Tool-Free EFB Mounting with Pivoting Locking Pin
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display mounting apparatuses in aircraft cockpits require tools for removal and installation, leading to a degraded viewing experience due to glare and height differences among flight crew members, and necessitate physical removal for updates, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting display mounting apparatus with separable mount members, including a base mount, pivot support, and upper mount, where the upper mount can be secured to an electronic flight bag (EFB) using a locking pin with a T-handle and plunger, allowing for tool-free connection and removal by hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a display is fixed in a secured position, then the display is stable and secure, but special tools are needed to secure and remove the display
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into separate components: a base mount member fixed to the vehicle surface, a pivot support member with locking mechanism, and an upper mount member holding the display. This segmentation allows the display to be securely mounted while enabling tool-free removal through the quick-release latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A quick-release latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the secured display and the user. The latch can be engaged or disengaged by hand without tools, providing easy removal while maintaining secure mounting when engaged. The latch serves as the mediator that resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If an EFB is installed in a fixed position, then the EFB is securely mounted, but the viewing experience is degraded due to glare and height differences among flight crew members
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot support member enables dynamic adjustment of the display position and angle. The display can be pivoted about a pivot pin to change its orientation, allowing flight crew members to adjust the viewing angle according to their height and position, while the quick-release latch maintains secure mounting when adjusted to the desired position.
3Ease of manufacture
If an EFB is physically removed for updates, then updates can be installed, but the process is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release latch mechanism is pre-configured to allow tool-free removal and reinstallation. This preliminary design enables flight crew members to quickly remove the EFB for updates and reinstall it without requiring tools or technical expertise, significantly reducing the time and inconvenience associated with update installation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to one aspect, a display mounting apparatus (100) includes a base mount member (102), a pivot support member (104), and an upper mount member (106). The base mount member (102) includes a pair of pivot attachment holes (110). The pivot support member (104) includes an upper mounting surface (124) and a locking pin passage (126). The pivot support member (104) is coupled to the base mount member (102) by a pivot pin (128) that passes through the pair of pivot attachment holes (110). The upper mount member (106) includes a display mounting surface (138), a lower surface (140), and a pair of locking pin holes (142) arranged to engage a locking pin (144) that passes through the pair of locking pin holes (142) and through the locking pin passage (126) of the pivot support member (104) when the upper mounting surface (124) of the pivot support member (104) is positioned proximate to the lower surface (140) of the upper mount member (106).