Condyloid Coupling Interface for Blind Aircraft System Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional system coupling methods for aircraft and spacecraft are laborious, time-consuming, and costly, especially when accessing difficult-to-reach locations, and are prone to jamming due to positional and orientational tolerances, which can lead to damage of connector components.
Innovation Solution
A system coupling device featuring a curved surface portion configured as a condyloid joint, allowing for 'blind' coupling by distributing forces over a large surface area and compensating for positional and orientational imprecisions, enabling reliable and rapid connection of system portions without the need for complex alignment or sensor devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling is performed via access holes in conventional manner, then coupling can be established at difficult-to-access locations, but the installation process becomes complex, laborious, time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs a spherical coupling surface that enables rotational movement and self-alignment between coupling partners. This curved geometry allows the system to accommodate positional and orientational tolerances while maintaining reliable connection, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and reducing installation time significantly
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional centering systems with centering pins are used, then guidance means are provided for coupling, but the system is prone to jamming when positions and orientations are subject to tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a spherical interface that allows dynamic adjustment and rotational movement during the coupling process. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to tolerances and misalignments in real-time, preventing jamming while maintaining accurate and reliable connections
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical coupling surface changes the geometric parameters of the interface, allowing for multi-degree-of-freedom movement. This parameter change from fixed-axis alignment to spherical rotation enables the system to accommodate positional and orientational variations without compromising coupling accuracy or reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple individual centering mechanisms are provided for each coupled element, then precise alignment can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical coupling surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides guidance, allows self-alignment, accommodates tolerances, and enables rotational movement. This single universal interface replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate centering mechanisms, maintaining high alignment precision while significantly reducing device complexity
4Reliability
If precise alignment is required for connector orientation, then reliable connection can be established, but high installation load may damage connectors when positions do not precisely match
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical coupling interface provides inherent cushioning by allowing rotational movement and self-alignment before the final connection is established. This pre-alignment mechanism prevents excessive installation loads from damaging the connectors while ensuring reliable connection is achieved
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a system coupling device (1, 2), comprising a body (5, 7) which has a curved surface portion (11, 13) and carries at least one first system connector component (17a-17c, 19a-19c). The first system connector component (17a-17c, 19a-19c) is configured to be capable of interacting with an associated second system connector component (19a-19c, 17a-17c) in order to connect two system portions of at least one system (Sy1, Sy2, Sy3). The curved surface portion (11, 13) is configured as a bearing surface of a condyloid joint and is arranged in such a manner as to face a forward half-space (FH1, FH2) during system coupling using the device (1, 2). Further, the invention relates to a system coupling arrangement (3), to an assembly (61, 63, 67, 71-75, 79-83, 85, 86, 97, 99) configured for being installed in or forming part of an aircraft or spacecraft, and to an aircraft or spacecraft (101). Moreover, a method of coupling two system portions of at least one system is proposed.