Matrix Grid Rack for Aircraft Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electrical power units face challenges in terms of volume, mass, and maintenance access due to their complex and space-constrained environments, requiring improved density and simplified maintenance procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a matrix-style support grid rack with slots on the front and rear for easy equipment installation and maintenance, utilizing clamping lugs and mechanical attachments to reduce visible cables and enhance accessibility, while using insulating materials to minimize mass and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power cables and separate equipment holders are used to connect generators to distribution bars, then the electrical power unit can distribute different current types reliably, but the volume and mass of the unit increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated rack structure that simultaneously serves as mechanical support, electrical connection interface, and cable management system. The rack integrates equipment holders, connection terminals, and cable routing pathways, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall volume while maintaining reliable power distribution across different current types
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of electrical equipment (generators, distribution bars, contactors) and handle different current types (220VAC, 115VAC, 28VDC) through standardized interfaces. This multi-functional design reduces the need for specialized components for each function, thereby reducing total volume and mass
2Reliability
If the electrical power unit is segmented into separate sections for safety, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of installation and maintenance increases due to multiple access points required
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into multiple modular slots that can accommodate different equipment types while maintaining physical separation for safety. Each slot is independently accessible, allowing maintenance personnel to service specific equipment without accessing the entire unit from multiple sides, thus preserving safety segregation while simplifying maintenance procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The rack utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging equipment in vertical and horizontal slots that can be accessed from a single front face. This spatial arrangement allows maintenance personnel to reach all equipment through one access point by moving along the rack structure, eliminating the need to access the unit from multiple sides while maintaining safety separations
3Stability of the object's composition
If equipment is installed in electrical cabinets with fixed equipment holders and cable ramps, then structural stability is maintained, but the density of equipment is low and volume is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The rack employs adjustable and reconfigurable equipment holders with movable components that can be positioned at various heights and depths within slots. This dynamic positioning capability allows optimal space utilization while maintaining secure mechanical attachment, achieving high equipment density without compromising structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure incorporates adjustable parameters such as slot positions, holder heights, and cable routing paths that can be configured to accommodate different equipment sizes and power distribution requirements. This flexibility allows the same rack structure to optimize space for various configurations, reducing overall volume while maintaining stability
4Ease of manufacture
If cables are routed along determined paths with clamps on ramps, then cable management is organized, but the number of visible cables increases and maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rack integrates cable routing pathways directly into the rack structure itself, combining cable management with the support structure. Cables are routed through designated channels and conduits built into the rack, eliminating the need for separate cable ramps and clamps, thereby reducing the number of visible cables and components while maintaining organized routing that facilitates easy maintenance access
Data Source
AI summary
In an electrical cabinet (110) for an electrical power unit that carries out electrical power switching for at least multiple electrical power switching equipment (50), the electrical power switching equipment (50) is attached to a front of at least a support grid rack (31) arranged as a matrix with n rows and p columns, where n and p are greater than or equal to two.Each piece of equipment (50) is attached to the grid rack at a slot (34) in the grid rack, open to the front of the grid rack (31) and to the rear of the grid rack to allow installation from the front of the equipment and to allow access from the front to the rear of the grid rack through the slots (34).