functions of mechanical support and air circulation, utilizing separate airstreams for cooling and extracting heat, facilitated by half-shells with duct portions and apertures for fluidic circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling streams are directly incorporated in the avionics rack, then optimal cooling of avionics elements is achieved, but the rack becomes complex to assemble and install
Solution Approach 1:
The avionics rack is divided into modular units, each comprising a shelf with an integrated half-shell cooling structure. These modular segments can be independently assembled and then combined, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining effective cooling functionality in each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling stream structure is merged with the shelf structure itself through the half-shell design. The half-shell forms an integral part of the shelf, combining mechanical support and cooling functions into a single component, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining cooling efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If the avionics rack is designed for easy assembly, then installation in cramped avionics hold is facilitated, but cooling effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is segmented into standardized modular units with consistent half-shell cooling structures. This segmentation enables pre-fabrication and easy assembly while ensuring each module maintains proven cooling effectiveness, which can be replicated across the entire rack system.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-shell structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support as part of the shelf structure, creates channels for cooling air circulation, and facilitates modular assembly. This multi-functionality ensures that simplified assembly does not compromise cooling effectiveness.
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
Enables easy assembly and robust installation of avionics racks with efficient cooling and heat extraction, ensuring optimal performance in confined aircraft spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first airstream (30) and a second airstream (32) circulating in the column (5) and in the shelves (2), to cool at least one avionics element
Data Source
AI summary
An avionics rack module, with two shelves and a column, the column linking the two shelves. The module has a first airstream and a second airstream each circulating in the column and in the shelves, to cool at least one avionics element. Each of the two shelves comprises (i) a plate extending on a transverse plane and intended to support an avionics element and comprises (ii) a half-shell extending on a longitudinal plane secant to the transverse plane and being intended to be joined to another half-shell of the other shelf of said module, to form the column. Also an avionics rack made from multiple modules and an aircraft with such an avionics rack.