Pivoting Display Mount for Tool-Free EFB Removal and Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft electronic flight bags (EFBs) often require tool-assisted removal and reinstallation for updates, which can be inconvenient and may lead to degraded viewing experiences due to glare and height differences among flight crew members, especially when not integrated into the cockpit.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting display mounting apparatus that allows for tool-free installation and removal by using a base mount member with pivot attachment holes, a pivot support member with a locking pin passage, and an upper mount member with locking pin holes, enabling adjustable angular positioning and secure attachment to an EFB without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EFBs are incorporated into the cockpit as an integrated device, then the viewing experience is improved with fixed position, but the device cannot be easily removed for updates and cannot be repositioned to accommodate different crew members
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into separate components: a base mount member fixed to the aircraft, a pivot support member with adjustable angular positions, and an upper mount member for securing the EFB. This segmentation allows the EFB to be easily removed and repositioned while maintaining a stable fixed position during use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot support member enables dynamic adjustment of the EFB's angular position to accommodate different flight crew members' heights and viewing angles. The mechanism allows the EFB to transition from a fixed integrated state to an adjustable state, providing both stable viewing experience and ease of repositioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If EFBs are made as portable devices that can be removed, then updates can be installed, but special tools are needed to secure and remove them from the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus incorporates self-servicing features including a T-handle plunger mechanism that allows flight crew members to easily engage and disengage the locking pins without requiring special tools. The system is designed to be operated by the end users themselves, eliminating the need for specialized removal tools while maintaining secure attachment during flight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If EFBs are secured in a fixed position, then stable viewing is achieved, but the device cannot be repositioned to reduce glare and accommodate different crew heights
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot support member provides dynamic positioning capability with multiple predetermined angular positions, allowing the EFB to be adjusted for different crew members' heights and to optimize viewing angles for glare reduction. When positioned, the EFB remains stable and secure, thus achieving both viewing stability and repositioning adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus serves multiple functions: it secures the EFB in a stable fixed position during use, allows repositioning to different angular orientations, and accommodates various flight crew members. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability by integrating both capabilities into a single system.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a method of installing a display mounting apparatus in a vehicle is provided. A base mount member of the display mounting apparatus is coupled to a surface of the vehicle. The base mount member includes a pair of pivot attachment holes. An angular position of a pivot support member is adjusted. The pivot support member includes an upper mounting surface and a locking pin passage, where the pivot support member is coupled to the base mount member by a pivot pin that passes through the pivot attachment holes. A lower surface of an upper mount member is positioned proximate the upper mounting surface to align a pair of locking pin holes in the upper mount member with the locking pin passage. A locking pin is engaged through the pair of locking pin holes in the upper mount member and through the locking pin passage.