Flexible Air Circuit Coupling for Misaligned Avionics Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for air circuits in avionics racks require significant clear space and are not suitable for closely spaced racks, as they rely on rigid sleeves and clamps, which cannot accommodate variable spacing or misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sleeve coupling system with sliding frames and locking mechanisms that allow for tool-free installation and adaptation to variable spacings, enabling fluid-tight connections between air circuit portions and compensating for misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid sleeve with clamps is used to connect air circuit portions, then a secure fluid-tight connection is achieved, but a significant amount of clear space is required which is not available in closely spaced avionics racks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid sleeve with a flexible bellows structure that can deform to accommodate limited space between avionics racks while maintaining fluid-tight connection. The bellows' flexibility allows it to compress and expand, enabling installation in tight spaces where rigid connections cannot fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device incorporates movable frames that can slide along the air circuit portions and a flexible bellows that can deform dynamically. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt to variable spacing between racks during installation and operation, unlike static rigid connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid sleeve is used for connection, then structural stability is maintained, but the device cannot accommodate variable spacing or misalignment between air circuit portions
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible bellows structure provides both stability and adaptability. It maintains structural integrity for fluid-tight connection while its flexibility allows it to accommodate variable spacing and misalignment between air circuit portions, eliminating the need for precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable frames and flexible bellows create a dynamic connection system that can adjust to different positions and orientations. This allows the device to maintain stable fluid connection while adapting to misalignment and variable spacing, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used to ensure secure connection, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates self-locking mechanisms that automatically engage when the movable frames are positioned correctly. The spring-loaded locking elements and positioning features provide automatic securing without requiring additional tools or complex manual operations, reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with simpler spring-loaded and elastic deformation-based locking mechanisms. These mechanisms provide secure connection through elastic recovery and geometric interlocking rather than complex fasteners, significantly reducing installation complexity and time.
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 easy and quick connection of air circuit portions in limited spaces without tools, accommodating variable spacings and misalignments, ensuring reliable fluid continuity while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
As a result of its deformability, the flexible sleeve can adapt to the variable spacing between two avionics racks and is able to compensate for a misalignment between the orifices of two portions of an air circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling is disclosed providing fluidic continuity between first and second orifices of two portions of an air circuit which includes a flexible sleeve, a first frame connected in fluid-tight manner to a first end of the flexible sleeve and having a first opening, and a second frame, connected in fluid-tight manner to a second end of the flexible sleeve and having a second opening. The coupling is deformable so that the flexible sleeve may adapt to the variable spacing between two avionics racks and is able to compensate for a misalignment between the orifices of two portions of an air circuit.