Avionics Tablet Docking Mechanism for Secure EFB Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) systems face challenges in rapid and secure connection to avionics systems, with existing solutions either unable to connect for data retrieval or requiring complex disconnection processes, limiting their usability and efficiency in flight preparation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical and electronic connection system featuring a touch tablet with a pivoting pallet and translational guiding means, secured by a return spring, allowing automatic locking and easy disconnection without manual intervention, utilizing a dovetail system and centring pins and notches for secure attachment to an aircraft instrument panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical connection system is used to secure the EFB to the aircraft, then connection security and stability are improved, but connection complexity and manual intervention requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system automatically secures the EFB to the aircraft mounting support through a locking mechanism that engages without manual intervention. The release mechanism allows the EFB to be unlocked and removed by the user when needed, eliminating the need for tools or complex manual operations while maintaining secure attachment during flight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical connection systems with an automated locking mechanism that uses spring-loaded arms and lugs to automatically secure the EFB. This substitution reduces the need for manual intervention while maintaining connection security, addressing the contradiction between reliability and operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the EFB is designed to be rapidly removable for updates and portability, then ease of operation is improved, but connection security and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveremovabilityVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The EFB incorporates an automated locking mechanism that secures the device to the aircraft mounting support without requiring manual intervention during connection. The system self-secures through spring-loaded arms that automatically engage with lugs on the EFB, providing secure attachment while maintaining ease of removal when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic removable design with automated locking. The spring-loaded arms provide continuous securing force during flight, while allowing rapid release when the EFB needs to be removed for updates or portability, balancing connection security with ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If tools are required to disconnect the EFB from the aircraft system, then connection security is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidpre-flight preparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is designed to automatically secure the EFB to the aircraft mounting support without requiring tools for connection or disconnection. The spring-loaded locking arms engage automatically when the EFB is placed on the support, and can be released by the user without tools, eliminating time-consuming manual operations and improving pre-flight preparation efficiency while maintaining connection security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables rapid, secure, and vibration-resistant connection of the EFB to the avionics system, simplifying pre-flight tasks and reducing the need for manual handling, while ensuring data exchange and easy disconnection for updates.

Implementation Method 1

a pivoting pallet (14) comprising a return spring (15)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

first translational guiding means; second translational guiding means complementing the first translational guiding means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical guidance:

Implementation Method 3

the first mechanical securing means are centring pins and the second securing means are notches of a form corresponding to said centring pins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS9886060B2Mission preparation system, notably for aircraft comprising a docking station

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 THALES SA

AI summary

The general field of the invention is that of electronic mission preparation systems, notably for aircraft pilots. The system comprises a removable touch tablet and an associated connection support or docking station intended to be mounted on an aircraft instrument panel. The connection support comprises a mechanical support comprising translational guiding means and a pivoting pallet comprising mechanical means for rapidly locking and unlocking the touch tablet This connection support also comprises a memory card and electrical connectors. These provisions together ensure both the electrical and mechanical connections of the tablet to the avionics system via the connection support.