Spring-Loaded Galley Oven Power Connector for Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft galley insert ovens often experience misalignment with power connectors in aircraft galley insert bays, leading to damage and power failures due to improper connections.
Innovation Solution
A power connector assembly with compressible spring assemblies is attached to a mounting plate on the aircraft galley insert oven, allowing self-alignment with the bay's connectors during installation, reducing misalignment and improving connection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid power connector assemblies are used without alignment compensation, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but misalignment damage and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the rigid connector assembly into a compliant one through spring-loaded mechanisms. The spring force parameter allows the connector to dynamically adjust its position, compensating for misalignment while maintaining reliable electrical connections. This resolves the contradiction by changing the mechanical parameter from rigid to compliant, improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the power connector assembly compliant rather than static. The spring-loaded design allows the connector to move and self-align during insertion, adapting to positional variations. This dynamic capability improves connection reliability while keeping the device complexity manageable through a simple spring mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances and alignment tools are used during installation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and installation ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the self-aligning capability of the spring-loaded power connector assembly. The springs automatically compensate for misalignment during installation without requiring external alignment tools or tight tolerances. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to self-correct alignment issues, improving ease of operation while maintaining adequate manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-loading springs into the power connector assembly before installation. These springs are pre-compressed to provide compliance that cushions against misalignment during the installation process. This allows installers to work with relaxed tolerances while still achieving proper alignment, improving ease of operation without sacrificing connection quality.
3Ease of operation
If compliant power connector assemblies with springs are used, then ease of operation and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing spring-loaded mechanisms that enable the power connector assembly to move and self-align during installation. This dynamic compliance improves ease of operation by eliminating the need for precise manual alignment, while the complexity increase is limited to the spring components themselves, which are relatively simple mechanical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter from rigid to compliant through spring loading. This parameter change enables the connector to accommodate misalignment, significantly improving ease of operation. The complexity increase is justified by the relatively simple spring mechanism that provides substantial functional benefits in terms of installation ease and connection reliability.
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 solution enhances installation ease, reduces the need for tight tolerances and alignment tools, and minimizes power failures by ensuring proper pin connections, thereby improving the reliability of aircraft galley insert oven power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The power connector assembly includes compressible spring assemblies that compress as the power connector assembly is mated with a corresponding power connector assembly of the aircraft galley insert bay
Data Source
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AI summary
A system including an aircraft galley insert (104) configured to be installed within an aircraft galley insert bay (112), a mounting plate (110) attached to a rear of the aircraft galley insert (104), and a power connector assembly attached to the mounting plate. The power connector assembly includes compressible spring assemblies that compress as the power connector assembly is mated with a corresponding power connector assembly of the aircraft galley insert bay. The power connector assembly self-aligns with the corresponding power connector assembly of the aircraft galley insert bay when the aircraft galley insert is installed within the aircraft galley insert bay.