Quick-Attach Tray Splice for Compact Cargo Wire Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo handling systems face challenges with space optimization in splice mechanisms, particularly in narrowbody aircraft, where components like power drive units, restraints, and rollers must be fitted without compromising roller pitch, and there is a lack of effective protection for above-floor wiring and connectors from damage.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a quick attach splice mechanism with a pivoting or sliding design that includes a roller to reduce roller pitch, a spring-loaded pin for easy attachment and detachment, and a connector shield to protect connectors and wiring harnesses, ensuring they do not protrude and are secure during transportation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a quick attach splice mechanism is used to enable easy reconfiguration of cargo handling systems, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components (side rails, cross members, pins, tabs, rollers)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurability of cargo handling systemVSAvoidcomplexity of splice mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The splice mechanism is divided into modular components including side rails, cross members, pins, tabs, and rollers. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, enabling the complex system to be built from simpler parts while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The splice mechanism incorporates movable pins that can be retracted by tabs and rollers that can pivot or slide along the side rails. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling easy reconfiguration of the cargo handling system without permanent attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If discrete floor fittings with standardized quick-attach interfaces are used, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but the risk of connector and wiring damage increases due to exposed connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidrisk of connector and wiring damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connectors and wiring harnesses are nested within the splice mechanism structure, specifically protected by the cross members and side rails. This nesting arrangement shields the electrical components from external damage during transportation and storage while maintaining accessibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cross members and side rails serve as intermediary protective structures between the external environment and the vulnerable connectors. These structural elements act as a physical barrier that prevents direct contact with potential damage sources while allowing the connectors to function when the splice is in the unlocked state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of moving object

If components are added to reduce roller pitch and optimize space utilization, then area efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilization in cargo systemVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of splice mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The side rails and cross members serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the splice mechanism, act as guides for the movable components, serve as protective barriers for connectors, and enable space optimization through their geometric arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function for connectors is merged with the structural function of the cross members and side rails. Rather than adding separate protective covers or housings, the existing structural elements are designed to simultaneously provide both mechanical support and protection for the electrical components, simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for compact wire routing, reduces the risk of connector and wiring damage, and enhances structural integrity by keeping all connections within the tray, enabling efficient installation, transportation, and storage while maintaining a secure and damage-resistant cargo handling system.

Implementation Method 1

the tab is a spring-loaded tab biasing the first pin to an extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20240364089A1Tray connections with compacte wire routing for convertible aircraft cargo handling systems

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

A quick attach splice is provided. The quick attach splice includes a first side rail, a second side rail parallel to the first side rail, a cross member extending from the first side rail to the second side rail, a first pin extending from within the cross member and through at least one of the first side rail or the second side rail, a tab configured to retract the first pin, and a roller extending from the first side rail to the second side rail.