Rear-Loaded Rail-Mounted Array Assembly for Radar Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronics assemblies with array of card assemblies (CCAs) require removal of the radome and specialized tools for maintenance, making access and repairs time-consuming and costly, especially in radar systems where the radome needs to be removed for access to CCAs.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board assembly configuration with a carrier plate and rail system that allows for rear-loaded access, using slat assemblies and wedgelocks to secure circuit boards, enabling maintenance without removing the radome, and an integrated cooling system for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If front load array plates are used to access CCAs, then the array plate provides structural support, but the radome must be removed and special tools are required for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional front-loading access approach by implementing rear-loaded access to CCAs. The array plate is loaded from the rear of the radome, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace CCAs without removing the radome. This inversion of the loading direction fundamentally changes the maintenance procedure, eliminating the need for radome removal while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The array plate design incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features that allow for tool-free installation and removal of CCAs. The rear-loaded configuration enables the array plate to guide and secure CCAs automatically during the loading process, eliminating the requirement for specialized tools while maintaining secure structural support.
2Ease of operation
If rear load array plates are used to access CCAs, then the radome remains intact, but the radiators are separated from the MEMS phase shifter technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CCA into modular units that can be independently loaded and secured in the rear-loaded array plate. Each CCA module contains the integrated radiator and MEMS phase shifter assembly, allowing them to remain functionally integrated while enabling easy removal and replacement of individual modules without affecting the overall array structure or requiring radome removal.
3Strength
If traditional array plate configurations are used, then structural support is provided, but maintenance time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The array plate incorporates dynamic loading capabilities that allow CCAs to be quickly inserted and secured from the rear without disrupting the overall array structure. The design enables rapid replacement of individual CCAs while maintaining the structural integrity and support of the entire array, significantly reducing maintenance time compared to traditional front-loading methods that require complete disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear-loaded electronics array, comprising a first circuit board assembly comprising a rail and at least one slat assembly. The at least one slat assembly can be operable to be removed from the rail and replaced on the rail from a rearward position. A second circuit board assembly can comprise a rail and at least one slat assembly. The at least one slat assembly can be operable to be removed from the rail and replaced on the rail from a rearward position. The first circuit board assembly can be positioned adjacent the second circuit board assembly, and the first circuit board assembly can be coupled to the second circuit board assembly, thus forming the rear-loaded electronics array. The first and second circuit board assemblies can be installed and removed independent of one another, as well as each of the individual slat assemblies from any circuit board assembly.