Instrument Panel Bracket for Legacy Cockpit Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft like F-16, F-15, and F-22 fighter jets, upgrading or replacing center instrument pedestal components requires a solution that accommodates different sizes and shapes without modifying the existing cockpit structure, while ensuring compatibility with legacy equipment and maintaining situational awareness capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system comprising a body, face plate, and pressure fitting connectors is designed to fit within the center instrument pedestal, allowing for the installation of new components like pressure transducers and other COTS devices, which can be coupled to existing components without altering the mounting block's design, enabling the integration of new functionalities like digital flight instruments and power distribution units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new components are installed in the center instrument pedestal, then system upgrade capability is improved, but structural modification of the cockpit is required
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple segments: a first portion that interfaces with the mounting block, a second portion that supports the new component, and a third portion that provides cable access. This segmentation allows the bracket to accommodate various component sizes and shapes without requiring modification to the existing pedestal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary device between the existing mounting block and the new component. It interfaces with the legacy structure while providing a customized mounting surface for the new component, thereby enabling system upgrades without direct structural modification of the cockpit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components of different sizes and shapes are installed, then versatility is improved, but compatibility with legacy equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple component types and sizes. The first portion provides a standardized interface with the mounting block, while the second portion can be configured to support various component geometries, making the system compatible with both legacy and new equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates adjustable and movable elements that allow it to adapt to different component configurations. This dynamic design enables the bracket to maintain reliable connections with legacy equipment while supporting components of varying sizes and shapes.
3Ease of operation
If installation is performed from the cockpit side, then ease of operation is improved, but access to certain components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket extends in multiple dimensions from the mounting block, with the third portion providing cable access from a different spatial dimension. This allows installation from the cockpit side while maintaining access to components that would otherwise be difficult to reach, simplifying the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a bracket configured to hold a pressure transducer comprises a body, a face plate, and one or more pressure fitting connectors. The body has a rear portion and a front portion that meet to form an angle less than 180 degrees. The face plate is coupled to the front portion of the body, and has a surface defining a plate aperture configured for a cable to pass through. The pressure fitting connectors are coupled to the rear portion of the body. Each pressure fitting connector is configured to receive a pressure hose.