Low-Profile Sensor Circuit Clamp Mounting for Engine Heat and Vibration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fire and overheat detection systems in aircraft engines require robust mounting fixtures that can withstand high temperatures and vibrations, while also being compact and accessible for maintenance, as existing fixtures often fail to meet these criteria effectively.

Innovation Solution

A mounting fixture design featuring a bracket with flange members, pins, and fasteners that securely attach a sensor circuit to a support rail using a clamp fixture, with anti-rotation features and brazing or welding for secure attachment, allowing for easy access and reduced tool manipulation during maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing mounting fixtures are made robust to withstand high temperatures and vibrations, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewithstand high temperatures and vibrationsVSAvoidmounting fixture structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting fixture is divided into separate functional components: a bracket for mounting to the support rail, a clamp fixture for securing the sensor circuit, pins for alignment and positioning, and fasteners for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability in high-temperature and vibratory environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket integrates multiple functions: it provides structural support, mounting attachment to the support rail, and serves as the base for the clamp fixture. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If mounting fixtures are made compact to minimize size and weight, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize and weightVSAvoidaccess during maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp fixture incorporates a dynamic clamping mechanism that can be quickly opened and closed using simple tool manipulation. The design allows maintenance personnel to access and manipulate the clamp fixture from the same side as the sensor circuit, enabling easy operation despite the compact size of the overall mounting fixture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If anti-rotation features are added to pins, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevent rotationVSAvoidpin structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pins incorporate asymmetric keyways or slots that engage with corresponding features in the bracket and clamp fixture. This asymmetric design prevents rotation of the pins while adding minimal structural complexity, as the anti-rotation feature is integrated into the basic pin geometry rather than requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 provides a robust, compact, and easily accessible mounting system for sensor circuits in aircraft engines, enhancing detection capabilities and simplifying maintenance by minimizing tool space requirements and reducing stress on the support rail in high-temperature and vibratory environments.

Implementation Method 1

a first fastener threaded on to the first pin and configured to secure the plate member to the first flange member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

attaching the bracket having a base portion and a first flange member extending from the base portion to the support rail... brazing or welding an undersurface of the base portion to a mounting surface of the support rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrazing: Brazing

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 4

the first pin includes a first head configured to abut a first underside surface of the first flange member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Contact: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11635333B2Low-profile sensor circuit mounting fixture

Publication Date: 2023.04.25 RTX CORP

AI summary

A mounting fixture for mounting a sensor circuit to a support rail is disclosed. In various embodiments, the mounting fixture includes a bracket having a base portion and a first flange member extending from the base portion; a clamp fixture connected to the first flange member, the clamp fixture including a plate member; a first pin extending through the first flange member and the plate member; and a first fastener threaded on to the first pin and configured to secure the plate member to the first flange member.