Aircraft Dongle Mounting Adapter with Cable Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard plug-in dongles for aircraft face challenges such as dislodgment due to vibrations, aesthetic concerns, and the need for easy replacement without special tools, while also requiring certification across various locations.
Innovation Solution
An electronics mounting adapter with a base member, cover, cable stabilizing elements, mounting provisions, and clamping mechanisms to securely hold dongles and cables, accommodating various sizes and shapes, and allowing for easy installation and removal without tools, while providing an aesthetically pleasing design and venting options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard plug-in dongle is mounted in an aircraft cabin, then wireless communication functionality is provided, but the dongle can be dislodged by aircraft vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a base member that interfaces with the dongle, a cover that encloses the assembly, and mounting provisions that attach to the aircraft surface. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements - the base member provides vibration resistance through friction fit and clamping, while the cover provides aesthetic enclosure, and mounting provisions enable secure installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member acts as an intermediary between the dongle and the aircraft mounting surface. It provides cable stabilizing elements that prevent cable movement, mounting provisions that secure the assembly to the aircraft, and clamping elements that hold the dongle in place, thereby mediating the connection and protecting against vibration dislodgment.
2Reliability
If a secure mount is provided for the dongle, then vibration resistance is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the aircraft interior may be disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The dongle is nested within the base member cavity, which is then enclosed by the cover. This nested structure allows the mounting system to be compact and self-contained, providing secure vibration resistance while presenting a clean, finished appearance from the exterior that does not disturb the aircraft interior aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as a flexible enclosure that can be designed to match various aesthetic requirements. It provides the necessary structural support for mounting while allowing for aesthetic customization through different materials, finishes, or designs that can blend with the aircraft interior decor.
3Reliability
If the dongle is semi-permanently mounted, then vibration resistance is improved, but replacement requires special tools and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed permanent installation to a dynamic, adjustable system. The cover can be detached to access the dongle, and the base member includes cable stabilizing elements that can be repositioned. This dynamic design allows the system to maintain secure mounting during operation while enabling easy access and replacement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables user-friendly installation and removal without requiring special tools or technical expertise. The snap-fit or screw-fastened cover, combined with the modular base member design, allows operators to easily detach the cover, remove or replace the dongle, and reassemble the system using standard hand tools or even by hand in some configurations.
4Ease of operation
If cable movement is unrestricted, then ease of installation is improved, but cable connectors can become dislodged due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is designed with pre-positioned cable stabilizing elements and friction fit features that automatically secure the cable connector upon insertion. This preliminary action of securing the cable during the installation process eliminates the need for additional cable management steps while ensuring the connector is properly positioned and stabilized against vibration before the system is put into service.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for mounting of plug-in electronic dongles are provided. In one embodiment, an electronics mounting adapter device comprises: a base member that includes a cavity and at least one cable stabilizing element configured to secure a cable connector of a cable within the cavity, wherein the cable is routed though an opening in the base member into the cavity; a cover coupled to the base member by at least one fastener; one or more mounting provisions for securing the base member to a mounting surface; and at least one clamping element configured to clamp a dongle within the cavity, wherein the dongle is coupled to the cable connector.