Field-Serviceable Gimbal Shell Connector for Rapid Aircraft Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft connectors require disassembly by removing screws or bolts for servicing, which is time-consuming and poses safety risks, especially during operations on a carrier deck.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a gimbal shell assembly that pivots within an external mounting flange, allowing disengagement without screws, using a center screw for torque-based disassembly and reassembly, ensuring no electrical connection during disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws or bolts are used to secure the connector assembly, then the connector maintains structural stability and reliability, but the servicing time increases and safety risks arise during deck operations
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separable components: a fixed connector half and a removable gimbal shell assembly. This segmentation allows the gimbal shell to be quickly detached and replaced without removing securing fasteners, enabling rapid servicing while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal shell assembly incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows dynamic movement and adjustment. The bayonet-style coupling enables the gimbal shell to be quickly engaged and disengaged through rotational motion, providing both structural stability when locked and rapid serviceability when needed.
2Reliability
If traditional screw-secured designs are used, then the connector maintains secure connection, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring removal of securing fasteners to access the gimbal shell, the design inverts the sequence: the gimbal shell is designed to be directly removable via bayonet coupling without touching screws or bolts. The fasteners remain in place to maintain structural security while the inverted access method dramatically simplifies operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal shell assembly is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit that can be removed independently from the main connector body. This extraction eliminates the need to disassemble the fastening system, allowing operators to service the connector by simply detaching and replacing the gimbal shell portion.
3Ease of repair
If the gimbal shell assembly is made removable for quick servicing, then the ease of repair improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet-style coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables rapid engagement/disengagement, ensures proper alignment through keying features, and maintains electrical contact. This multi-functionality achieves field serviceability without requiring multiple separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 quick and safe servicing of electrical connectors on deck without moving the aircraft, reducing time and safety concerns by eliminating the need for screw removal.
Implementation Method 1
an external mounting flange that provides a housing in which a gimbal shell assembly sits and pivots
Implementation Method 2
a center screw that is capable of being torqued to disengage the gimble shell assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A connector comprises an external mounting flange that provides a housing in which a gimbal shell assembly sits and pivots. An internal recessing shell is capable of having an electrical connection with the gimbal shell assembly, wherein when the gimble shell assembly is disengaged, no electrical connection exists between internal recessing shell and gimbal shell assembly. A center screw is capable of being torqued to disengage and reengage the gimble shell assembly.