Rotorcraft Equipment Mounting Interface with Removable Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly mechanisms for rotorcrafts face challenges in maintaining equipment due to limited space and structural constraints, making it difficult for isolated operators to access and maintain components, particularly when multiple motorization groups are housed in close proximity, leading to increased maintenance time and costs.
Innovation Solution
An axial mounting interface with removable rails and centering pins is introduced, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of equipment on a rotating power source, facilitating access and reducing the need for extensive tooling, while maintaining structural integrity and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the volume of the compartment is reduced to accommodate multiple motorization groups, then the space utilization is improved, but the accessibility to maintenance organs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motorization group is segmented into modular components (power source, equipment, frameworks) that can be independently accessed and maintained. The assembly interface divides the system into separable units with standardized connection points, allowing maintenance personnel to access specific components without disassembling the entire motorization group.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly interface incorporates movable and adjustable elements that allow dynamic access to maintenance organs. The frameworks and attachment means are designed to be reconfigurable, enabling maintenance personnel to access components from different positions and angles as needed.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple motorization groups are arranged side by side, then the space efficiency is improved, but the selective access to similar organs deteriorates due to mirror effect
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly interface employs universal standardized frameworks and attachment means that can be used across all motorization groups. This standardization allows maintenance personnel to use the same tools and procedures for accessing similar organs in different motorization groups, regardless of their position or orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework design incorporates asymmetric features that break the mirror effect symmetry between adjacent motorization groups. By introducing asymmetric attachment points and access paths, the design enables selective access to specific organs without interference from adjacent groups.
3Strength
If the equipment mass is increased, then the structural integrity is improved, but the handling by isolated operator deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment is divided into modular components that can be handled separately. The assembly interface is designed to accommodate components of manageable size and weight, allowing isolated operators to install and maintain equipment without requiring heavy lifting or complex handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly interface acts as an intermediary that facilitates the connection between equipment components. It provides standardized attachment points and alignment features that simplify the handling and assembly process, reducing the physical effort required by operators while maintaining structural integrity.
4Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools are used for maintenance operations, then the maintenance precision is improved, but the maintenance cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly interface is designed with universal features that can be serviced with standardized tools. The attachment means and frameworks incorporate common fastening mechanisms and alignment features that are compatible with general-purpose maintenance tools, eliminating the need for specialized equipment while maintaining maintenance precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An interface and mounting method between a piece of equipment (5) and a rotating drive source (3), the mounting interface comprising a first frame (1) fixed to the drive source (3) and a second frame (2) fixed to the equipment (3), the frames (1, 2) being equipped with means (19) for joining them. Guide rails (22, 23) for the equipment (5) are removably mounted on the first frame (1) and cooperate with windows (20, 21) in the second frame (2). The windows (20, 21) are opened laterally, providing a transverse passage for the rails (22, 23) through the windows (20, 21). The equipment (5) can be approached transversely by an operator towards the rails (22, 23) for support and axial guidance towards the drive source (5).