Detachable Interconnection Module for Aircraft Electronic Cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and weight of avionics wiring harnesses in aircraft electronic cabinets lead to inadequate ventilation, high maintenance costs, and unsuitability for new equipment connections, with existing solutions either increasing connection density or multiplying interconnection modules, while requiring specialized skills for optical fiber handling.
Innovation Solution
A method for integrating a removable modular interconnection module into the electronic cabinet with a bidirectional optical/electrical conversion interface, using low-density materials and a self-supporting suspension structure, allowing for flexible adaptation and improved ventilation through inclined walls and air circulation, and reducing the need for specialized skills through simple and secure intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of wiring harnesses and connectors is increased to accommodate more equipment, then the connection capability and equipment diversity are improved, but the weight, complexity, and volume of the wiring system increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wiring system into modular segments by introducing intermediate interconnection modules between end devices and the cabinet. Each module handles specific connections independently, allowing the wiring to be segmented into manageable sections rather than one continuous complex harness, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional rear-panel connector placement to front-panel connectors on intermediate modules. This dimensional reorganization allows wiring to be routed more efficiently through the cabinet structure, reducing the volume and weight of wiring harnesses while improving adaptability for different equipment configurations.
2Device complexity
If traditional rear-panel connector placement is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ventilation efficiency deteriorates due to blocked airflow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional connector placement from the rear panel to the front panel of intermediate modules. This inversion allows airflow to pass freely through the rear of the cabinet without being blocked by connectors and wiring, significantly improving ventilation efficiency while the front-panel location maintains operational simplicity for connections.
3Reliability
If specialized optical fiber connectors are used, then optical connection performance is improved, but the difficulty of installation and maintenance increases due to specialized skill requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate interconnection modules as mediators between optical fiber connections and electronic modules. These intermediate modules house the specialized optical connectors in a standardized, accessible location with proper handling features, allowing optical connections to be made and maintained using standard procedures rather than requiring specialized skills for each connection point.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed cabinet structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability for different equipment configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamically reconfigurable intermediate modules that can be added, removed, or repositioned within the cabinet structure. These modules maintain structural stability through standardized mounting interfaces while allowing the system to adapt to different equipment configurations by simply repositioning or replacing modules rather than redesigning the entire cabinet structure.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~5
Figure 3~4c
AI summary
The invention aims to optimize the use of electronic cabinets in connector technology, using simplified internal connector technology and flexibility in adapting the external connector technology to the connectors of the cabling assemblies — electronic and/or optical connector technologies — and on the structurally. To this end, according to an embodiment, an overall box-shaped electronic cabinet (1) that is fitted with at least one detachable interconnection module (6a, 6b) is provided with a bottom wall (14) comprising a bottom card (4) connected to a set of electronic modules (5). The rear wall (14) is extended by edges (14a, 14b) provided with connectors (C1a, C1b) that are capable of being coupled to the connectors (C6a, C6b) that are arranged on a side surface (62a, 62b) of the detachable interconnection module (6a) (6b). Means for closing and releasably locking said at least one detachable interconnection module (6a, 6b) are provided between a handle (8a, 8b) of an interconnection module (6; 6a, 6b) and the side wall (15, 16) of the cabinet (1).