Integrated Switching Element Chamber for Aircraft Distribution Boards
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical energy distribution boxes in aircraft are bulky and costly due to the use of connection bars and power fasteners for switching elements, which increase mass, volume, and manufacturing costs, especially with a large number of boxes required for an aircraft's supply network.
Innovation Solution
A switching element with a coil and a movable contact mounted in a chamber, where the chamber is fastened directly to the distribution board, eliminating the need for connection bars and power fasteners, thereby reducing mass, volume, and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection bars and power fasteners are used to mount switching elements on the distribution board, then the switching element can be securely mounted and electrical connection can be established, but the mass, volume, and manufacturing costs of the distribution box increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chamber mounting function with the switching element housing into a single integrated component. The chamber is furnished with fastening means that directly attach to the distribution board, eliminating the need for separate connection bars and power fasteners. This consolidation reduces the number of parts and overall mass while maintaining secure mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the connection bars and power fasteners from the mounting system, replacing them with an integrated fastening mechanism built into the chamber structure. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components that contribute to mass and complexity while preserving the essential mounting function.
2Reliability
If connection bars and power fasteners are used to mount switching elements, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the volume of the distribution box increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is designed as an integrated mounting structure that combines the switching element enclosure with the fastening mechanism. By merging these functions into one component, the overall volume required for mounting is reduced compared to the separate connection bars and fasteners used in conventional designs.
3Reliability
If connection bars and power fasteners are used for mounting switching elements, then the switching element can be securely fastened, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated chamber design consolidates multiple components (housing, mounting structure, fastening means) into a single manufacturable part. This reduces the number of assembly steps, minimizes inventory of separate parts, and simplifies the manufacturing process, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining secure fastening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the connection bars and power fasteners from the system, the invention reduces the bill of materials and simplifies the assembly process. Fewer parts mean lower material costs, reduced assembly time, and simpler manufacturing operations, all of which contribute to reduced manufacturing costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of distribution boxes are used in an aircraft supply network, then the electrical energy distribution requirements are met, but the total mass and volume become excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated chamber design reduces the mass of each individual distribution box. When multiple boxes are deployed in an aircraft supply network, this per-unit mass reduction compounds to achieve significant total mass savings while maintaining the required distribution network capability.
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
This design reduces the mass, volume, and manufacturing costs of the distribution boxes by eliminating the need for connection bars and power fasteners, while maintaining the ability to handle large powers and switch electrical energy efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the switching element comprises a coil and a contact movable under the action of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
This switching element for an electrical energy distribution board comprises a distribution bar and a support plate on which the distribution bar is fixed. The switching element comprises a coil, a contact movable under the action of the coil, said contact being mounted movably in a chamber. Said chamber comprises two parts intended to be mounted on the distribution board (P) in such a way that the movable contact acts on said bar, said chamber being furnished with means of fixing to the distribution bar or to the plate, the switching element being non-removably fixed by said chamber onto the distribution board (P).