Bulkhead Connector Assembly with Tactile Feedback Detent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel handling systems in aircraft face challenges in confirming proper connections between tubing sections, particularly in narrow spaces, which can lead to electrical discharges and damage due to lack of feedback mechanisms during installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A bulkhead connector assembly with a housing and collar configuration that provides tactile, visual, and auditory feedback through detents and connection indicators to ensure secure engagement and prevent electrical discharges, featuring a rotatable collar and movable detents to indicate a locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable connectors are used to connect tubing sections in narrow aircraft spaces, then the connectors can accommodate vibrations and movements, but it becomes difficult to confirm proper connection between tubing sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including visual indicators (such as colored bands or windows showing alignment), tactile indicators (such as detents or clicks), and auditory indicators (such as clicking sounds) that provide immediate confirmation to the installer when the adjustable connector is properly engaged with the tubing sections, eliminating the difficulty of confirming proper connection in narrow spaces
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable connectors are installed in narrow aircraft spaces, then they can permit fluid conveyance and structural movement, but the lack of feedback mechanisms increases the risk of improper installation leading to electrical discharges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms (visual, tactile, and auditory) that provide immediate confirmation of proper engagement, ensuring that the adjustable connector is correctly installed before the system is activated, thereby preventing improper installation that could lead to electrical discharges and enhancing overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanisms provide preliminary confirmation of proper installation before the system begins operation, allowing installers to verify correct engagement and make adjustments if needed before electrical or fluid systems are activated, preventing potential hazards from improper installation
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary bulkhead (104A) connector assembly (100) includes a housing (106) having a first opening (138) and a second opening (130). The assembly (100) may further include a collar (108) that has a portion received within one of the first and second openings. The collar (108) may be rotatable to a latched position to hold a conduit (104B) within the housing (106). Further, the assembly (100) may have a detent (118) holding the collar (108) in the latched position when the detent (118) is moved to a locked position. The detent (118) in the locked position may have an indicator surface (112) providing tactile feedback indicative of the detent (118) holding the collar (108) in the latched position.