Lateral Connector Locking Mechanism for Aircraft Instrument Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for electronic boxes in aircraft instrument panels face challenges such as large connector size, significant installation effort, parasitic rotational movements, and increased costs due to reinforcement requirements, while also failing to meet strict aeronautical standards for shock resistance, environmental durability, and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with lateral connectors parallel to the front face, a rear-mounted locking handle, and cam locking mechanism that reduces connector size and tightening force, allowing for secure and tool-free assembly and disassembly, while ensuring crash safety and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are mounted on the rear part of the electronic box, then electrical connection is established, but the connector size becomes large and installation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the connector mounting from the rear face to the lateral face of the electronic box, changing the spatial dimension of connection. This lateral mounting allows the connector to be oriented parallel to the front face, reducing its projected size and enabling more compact integration into the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: the electronic box with its connector mounted on the lateral face, the frame with the receiving structure, and the locking handle. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the connector size reduced by removing it from the rear mounting position.
2Strength
If the handle is reinforced to prevent deformation, then mechanical strength is improved, but the effort to install the electronic unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking handle is designed as a dynamic component that rotates about an axis during the installation process. This rotational movement allows the handle to naturally guide the connector into position and engage the locking mechanism, reducing the installation effort required compared to rigid reinforcement approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the handle and the connector, providing mechanical advantage and guiding the connection process. The cam profile is designed to convert the rotational motion of the handle into the appropriate forcing motion to engage the connector, reducing the direct effort required from the operator.
3Device complexity
If the tightening force is not parallel to the connector insertion force, then connection is established, but parasitic rotational movement occurs requiring additional wedges
Solution Approach 1:
The connector and receiving structure are designed with asymmetric geometries that naturally align the tightening force with the insertion direction. The lateral mounting position and the orientation of the connector pins create an asymmetric configuration that eliminates parasitic rotational movements during connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional parallel tightening mechanism with a lateral connection system where the connector pins are oriented parallel to the front face. This substitution of the mechanical arrangement eliminates the need for additional wedges to compensate for rotational movements, simplifying the overall connection mechanism.
4Area of stationary object
If connectors are positioned to allow lateral connection parallel to the front face, then connector size and tightening force are reduced, but the connection interface geometry changes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is mounted on the lateral face rather than the rear face, changing the spatial dimension of the connection interface. This allows the connector to be oriented parallel to the front face, reducing its projected area and enabling more compact integration while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
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 provides a space-saving, visually unobtrusive, and cost-effective connection system that meets aeronautical standards, offering improved mechanical strength, reduced stress on operators, and enhanced electromagnetic compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The connection device comprises: Mounted on the frame, two identical supports located on either side of two of the sides of the opening, the second connector being mounted on said supports in free rotation... first fixing means... a housing comprising the first connector... second fixing means complementary to the first fixing means and arranged so that the second connector being arranged in the housing of the housing, the second fixing means block said second connector in the housing
Implementation Method 2
The connection is made by means of a chair equipped with pins mounted on springs
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The general field of the invention is that of electrical and mechanical connection devices for an electronic housing (1) within a frame (20), the electronic housing comprising a first connector and the frame comprising a second connector (22) complementary to the first connector. In the connection device according to the invention, the first connector is mounted in a lateral housing (11) on the side of the housing, and the second connector is mounted for free rotation within the frame on supports (23) which also include a locking handle (24) to ensure the electrical and mechanical connection of the housing within the frame. This device is particularly applicable to display devices mounted on aircraft instrument panels.