Telescopic Strut Electrical Connector Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for transmitting electrical power between movable aircraft structures, such as leading edge slats and fixed aerofoil structures, are prone to reliability issues due to cable manipulation, are heavy, and require significant space, especially when storing excess cabling and housing.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic strut with hollow members that slide within each other, connected by electrical connector assemblies with conductive pads and strips, eliminating the need for excess cabling and housing, and providing a lightweight, compact, and reliable electrical connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable manipulation systems are used to transmit electrical power across mechanically actuated joints, then electrical power can be transmitted, but the cables are prone to breaking due to manipulation and the system becomes heavy and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable reliabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the mechanical telescopic structure by using separate electrical connector assemblies that are independently positioned between adjacent hollow members. This separation allows the electrical connection to be maintained without relying on flexible cable manipulation, thereby improving reliability while reducing the weight and space requirements associated with excessive cable storage and handling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electrical connector assemblies as intermediary components between adjacent hollow members. These connectors include conductive pads on one member and corresponding conductive strips on the other, creating a reliable electrical bridge without requiring flexible cables to be manipulated. This intermediary solution resolves the contradiction by providing stable electrical contact while eliminating the need for heavy cable storage systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If excess cabling and housing are used to store and protect cables during telescoping, then cable protection is improved, but weight and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidhousing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cable protection function by eliminating the need for excessive cabling altogether. Instead of using flexible cables that require housing for storage and protection, the invention uses rigid electrical connector assemblies with conductive pads and strips that are directly positioned between adjacent hollow members. This extraction of the protection requirement eliminates the need for heavy housing structures while maintaining reliable electrical connection throughout the telescoping range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical cables are manipulated within flexible conduits during telescoping, then electrical connection is maintained, but the cables are prone to breaking and require heavy housing for storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection adaptabilityVSAvoidcable integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable manipulation system with a direct electrical connector assembly system. Instead of using flexible conduits that require cable bending and manipulation to accommodate telescoping motion, the invention uses rigid electrical connectors with conductive pads and strips that are positioned between adjacent hollow members. This substitution eliminates the mechanical stress on cables while maintaining electrical adaptability throughout the telescoping range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 telescopic strut offers significant weight and space savings, improved reliability by eliminating cable manipulation, and maintains electrical connection during telescoping, reducing the risk of arcing and environmental ingress.

Implementation Method 1

each electrical connector assembly includes an electrically conductive pad on one of the hollow members which is in sliding contact with an electrically conductive strip on the other of the hollow members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSliding contact: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8899529B2Electrical power transmitting telescopic strut

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD

AI summary

A telescopic strut comprises a plurality of hollow members arranged to slide one within another between a retracted and an extended position. Adjacent hollow members are arranged to be electrically connected by one or more electrical connector assemblies as the hollow members move between the retracted and extended positions. Each electrical connector assembly includes an electrically conductive pad on one of the hollow members which is in sliding contact with an electrically conductive strip on the other of the hollow members. The telescopic strut may be used to electrically connect a moveable control surface to a fixed aerofoil structure in an aircraft.