Rail-Based Mounting Mechanism for Avionics Panel Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard Dzus fasteners occupy a substantial area of the panel surface, limiting the use of space for avionics equipment in cockpit control panels due to their cylindrical design and corner placement.

Innovation Solution

A mounting mechanism featuring a support member with a rail and a fastener that includes a clamping arm and pivotally associated clamp lever, allowing the device to be secured and released by moving the clamping arm into locking engagement with the rail, reducing vertical space requirements and enabling greater panel surface area utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If standard cylindrical Dzus fasteners are used at the corners of panels, then the fastening function is achieved, but a substantial area of the panel surface is occupied, limiting the use of space for avionics equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel surface areaVSAvoidfastening function

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional corner-mounted cylindrical fastener to a three-dimensional rail-based system where the clamping arm engages the rail from the rear. This dimensional shift allows the fastening function to be achieved without occupying substantial panel surface area, as the clamping action occurs behind the panel front surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A rail is introduced as an intermediary element between the panel and the fastening mechanism. The rail is attached to the support member and extends beyond the front surface of the panel, allowing the clamping arm to engage and secure the panel without requiring corner-mounted fasteners that occupy valuable panel surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If corner placement of fasteners is used, then secure fastening is achieved, but vertical space between fasteners is reduced, limiting panel surface area utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical space between fastenersVSAvoidfastening security

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system moves the clamping action from the horizontal plane (corner placement) to the vertical dimension by extending the rail beyond the front surface of the panel. The clamping arm engages the rail from the rear, securing the panel through vertical engagement rather than horizontal corner occupation, thereby increasing usable vertical space between fasteners while maintaining fastening security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If standard Dzus fasteners are used, then the fastening mechanism is simple, but the vertical space required for latching is substantial, reducing panel surface area for displays or controls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel surface area for displays or controlsVSAvoidfastening mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the rail beyond the front surface of the panel. The clamping arm engages the rail from the rear, allowing the latching action to occur in the vertical space behind the panel rather than occupying horizontal panel surface area. This dimensional reorganization enables more panel surface to be available for displays or controls while maintaining a relatively simple fastening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution allows for efficient use of panel space by minimizing the vertical space needed for latching, enabling more area for displays or controls and securely fastening avionics devices to Dzus rails without the need for standard Dzus fasteners.

Implementation Method 1

rotation of the clamp lever in a second direction moves the clamping arm in locking engagement with the rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a moveable locking latch securing the clamp lever in one of two positions: open and closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a clamping arm; a clamp lever pivotally associated with the clamping arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectClamping force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8925179B2Mounting and fastening mechanism

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 GABLES ENG

AI summary

A mounting mechanism includes: a support member; a rail attached to the support member; and a fastener affixed to the second side of the rail. The rail includes: a plurality of rail holes for stud engagement; a first side facing a device to be engaged to the mounting mechanism; and a second side. The fastener includes: a clamping arm; a clamp lever pivotally associated with the clamping arm; and a moveable locking latch securing the clamp lever in one of two positions: open and closed.