IFE Connector Boot Assembly for Vibration and Liquid Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial in-flight entertainment systems are vulnerable to vibration, shock, and liquids, which can degrade their functionality and passenger experience.
Innovation Solution
The development of connector systems, methods, and apparatuses that enhance the resilience of connectors and connections within entertainment systems, including the use of connector boots with projections and partitions, and enclosures with integrated cable clips to prevent fluid ingress and reduce movement between connector plugs and receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connector plugs are used to interface with connector receptacles in entertainment systems, then electrical connectivity and signal transmission are enabled, but the connections become vulnerable to vibration, shock, and liquid ingress
Solution Approach 1:
A connector boot is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector plug and the environment. The boot encompasses the connector plug and interfaces with the connector receptacle, providing mechanical protection against vibration and shock while maintaining electrical connectivity. This intermediary structure absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses away from the delicate electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector boot is formed from a flexible material that can deform under vibration and shock conditions, allowing the boot to absorb mechanical energy while maintaining the structural integrity of the electrical connection. The flexible nature of the boot material enables it to accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical movement without compromising connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connector plugs are exposed to fluids during travel, then operational flexibility is maintained, but liquid ingress can degrade functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible boot material forms a protective barrier that prevents liquid ingress while allowing the connector to maintain its operational flexibility. The boot can deform to accommodate movement and positioning requirements while sealing around the connector plug to prevent fluid penetration to the electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector boot is pre-installed on the connector plug before deployment, providing preliminary protection against liquid ingress. This pre-protective measure ensures that the electrical connections are shielded from harmful environmental factors before any liquid exposure can occur during travel operations.
3Reliability
If connector connections are made secure to prevent movement, then signal integrity is maintained, but the complexity of the connector assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector boot combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides mechanical protection, electrical insulation, vibration damping, and liquid sealing all in one structure. This merging of functions reduces the overall complexity compared to using separate components for each protective function while maintaining signal integrity through secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible boot material inherently provides signal integrity through its ability to maintain consistent electrical contact while accommodating movement. The material's properties allow it to conform to the connector plug and receptacle, ensuring reliable signal transmission without requiring complex rigid mounting structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various connector systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed that can improve connectors and/or connections within an in-flight entertainment system to be at least more resilient to vibration, shock, and/or liquids. Connector boots are disclosed herein that can be coupled to a cover plate of an electronic box of an in-flight entertainment system to improve the connection between a connector plug and a receptacle of the electronic box. A cushion component and a clip are disclosed herein that can improve the connection between a connector plug and a receptacle of a monitor. Methods of disposing components of a connector plug in foil, tape, and/or heat shrink are disclosed herein that can improve resistance to liquids. Connector boots are disclosed herein that can be coupled to an in-line disconnect box to improve connections to connector plugs.