Rotating EFB Adapter with Plunger Lock for Tool-Free Cockpit Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for Class 2 and Class 3 electronic flight bags (EFBs) in aircraft cockpits do not allow for easy temporary installation, adjustment, or removal without tools, and often require complex manipulation, which can be distracting and inconvenient for pilots.
Innovation Solution
A rotating adapter assembly with a cylindrical barrel and base portion that includes radially extending keys and keyways, a manually operated plunger, and spring-loaded plungers for secure and tool-free mounting of EFBs to a cockpit console, allowing for easy orientation changes between landscape and portrait positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mounting bracket is designed to securely mount EFB, then the reliability of EFB positioning is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it requires considerable manipulation with both hands and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into a stationary base portion and a rotatable adapter portion. The base portion remains fixed to the console while the adapter portion can rotate independently to change display orientation. This segmentation allows the mounting function to be separated from the adjustment function, enabling easy rotation without manipulating the entire mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A plunger mechanism acts as an intermediary between the adapter portion and base portion. The plunger engages with recesses in the adapter portion to lock it in place during rotation, providing controlled movement while maintaining secure mounting. This intermediary element enables easy adjustment while preserving reliable mounting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting bracket allows rotation for orientation changes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into a stationary base portion and a rotatable adapter portion. The base portion remains fixed to the console while the adapter portion can rotate independently to change display orientation. This segmentation allows the mounting function to be separated from the adjustment function, enabling easy rotation without manipulating the entire mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Frictional engagement is applied locally at the interface between the adapter portion and base portion through the plunger mechanism. This localized frictional force provides sufficient resistance to hold the display in rotated positions without requiring complex locking mechanisms throughout the entire structure, maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptability.
3Reliability
If a mounting bracket provides resistance to rotation and vibration, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it requires more force to adjust position
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger mechanism provides periodic engagement with recesses in the adapter portion during rotation. As the adapter rotates, the plunger engages and disengages from different recesses, providing intermittent locking action. This periodic engagement creates resistance during adjustment (improving stability) while still allowing controlled movement when force is applied (maintaining ease of operation).
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional engagement parameter is dynamically controlled through the plunger mechanism. When adjustment force is applied, the plunger can overcome friction to allow rotation. Once positioned, the frictional engagement increases to provide resistance against vibration and accidental movement. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (100) includes an adapter portion (110) configured for attachment to a rear surface of an electronic display device (10) and a base portion (210) configured to be mounted to a fixed structure (12) in the cockpit of an aircraft. The adapter portion has a cylindrical barrel portion (116) having a plurality of circumferentially disposed radially outwardly extending keys (120, 122, 124), a first radially inwardly extending recess (130) corresponding to a landscape position of the display device and a second radially inwardly extending recess (132) corresponding to a portrait position of the display device. The base portion includes an upper surface (212) with a circular reception port (216) formed therein for receiving the barrel portion of the adapter portion, and the reception port has a plurality of radially outwardly extending circumferentially disposed keyways (220, 222, 224) formed therein for receiving the plurality of keys on the barrel portion of the adapter portion.