Aircraft Evacuation Slide Cable Connection Box Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection boxes for aircraft evacuation slide actuation cables lack efficient and secure methods for retaining and sealing the cable ends, which can lead to inadvertent deployment during emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A connection box assembly with a slidable lid and a spring-loaded plunger system that securely engages and seals the cable end, utilizing concentric hollow cylinders and O-ring seals for environmental sealing, and a viewing window for visual verification of proper connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection boxes with hinged lids are used, then the cable connection can be accessed, but the sealing and retention of the cable end is insufficient leading to potential inadvertent deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection box lid transitions from a static hinged structure to a dynamic slidable structure that moves between open and closed positions along a linear path. This dynamic mechanism provides more reliable sealing and retention while maintaining operational simplicity through the sliding motion that engages/disengages the cable retention feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retention function is extracted as a separate feature within the connection box structure. The retention feature is specifically designed to engage the cable end independently from the lid closure, providing dedicated security for the cable connection while the lid provides environmental sealing.
2Reliability
If a slidable lid mechanism is implemented, then sealing and retention are improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable lid provides a balanced dynamic mechanism where the linear sliding motion naturally guides the operator through the connection process. The slide mechanism incorporates engagement features that automatically align and secure the cable end as the lid moves into the closed position, reducing the cognitive load on the operator while improving sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If the connection box is sealed to retain the cable end, then inadvertent deployment is prevented, but access for connection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable lid creates a dynamic sealing system that transitions from an open accessible state to a sealed retained state. During connection, the lid remains in the open position allowing easy access to the cable end. Once connection is complete, the lid slides to the closed position to provide the seal that prevents inadvertent deployment, thus separating the access function from the retention function in time rather than space.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection process is structured so that the cable end is connected to the retention feature while the lid is in the open position, before the sealing action occurs. This preliminary connection approach ensures that the cable is securely retained before the lid is closed and sealed, eliminating the need to break the seal to establish the connection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connection box assembly 10 configured to connect an evacuation slide actuation cable 8 of an evacuation slide actuation system 108 to an evacuation slide inflation system is provided. The connection box assembly comprises a connection box 24, a connection box lid 22 coupled to the connection box and configured to slide between an open position and a closed position, and a connection box slider 21 disposed within the connection box. The connection box slider is positioned to receive a first cable end 12 of the evacuation slide actuation cable when the connection box lid is in the open position. The connection box lid in the closed position closes the connection box to retain and seal the connection box slider and the first cable end inside the connection box assembly.