Pivoting Aircraft Socket with Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in connection sockets in vehicles, particularly in aircraft, are not robust enough to withstand abuse loads when cables are pulled in directions outside their immediate pivoting range, leading to structural weaknesses and potential impediments during evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting socket design with a restoring device and release mechanism allows the socket to pivot up to 60° in response to misuse loads, ensuring the plug is pulled out rather than transferring excessive force to the structure, and includes a triggering device for rapid release and an indicator light for proper plug insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed socket design is used, then the structure can be simple and easy to manufacture, but the socket cannot withstand abuse loads when cables are pulled in directions outside the immediate pivoting range
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is mounted in a pivoting body that can dynamically rotate about a central axis within a specific angular range (e.g., ±30° to ±45°) when subjected to lateral abuse loads. This dynamic adaptation allows the socket to realign with the pull direction, converting harmful lateral forces into controlled rotational movement, thereby protecting the fixed structure from excessive loads.
2Strength
If a pivoting socket with limited angular range is used, then the socket can adapt to some abuse loads, but abuse loads continue to occur when cables are pulled in directions outside the pivoting range
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connection is designed to be extractable from the socket when the pivoting body rotates beyond a certain angle or when excessive lateral forces are applied. The release device automatically disconnects the plug, preventing the transmission of harmful abuse loads to the fixed structure. This extraction mechanism ensures that even loads outside the pivoting range do not compromise structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If cables are plugged into fixed connections in the area of reading lamps, then power and data connections are provided, but cables impede evacuation by blocking passenger exit paths
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting body with its ability to rotate ±30° to ±45° allows the socket to adapt to lateral pull forces, making cable detachment easier during emergency evacuation. Passengers can quickly pull cables out by applying lateral force within the pivoting range, and the socket will rotate to accommodate the pull, facilitating rapid disconnection without impeding exit paths.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a pivoting body with restoring device is used, then the socket returns to central axis position, but the release device adds complexity to the pivoting body structure
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring device automatically returns the pivoting body to its central axis stationary position after it has rotated to accommodate abuse loads or plug insertion/removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual resetting and ensures the socket is always ready for proper use, while the integrated design of the release device within the pivoting body minimizes additional structural complexity.
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 design reduces structural load requirements and prevents cables from impeding evacuation by ensuring plugs are easily detached, minimizing damage and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for resetting to the central axis is provided
Implementation Method 2
one magnet can be arranged on the receptacle and another on the pivoting body, the poles of which are aligned with one another in such a way that the pivoting body is pulled into the stationary state due to the magnetic attraction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~2b
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in connection socket (10) for vehicles, particularly aircrafts, and to a passenger service module (1) comprising a corresponding plug-in connection socket (10). The plug-in connection socket (10) comprises a sleeve (11) which is accessible on an access side (2), with a direction of insertion (12), wherein the sleeve (11) is arranged in a pivoting body (13) which is movably mounted in relation to a receiving element (14) in such a way that the direction of insertion (12) of the sleeve (11) can be angularly pivoted in all directions, starting from a stationary state of the pivoting body (13), wherein a restoring device (15, 15') is provided for restoring the pivoting body (13) into the stationary state. The passenger service module (1) is designed to be arranged inside vehicles and comprises a plate (3) forming the access side (2), with at least one plug-in connection socket (10) according to the invention which is set into the plate.