Rotating EFB Mount Adapter for Tool-Free Cockpit Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mounting brackets for Class 2 and Class 3 electronic flight bags (EFBs) in aircraft cockpits do not allow for easy installation, adjustment, or removal without tools, and do not accommodate user preferences for orientation, which can be distracting and inconvenient for pilots during flight.
Innovation Solution
A rotating adapter assembly with a cylindrical barrel and base portion that includes radially extending keys and keyways for secure attachment to a console, allowing for easy installation and adjustment of EFBs without tools, and featuring a manually operated plunger and locking nut for securing the device in landscape or portrait positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting brackets are used for Class 2 and Class 3 EFBs, then the device is securely mounted and stable during flight, but the mounting and adjustment process requires tools and complex manipulation that is distracting for pilots
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a base portion that attaches to the console, an adapter portion that attaches to the EFB, and a plunger mechanism that connects them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables tool-free assembly by simply aligning and pushing the components together.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger acts as an intermediary element between the base portion and adapter portion. It provides a simple push-button locking mechanism that secures the adapter to the base without requiring tools, while still maintaining a reliable connection that prevents device shift during turbulence.
2Reliability
If traditional mounting brackets are used, then the EFB is securely fixed, but the orientation and position cannot be easily changed to accommodate user preference
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter portion can rotate relative to the base portion within the recess, allowing dynamic adjustment of the EFB orientation between portrait and landscape modes. The plunger mechanism maintains secure mounting during these adjustments by engaging with the gear portion, providing both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change in the orientation parameter of the mounted device. The adapter portion's ability to rotate within the recess enables the EFB to be positioned at different angles and orientations, accommodating different user preferences while maintaining secure attachment through the plunger locking mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mounting brackets are used to permit orientation changes, then user preference can be accommodated, but considerable manipulation with both hands is required which is distracting for the pilot
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger mechanism is designed to be operated with a single hand. The pilot can easily push the plunger to lock or release the adapter portion, and can rotate the adapter to adjust orientation without requiring complex two-handed manipulation. The self-contained design within the recess provides intuitive, simple operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes an adapter portion configured for attachment to a rear surface of an electronic display device and a base portion configured to be mounted to a fixed structure in the cockpit of an aircraft. The adapter portion has a cylindrical barrel portion having a plurality of circumferentially disposed radially outwardly extending keys, a first radially inwardly extending recess corresponding to a landscape position of the display device and a second radially inwardly extending recess corresponding to a portrait position of the display device. The base portion includes an upper surface with a circular reception port formed therein for receiving the barrel portion of the adapter portion, and the reception port has a plurality of radially outwardly extending circumferentially disposed keyways formed therein for receiving the plurality of keys on the barrel portion of the adapter portion.