Compact Tray Splice Layout for Protected Cargo System Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical splice mechanisms in cargo handling systems occupy excessive space, complicate component layout, and fail to protect above-floor wiring and connectors from damage, especially in narrowbody aircraft where space is limited and harsh conditions prevail.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a compact quick-attach splice mechanism with a pivoting or sliding design that includes a roller to reduce pitch, a spring-loaded pin for secure connection, and a connector shield to protect and secure mating connectors, allowing for efficient component alignment and protection from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If typical splice mechanisms are used to connect cargo trays, then the connection function is achieved, but excessive space is occupied and component layout is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupancy of splice mechanismVSAvoidcomponent layout complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The splice mechanism is divided into modular components including side rails, cross members, pins, and connector shields that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation reduces overall complexity while maintaining connection functionality through standardized interfaces between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector shield is designed to pivot between a stowed position (reducing space occupancy) and a deployed position (providing connector protection). This dimensional transformation allows the same component to address both space constraints and protection requirements without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If typical splice mechanisms are used in narrowbody aircraft, then cargo handling is enabled, but wiring and connectors are vulnerable to damage from harsh conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector protectionVSAvoiddamage from harsh conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector shield is designed to protect mating connectors from damage before exposure to harsh conditions occurs during transportation and storage. This preventive protection mechanism shields connectors from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and physical impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector shield acts as an intermediary protective element between the vulnerable electrical connectors and the harsh external environment. This intermediate component absorbs environmental stress while maintaining connector integrity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If compact quick-attach splice mechanism with pivoting design is used, then space occupancy is reduced and component alignment is facilitated, but connector protection mechanism is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent alignmentVSAvoidconnector protection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector shield is integrated with the pivoting side rail assembly, combining the alignment facilitation function with the connector protection function into a single unified mechanism. This merging reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate protection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector shield pivots dynamically between a stowed position during alignment operations and a deployed position for connector protection during transportation and storage. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to adapt to different operational states without requiring additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution reduces space occupancy, facilitates easier component alignment, and provides enhanced protection for connectors and wiring harnesses during transportation and storage, ensuring secure and damage-resistant connections.

Implementation Method 1

the tab is a spring-loaded tab biasing the first pin to an extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4455004A1Tray connections with compact wire routing for convertible aircraft cargo handling systems

Publication Date: 2024.10.30 GOODRICH CORP

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Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

A quick attach splice is provided. The quick attach splice includes a first side rail (520), a second side rail (520) parallel to the first side rail, a cross member (422) extending from the first side rail to the second side rail, a first pin (524) extending from within the cross member and through at least one of the first side rail or the second side rail, a tab configured to retract the first pin, and a roller extending from the first side rail to the second side rail.