Connector assembly in an aircraft and method of controlling a flow of fluid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing orifice plates in aircraft environmental control systems are cumbersome to install, remove, and replace due to their fixed size and adhesive-based attachment, requiring significant time and manpower, which hinders efficient maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a connector, connector ring, and orifice plate that allows for easy insertion and retention of the orifice plate within a receptacle, using a rotating mechanism to align slots and cover portions for quick installation and removal, reducing the need for adhesive and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If orifice plates are attached to ducts using adhesive, then the orifice plate is securely fixed in place, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and requires heating equipment to break the adhesive bond
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate components: a connector body with a receptacle, and an orifice plate with engagement features. This segmentation allows the orifice plate to be quickly inserted and engaged without adhesive, eliminating the time-consuming heating and waiting process while maintaining secure fixation through mechanical interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive-based mechanical system is replaced with a direct mechanical engagement system. The orifice plate includes engagement features that mate with corresponding features in the connector body, providing secure fixation through mechanical means rather than chemical bonding, thereby enabling quick installation and removal without heating equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If orifice plates have fixed size and shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to changing flow rates and requires manual exchange of plates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed orifice plates to a dynamic configuration where multiple orifice plates with different sizes and shapes can be exchanged based on flow rate requirements. The connector assembly is designed to accommodate various plate configurations, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to changing operational conditions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions: it can hold different types of orifice plates with varying sizes and shapes, providing universal adaptability. The engagement features are designed to work with various plate configurations, enabling the same connector to support multiple flow rate control options without requiring different connector designs.
3Volume of moving object
If orifice plates are small in size to fit tight spaces, then they can be installed in close confines within the aircraft, but the attachment process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into a body and a removable orifice plate with engagement features. This segmentation allows small orifice plates to be easily inserted into tight spaces and quickly engaged with the connector body, eliminating the difficulty of working with adhesive in confined areas while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice plate is extracted as a separate, removable component from the connector body. This extraction allows the small orifice plate to be independently handled and installed in tight spaces without the complexity of adhesive application, while the engagement features ensure secure fixation once in place.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An environmental control system for an aircraft includes a first conduit, a second conduit, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly is coupled to the first conduit and the second conduit for controlling a flow of air. The connector assembly includes a connector, a connector ring, and an orifice plate. The connector includes at least one wall including a ridge defining a receptacle and a connector slot defined within the ridge. The connector ring is attached to the connector and defines a connector ring slot and a covering portion. The connector ring slot aligns with the connector slot and the orifice plate is inserted into through the connector ring slot and the connector slot into the receptacle during installation of the orifice plate. The covering portion covers the connector slot and retains the orifice plate within the receptacle during operation of the environmental control system.