Closed-Loop Cable Carriage for Vibration-Resistant Aircraft Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connections between stationary and movable parts of aircraft structures, such as thrust reversers, are unreliable due to vibration during flight, leading to increased testing time and cost, and are not suitable for long-term use with sensors or electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop electrical cable system with a carriage that rotates and is supported by guide wheels, including dampers and springs to maintain tension, providing a robust and reliable connection that can withstand vibrations and movement between stowed and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrical cable runs through a track system to connect the fixed structure and the transcowl, then electrical power and data transmission are enabled, but the connection becomes unreliable under vibration and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static track system with a dynamic closed-loop cable system that can rotate and flex. The cable is arranged in a closed loop configuration with rotational joints at both ends, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the movement and vibration between the fixed structure and the transcowl, maintaining reliable electrical connection under varying conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transcowl moves between stowed and deployed positions, then thrust reverser functionality is achieved, but the electrical connection may break due to repeated movement and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells and thin films principle by using a flexible closed-loop cable instead of a rigid track system. The cable can bend, flex, and rotate to accommodate the full range of motion between stowed and deployed positions while maintaining continuous electrical contact, thus preserving connection durability through repeated movements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and electronic devices are mounted on the transcowl for long-term monitoring, then functionality and maintenance capability are improved, but the electrical connection must withstand extended vibration exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic closed-loop cable system with rotational capability allows the electrical connection to continuously adapt to vibration and movement over extended periods, enabling long-term sensor operation. The flexible design distributes mechanical stress away from connection points, allowing sustained durability throughout the aircraft service life.
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 ensures a continuous and reliable electrical connection during movement, reducing the risk of cable breakage and enabling the long-term mounting of sensors and electronic devices on movable parts, enhancing testing efficiency and operational functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a carriage movable along the guide; wherein the carriage comprises a closed loop electrical cable mounted in or on a carriage body such that the closed loop electrical cable can rotate
Implementation Method 2
The carriage may be supported for movement along the first guide by a pair of guide wheels
Implementation Method 3
The carriage may include one or more dampers operable to dampen any in-service vibratory responses on the closed loop electrical cable
Implementation Method 4
The carriage may include at least one resilient means such as a spring operable to impart tension on the closed loop electrical cable
Data Source
AI summary
A structure comprising a nacelle or a thrust reverser, the structure comprising a stationary part and a movable part, the structure comprising: a first guide provided on or in the stationary part of the structure or the movable part of the structure; a first electrical connector attached to the stationary part of the structure: a second electrical connector attached to the movable part of the structure; and a carriage movable along the first guide: wherein the carriage comprises a closed loop electrical cable mounted in or on a carriage body such that the closed loop cable can rotate, wherein the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the closed loop electrical cable and the closed loop electrical cable is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, thereby providing an electrical connection from the stationary part of the structure to the movable part of the structure.