Magnetic Cabin Fitting Contacts for Easier Aircraft Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of cabin equipment units in aircraft, such as overhead luggage compartments, is complex due to the need for electrical connections in concealed and difficult-to-access locations, which complicates assembly and increases maintenance efforts without compromising safety or space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cabin equipment unit with magnetically attracted contact connection elements that allow for easy establishment and maintenance of electrical connections between pivoting parts, using magnets to ensure secure contact in hard-to-reach locations, facilitated by spring-loaded contact pins and sockets, and a tool-free mechanical lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical connecting cables are routed through pivot axes and housed in cable ducts for protection and safety, then safety and space utilization are improved, but installation effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into separate contact connection elements (first on the first pivoting part, second on the second pivoting part) that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows each element to be optimally positioned for safety while simplifying the overall installation process, as the elements can be connected separately rather than requiring complex cable routing through pivot axes.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism between the two contact connection elements. The magnets enable automatic alignment and secure connection of the electrical contacts without requiring manual positioning or complex mechanical coupling structures, thereby reducing installation effort while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If contact connection elements are positioned in concealed and difficult-to-access locations for protection, then safety is improved, but ease of assembly and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling mechanism replaces complex mechanical positioning and securing systems. Instead of requiring precise manual alignment and mechanical fastening in difficult-to-access locations, the magnetic field automatically guides and secures the contact connection elements, making assembly and maintenance easier while keeping the connections in protected, concealed locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact connection elements with magnetic coupling are designed to self-align and self-secure in their concealed positions. The magnetic attraction automatically pulls the elements into proper alignment and maintains secure contact without requiring external intervention or complex assembly procedures, enabling easy assembly and maintenance even in difficult-to-access locations.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic coupling devices are used for electrical connections, then ease of connection is improved, but suitability for confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling devices are designed with specific local characteristics optimized for confined spaces. The contact connection elements are dimensioned and positioned to fit within the limited space available in aircraft cabin equipment, while still providing sufficient magnetic coupling force for secure electrical connection. This local optimization enables both ease of connection and adaptability to confined spaces.
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
This solution simplifies the assembly and maintenance of electrical connections in aircraft cabin equipment units by allowing for secure, tool-free connection and disconnection in difficult-to-access areas, reducing installation effort and minimizing damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
the contact connection elements can be moved from a disconnected position to a contact position in which the contact connection elements are electrically connected to each other, wherein the second contact connection element can be arranged on the second pivoting part such that by moving the second pivoting part into the closed position the contact connection elements are brought into the contact position and, in particular, are held in the contact position by a magnetic force of the at least one magnet
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The method relates to a cabin fitting (1) for a passenger cabin, comprising: - a first pivoting part (3), - a second pivoting part (4) which can be pivoted with respect to the first pivoting part (3) about a pivot axis (5) between an open position and a closed position, and – an electrical element (13) which is arranged on the second pivoting part (4) and can be connected to the first pivoting part (3) via an electrical connection line (15), wherein the first pivoting part (3) comprises a first contact connection element (17) and the electrical connection line (15) comprises a second contact connection element (18) which corresponds to the first contact connection element (17), wherein the first (17) and/or the second contact connection element (18) has at least one magnet (19) and the contact connection elements (17, 18) can be transferred from a disconnected position into a contact position, wherein the second contact connection element (18) can be arranged on the second pivoting part (4) such that, by transferring the second pivoting part (4) into the closed position, the contact connection elements (17, 18) are brought into the contact position and held in the contact position.