Electrical Raft Connectors Embedded for Gas Turbine Vibration Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical harnesses in gas turbine engines are bulky, heavy, and prone to damage due to exposure to high temperatures and vibrations, making them complex and time-consuming to assemble and maintain, with exposed connectors being particularly susceptible to damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of resiliently biased electrical connectors embedded in a rigid composite material within an electrical raft, which provides mechanical protection and maintains a robust electrical connection, reducing the need for additional protection and simplifying assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plug or socket connector components are used to connect electrical components, then electrical connections can be established, but the connectors add weight and complexity to the electrical harnesses and are exposed to high temperatures and vibrations making them susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connector with the electrical component housing into a single integrated assembly. The connector elements are built directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate, exposed connector components. This integration reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections protected within the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector elements are nested within the electrical component housing rather than being exposed externally. This nesting approach protects the connectors from environmental exposure while maintaining functional connectivity, reducing both complexity and vulnerability to damage.
2Reliability
If conventional plug or socket connector components are used, then electrical connections can be made, but the exposed connectors are bulky and heavy to survive the engine environment
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the connector functionality with the housing structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate bulky connector components. The housing itself serves as the protective enclosure and mounting structure for the connector elements, significantly reducing weight while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, environmental protection, and houses the connector elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated connector components, reducing overall weight while maintaining protective capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If conventional harnesses with multitude of insulated wires and cables are used, then electrical signals can be transmitted, but the harness becomes bulky, heavy and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrical connections into integrated assemblies where connectors are built into component housings. This consolidation reduces the number of separate wires and connectors needed, making the overall electrical system lighter and easier to manipulate during installation and maintenance.
4Productivity
If conventional harnesses with many components are used, then electrical connections can be established, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating connectors into component housings, the patent reduces the total number of discrete components that need to be assembled. This merger of functions reduces assembly complexity and time while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional housing that combines structural support and connector housing capabilities reduces the number of separate components needed. This universality simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of steps and components involved.
5Reliability
If protective sleeves and braiding are reinforced to prevent mechanical damage to conductors, then conductor protection is improved, but weight increases and ease of manipulation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating connectors into protected housing structures, the patent provides inherent protection for electrical connections without requiring additional heavy reinforcement of external protective layers. The housing itself serves as the protection, maintaining flexibility.
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
The electrical raft solution reduces weight, complexity, and assembly time, while enhancing protection and reliability of electrical connections, allowing for more efficient maintenance and operation in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The resiliently biased portion provides a biasing force to the contact portion
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical raft (200) comprising electrical conductors (252) embedded in a rigid material are provided to a gas turbine engine. The raft (200) is used to transport electrical signals (which may be, for example power and/or control signals) around a gas turbine engine. The electrical raft (200) has an electrical connector (700) embedded therein which is used to connect the electrical raft to an electrical unit, such as an EEC of a gas turbine engine The electrical connector (700) is resiliently biased so as to ensure a reliable electrical connection.