Snap-in Raceway Connectors for Aircraft Wiring Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current conduit installation methods for aircraft wiring are time-consuming, costly, and do not securely hold the conduit against the structure, often requiring excessive components like tape and fasteners, which can lead to misalignment and increased part counts.
Innovation Solution
A conduit system featuring an elongate housing with connectors that engage channels in the aircraft structure, providing a secure and reusable connection without the need for tape or plastic rivets, allowing for easier installation and reconfiguration of wiring configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastener systems with tape and plastic rivets are used to connect raceways to aircraft structures, then the raceway can be secured to the structure, but the installation becomes time-consuming, tedious, and expensive with increased part counts
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural attachment through engagement with structure channels, incorporates alignment features through guide pins that fit into alignment holes, and eliminates the need for separate fasteners and adhesives. This merging of functions reduces part count and installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: guide pins for alignment, engagement surfaces for secure attachment, and integration points for the raceway housing. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling quick installation without compromising attachment reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional fastener systems with multiple components are used, then the raceway can be secured to the structure, but the part count increases and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment mechanisms (fasteners, adhesives, alignment features) are merged into a single integrated connector component. This connector includes guide pins for alignment, engagement surfaces for secure attachment to structure channels, and mounting interfaces for the raceway, thereby reducing the part count from multiple separate components to one unified element.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it aligns the raceway with the structure through guide pins, provides secure mechanical attachment through engagement with structure channels, and interfaces with the raceway housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment tools, fasteners, and mounting brackets.
3Ease of operation
If raceways are installed using tape and fasteners, then the conduit can be connected to the structure, but the connection does not hold the conduit as tight against the mating surface as desired
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates curved or contoured engagement surfaces that conform to the structure channels and raceway housing, maximizing contact area and distribution of attachment forces. This curvature enhances the tightness of the connection against the mating surface compared to flat, rigid fastener interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of multiple attachment features (guide pins, engagement surfaces, and mounting interfaces) into a single connector creates a unified attachment system that distributes forces across multiple contact points, securing the raceway tightly against the structure without the gaps or movement that can occur with separate tape and fastener applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus having an elongate housing and connectors. The elongate housing has a channel configured to hold a number of lines. The connectors extend from a side of the elongate housing. The connectors are configured to engage channels formed in a surface of a structure such that the elongate housing is connected to the structure.