System and method for a connector assembly in an aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing orifice plates in aircraft environmental control systems are fixed in size and shape, requiring manual exchange for flow rate adjustments and maintenance, leading to a time-consuming and cumbersome installation and removal process due to adhesive-based attachment methods.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a connector, connector ring, and orifice plate that allows for easy insertion and retention of the orifice plate through a receptacle mechanism, enabling quick removal, replacement, and installation, reducing the need for adhesive-based attachment and simplifying maintenance tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If orifice plates are attached to ducts with adhesive, then the orifice plate is securely fixed in place, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate components: a connector body with a receptacle, a detachable connector ring, and the orifice plate. This segmentation allows the orifice plate to be quickly inserted and removed through the connector ring slot without requiring adhesive bonding, thus reducing installation and removal time while maintaining secure fixation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector ring can be rotated between two positions: a first position where the covering portion blocks the connector slot to retain the orifice plate securely, and a second position where the connector slot is exposed to allow easy insertion or removal of the orifice plate. This dynamic mechanism provides both secure fixation during operation and rapid replacement when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If orifice plates are manually exchanged for flow rate adjustments, then the flow control can be changed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector ring rotation mechanism allows maintenance personnel to quickly switch between different orifice plates with different flow characteristics by simply rotating the ring to the exposure position, inserting the desired orifice plate, and rotating back to the blocking position. This makes flow rate adjustment adaptable and easy to perform without cumbersome adhesive removal and reapplication.
3Ease of repair
If heating is required to remove orifice plates from ducts, then the adhesive can be broken, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector ring slot is designed to extract the orifice plate from the receptacle by providing a removal path through the slot. The orifice plate can be directly pulled out through the exposed connector slot when the connector ring is in the second position, eliminating the need for heating or other complex removal processes. The adhesive-based attachment is replaced by simple mechanical retention that can be easily reversed.
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental control system for an aircraft includes a first conduit, a second conduit, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly is coupled to the first conduit and the second conduit for controlling a flow of air. The connector assembly includes a connector, a connector ring, and an orifice plate. The connector includes at least one wall including a ridge defining a receptacle and a connector slot defined within the ridge. The connector ring is attached to the connector and defines a connector ring slot and a covering portion. The connector ring slot aligns with the connector slot and the orifice plate is inserted into through the connector ring slot and the connector slot into the receptacle during installation of the orifice plate. The covering portion covers the connector slot and retains the orifice plate within the receptacle during operation of the environmental control system.