Push-Pull Electrical Connector for Aircraft Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical connector systems for aircraft interiors are time-consuming to assemble, require external tools, and can result in lost parts and damage to the panel coating due to the need for screws, washers, and nuts, necessitating multiple personnel for proper assembly.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector system employs a push-pull or snap-fit connection mechanism between the connector attachment means and the mating second connector attachment means, eliminating the need for tools and loose parts, allowing for quicker assembly with visual markings for verification and mechanical coding for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw and nut attachment method is used, then reliable mechanical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and multiple personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the screw and nut components from the attachment system, replacing them with a push-pull connector mechanism that achieves reliable mechanical connection without traditional fastening elements, thereby speeding up assembly while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The push-pull connector is designed to be self-assembling through a simple push motion that automatically engages locking features, eliminating the need for manual screwing operations and external tool assistance, thus improving assembly speed while ensuring reliable connection
2Reliability
If traditional screw and nut attachment method is used, then mechanical connection is established, but assembly process becomes complex requiring external tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes external tools and loose fastening components from the assembly process, integrating all necessary connection features into the push-pull connector itself, which simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body and attachment means are merged into a single integrated push-pull mechanism with built-in locking features, eliminating the need for separate screws, nuts, and tools, thus reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable connection
3Reliability
If traditional screw and nut attachment method is used, then connection is secured, but risk of losing loose parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all connection components into the integrated push-pull connector body, eliminating separate loose parts like screws and nuts that could be lost, while maintaining secure connection through built-in locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates loose fastening components from the system, replacing them with an integrated connector design where all necessary elements are permanently attached, thus preventing loss of parts while ensuring connection security
4Reliability
If traditional screw and nut attachment method is used, then mechanical fastening is achieved, but damage to panel coating can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw and nut fastening elements that cause coating damage, replacing them with a push-pull connector that attaches through a recess without requiring threading into the panel surface, thus maintaining mechanical fastening while preventing coating damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a recess or mounting hole as an intermediary structure that allows the push-pull connector to attach without direct contact between fastening elements and the panel coating, thus protecting the coating while achieving reliable mechanical fastening
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 enables faster, tool-free assembly of electrical connectors with enhanced reliability and reduced risk of damage, requiring only one person and ensuring correct connection verification without loose parts, meeting aeronautical standards.
Implementation Method 1
the mating second connector attachment means can further comprise a spring configured to impose a force on a movable locking element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connector system comprising an electrical connector (102) for receiving a plurality of electrical cables, and a mating second electrical connector (106) for receiving a plurality of electrical cables, wherein the mating second electrical connector (106) is mechanically connectable to the electrical connector (102), and wherein, in the mount state, the mechanical connection is a push pull type connection or a snap fit connection between an electrical connector attachment means (114) and a mating second connector attachment means (124) of the mating electrical receptacle connector (106).