Aircraft Vision Module Mount With Eccentric Rings for Precise Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing enhanced flight vision systems for aircraft face challenges in maintaining precise and stable positioning of vision modules and cameras due to misalignment issues over time, necessitating an arrangement that ensures correct and durable fixation.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising a vision module with a chassis that allows for adjustable fixation in multiple directions using eccentric ring fastening systems, ensuring stable alignment and load transfer through frictional prevention of misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional screw mounting is used to fix the vision module, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the positioning precision and stability deteriorate over time due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidfixing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fixing system adjustable through rotating beams with adjustment means. The beams can be rotated to different angular positions and locked in place, allowing the vision module to be precisely positioned and then stabilized. This dynamic adjustment capability enables high initial positioning precision while maintaining stability over time, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the angular position of the beams through rotation. Each beam can be rotated to a specific angle and locked, changing the geometric parameters of the fixing structure. This allows precise adjustment of the vision module position and maintains stability, addressing the contradiction between positioning precision and fixing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the vision module is fixed rigidly to maintain position, then positioning stability improves, but the ability to adjust and correct misalignment is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidadjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is designed to be dynamic during installation and adjustment, allowing beams to be rotated and repositioned. Once the desired position is achieved, the adjustment means lock the beams in place, providing rigid stability. This dynamic-to-static transition resolves the contradiction between positioning stability and adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing system is segmented into multiple independent adjustable components (beams with adjustment means). Each beam can be independently adjusted and locked, allowing fine-tuning of the vision module position while maintaining overall stability. This segmentation enables both adjustability and stability, resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple adjustment points are provided to ensure precise positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beams serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable angular adjustment, and act as locking mechanisms when positioned and secured. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment components, achieving high positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is merged with the structural beams themselves. The beams incorporate adjustment means directly into their design, combining the support function and adjustment function in a single component. This merging reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining positioning accuracy, resolving the contradiction.

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

The eccentric ring fastening system provides stable and precise positioning of the vision module, preventing misalignment and ensuring the system remains accurately fixed throughout the aircraft's life, enhancing the reliability of the enhanced flight vision system.

Implementation Method 1

the friction of each ring prevents misalignment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4310008B1Assembly for an aircraft comprising a frame and a vision module of an improved in-flight vision system
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP4310008B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4310008B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4310008B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an aircraft assembly (200) comprising a vision module (152) with a base (156) and a chassis (160) having a first beam (162) fixed to the base (156) by four fastening means (50a), a second beam (164) fixed to the first beam (162) by four fastening means (50b), and two third beams (166a-b) fixed to the aircraft structure (168) and between which the second beam (164) is fixed by two third fastening means (50c), wherein each fastening means (50a-c) takes the form of a system of two eccentric rings that rotate relative to each other about parallel axes of rotation. With such an arrangement, the fastening means allow adjustment of the chassis, transfer of loads in all directions, and locking of positions.