Pivoting Lever Housing for Avionics Module Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for inserting, locking, and extracting electronic modules in avionics bays require significant effort and complexity, leading to increased weight and the need for precise positioning, which complicates the manipulation and connection of modules with varying formats.

Innovation Solution

A method and structure that allow for single-operation insertion, locking, and extraction of electronic modules by applying effort at the rear of the module, using a pivoting lever system with a mobile link and automatic locking mechanism, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining compatibility with varying module formats and back panel mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional insertion and locking systems are used for electronic modules, then secure connection is achieved, but significant effort and complexity are required, leading to increased weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure connectionVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the insertion effort application point from the connection interface location. The effort is applied at the rear of the module through a lever system, while the actual connection occurs at the front interface, dividing the functional components to reduce overall system complexity and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A lever system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's insertion effort and the connection interface. The lever transfers and amplifies the applied force to achieve secure connection without requiring direct high-force application at the connector, reducing the need for heavy-duty connection components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning systems are used to maintain good connection, then connection quality is improved, but manipulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidmanipulation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lever system automatically positions and aligns the module with the connection interface during insertion. The mechanical design of the lever and its interaction with the module housing provides self-alignment and self-positioning, eliminating the need for complex external positioning systems while maintaining connection quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a dynamic lever mechanism that adapts its position and force application during insertion. The lever moves through a controlled range of motion, automatically adjusting to maintain optimal connection geometry without requiring precise pre-positioning by the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple operation steps are used for insertion and locking, then secure locking is achieved, but time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidinsertion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lever system combines multiple functions into a single mechanical component. The same lever that applies insertion force also engages the locking mechanism through its motion path, merging the insertion and locking operations into one continuous action rather than requiring separate steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient and tool-free manipulation of electronic modules with automatic locking, reducing the risk of errors and weight, while maintaining secure connections across different module formats and formats, thus simplifying the insertion and extraction process.

Implementation Method 1

a lever arm (3) provided, at a distal end (3d) thereof, with pivoting means (30) on the back panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

exerting a pressure on said lever arm (3) from a proximal end (3p) thereof to continue the pivoting of the lever arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

triggered by a mobile link formed between a distal end of said gearing-down lever mounted to rotate on the back panel and the electronic module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

automatic locking mechanism (40) suitable for automatically locking a proximal end (3p) of the lever arm (3) in a locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11700703B2Method for inserting, locking and extracting an electronic module and housing structure for implementing same

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 LATELEC

AI summary

The invention relates to a structure (1) for housing electronic modules (2) provided with a system for inserting, locking and extracting such modules (2) including adjacent individual recesses separated by side rails and a motherboard (13), each recess being intended for receiving an electronic module (2). The system for inserting, locking and extracting includes one lever arm (3) per individual recess (10) provided at a distal end with a device for pivoting on the motherboard (13) and guiding device (31) capable of engaging with a circulation device (22, 22′) connected to the electronic module (2) in order to couple connectors of the electronic module (2) with the connectors of the motherboard (13), as well as a device for automatic locking and unlocking of a proximal end (3p) of each lever arm (3).