Aircraft Cable-Conduit Clamp With Arc-Blocking Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for electrical cables and conduits in aircraft do not effectively prevent electric arc propagation and increase on-board mass and connection points due to the multitude of required elements.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device featuring a connecting collar surrounding the conduit, a first clamp for the electrical cable, and an insulating shield between the cable and conduit to prevent arc propagation, along with a C-shaped profile and pivotable branches to reduce space and mass requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connecting elements are used for electrical cables and conduits, then arc propagation is prevented, but on-board mass and number of connecting elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connecting elements for electrical cables and conduits into a single integrated support structure. The support includes a first connection element for the electrical cable and a second connection element for the conduit, merging multiple separate connecting elements into one unified component that reduces overall mass while maintaining arc prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an insulating barrier as an intermediary element between the electrical cable and conduit connection points. This insulating barrier prevents arc propagation while allowing the connecting elements to be integrated, thus maintaining reliability without requiring completely separate connection structures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple connecting elements are distributed along cables and air ducts, then secure connections are achieved, but the number of anchor points and on-board mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple distributed connecting elements into a single integrated support structure that provides stable connections for both electrical cables and conduits. This merging approach reduces the total number of connecting elements while maintaining connection security through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects electrical cables, connects conduits, provides insulation, and anchors both types of components to the aircraft structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of specialized connecting elements needed while maintaining connection stability.
3Volume of moving object
If electrical cables and conduits are positioned close together, then space is optimized, but arc propagation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places an insulating barrier as an intermediary element between closely positioned electrical cables and conduits. This barrier allows the cables and conduits to be positioned close together for space optimization while preventing arc propagation through the insulating material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful electrical field from the interaction between cables and conduits by introducing an insulating barrier that eliminates the arc propagation pathway, allowing close positioning without the harmful effects.
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
The solution reduces space requirements, minimizes the number of connecting elements and anchor points, effectively preventing electric arc propagation while maintaining secure connections for both cables and conduits.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shield positioned between the electrical cable and the conduit(s) and configured to prevent propagation of an electric arc in the direction of the conduit(s)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting at least one electrical cable (40) and at least one conduit (42, 42') to at least one support (44). This connecting device comprises at least one connecting clamp (50) surrounding at least one conduit (42, 42') and connecting it to the support (44), a first clamp (52) connecting at least one electrical cable (40) to the connecting clamp (50) during operation, and at least one shield (54) positioned between the electrical cable (40) and the conduit(s) (42), configured to prevent the propagation of an electric arc towards the conduit(s) (42, 42'). Such a connecting device allows an electrical cable to be attached to a conduit, thus reducing its overall size.