Longitudinal Coupling Device with Independent Support Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for attaching equipment to aircraft rails are cumbersome, time-consuming, and physically demanding to adjust longitudinally, with complex and expensive designs that are not user-friendly or efficient for frequent modifications in aircraft cabins.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a support member that transitions between a rest and in-use configuration, using wheels or skids to facilitate easy movement along the rail, and independent control mechanisms for attachment and support functions, allowing for quick and effortless adjustment of the coupling device's position without requiring excessive physical effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firm mechanical connection is provided between the coupling device and rail to withstand vibration, then the coupling stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for vertical blocking parts and multi-step locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into independent functional modules: a support member with wheel for longitudinal movement, and separate attachment means for vertical locking. This segmentation allows each module to perform its function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A support member equipped with a wheel is introduced as an intermediary element between the coupling device and the rail. This wheel facilitates smooth longitudinal movement along the rail, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation mechanisms while ensuring stable positioning.
2Reliability
If the coupling device is designed for firm mechanical connection to withstand vibration, then the coupling stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for multiple steps and physical effort to adjust position
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to transition dynamically between different operational states: free rolling mode for easy longitudinal adjustment, and locked mode for stable positioning. This dynamic capability allows the device to be easily repositioned when needed while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel on the support member enables the coupling device to move along the rail through simple rolling action, requiring minimal physical effort. The device essentially serves itself by using the wheel mechanism to facilitate its own repositioning without requiring complex manual manipulation.
3Reliability
If the attachment means are designed to provide firm mechanical connection, then the coupling stability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support member with wheel is pre-configured to enable smooth longitudinal movement before the final locking operation. This preliminary movement capability allows rapid repositioning along the rail, significantly reducing the time required for adjustment operations while maintaining stable coupling when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel mechanism enables continuous longitudinal movement along the rail, allowing the coupling device to be repositioned efficiently at any location. This continuous movement capability eliminates the need for discrete, time-consuming adjustment steps, thereby improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device (1) comprises an attachment (6) capable of varying between an attachment configuration and a release configuration, said coupling device (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a support member (7) designed to vary between an in-use configuration in which it supports the weight of said coupling device (1) while allowing it to move, and secondly a rest position in which it does not support the weight of said coupling device (1), the attachment (6) and the support member (7) being designed to vary between their respective configurations independently of each other.