Abstract:
A fixture for supporting an electronics module or like component in a generally inaccessible area within a structure. In one preferred form the fixture is adapted to be mounted within a fuselage of an aircraft or other mobile platform in an area that would not permit direct removal of an electronics module for maintenance or repair without first removing other aircraft subsystems, tubing or ducting. The fixture allows the electronics module to be slidably inserted and supported in an area in a manner that allows easy installation and removal of the electronics module without the need to remove other subcomponents disposed adjacent the fixture. The fixture includes provisions for coupling of an air supply thereto such that the electronics module can be cooled. The fixture is lightweight, compact and can be secured in a wide variety of orientations and locations within an aircraft or other structure to make most efficient use of the limited available space in commercial aircraft and other structures.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to fixtures for supporting electronic modules, and more particularly to a fixture for supporting an electronic module in a manner that allows the module to be quickly and easily removed from spaces within a mobile platform that would otherwise be inaccessible or difficult to access by a worker.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Present day communication systems used on mobile platforms, and in particular on aircraft, often require multiple electronic modules (i.e., units) to be installed in close physical proximity to other subsystems used on the aircraft. This is particularly true when the electronic units are used in connection with an antenna and/or radio frequency communication system employed on the aircraft. The location of such electronic units in close physical proximity to an antenna mounted on the aircraft is often critical to meet predetermined radio frequency performance requirements. The placement of electronic modules in certain areas of the aircraft may also be dictated by aircraft dynamics or other technical constraints.  
           [0003]    In the case of single aisle aircraft, space may be quite limited in the crown area of the aircraft inside the fuselage, just below where the antenna may be mounted. This space can be limited due to high ceiling interiors that leave little space between the top of the ceiling panels and the aircraft fuselage. Typically, this limited space is already quite crowded with existing aircraft systems such as air ducts, power cables, signal cables, control cables and other various conduits necessary for controlling the wide ranging and numerous subsystems typically employed on a commercial aircraft.  
           [0004]    In addition to the space limitations on single aisle aircraft described above, there is a trend to use overhead space in twin aisle aircraft for purposes of crew rest quarters or for other storage needs. Thus, the use of this space for these functions further reduces the use of such space for the installation of systems such as inflight entertainment equipment and other electronic components. Thus, the areas within a commercial aircraft where an electronic module can be located where it will be easily accessible without the need to first remove other subsystems, conduits or cabling, can be very limited.  
           [0005]    With commercial aircraft applications, still another area where space exists for the installation of electronics units is adjacent the aircraft frame behind the overhead passenger luggage bins. However, access to this space typically requires removal of the luggage bins, which can be very time consuming and expensive. Removal of the passenger luggage bins, simply to gain access to one or more electronic units, is often not a viable option in view of the time and expense needed to remove and reinstall such luggage bins.  
           [0006]    The need to remove various aircraft subsystems, conduits, cabling or other components before being able to remove an electronic unit for periodic service, maintenance or repair can significantly add to the time and cost required to perform such maintenance, service or repair work. Removal of existing aircraft subsystems, cables, duct work or hoses before being able to access an electronic unit can result in significant time consuming, costly and complex re-installation procedures. Furthermore, once an aircraft subsystem is removed in order to gain access to an electronic module, the aircraft subsystem often needs to be retested once it is reinstalled. Often times, the removal of such subsystems is necessary because attempted removal of the electronic unit without first removing other subsystems, cables or duct work, which is in the way of access to the electronic module, can easily result in damage to the subsystem, cables or other elements if same are not first removed. Likewise, periodic removal and replacement of existing aircraft systems can result in damage to the existing aircraft systems resulting in the need for time consuming and costly repair of existing systems before an aircraft can be returned to service.  
           [0007]    It will also be appreciated that in many applications, and particularly in commercial aircraft maintenance and repair work, the ability to quickly remove electronic units from an aircraft is crucial to minimizing down time of the aircraft and ensuring that the aircraft returns to service as quickly as possible.  
           [0008]    Similar constraints apply to other mobile platforms such as business aircraft, all types of military aircraft, submarines and other marine vessels. Often the space constraints on these other mobile platforms are even more serious and available space is even harder to access.  
           [0009]    In view of the foregoing there is a need for an apparatus that enables quick and easy removal and replacement of an electronic unit within a difficult to access area of a structure. In particular, there is a need for such an apparatus which can be easily used within a mobile platform, for example, an aircraft, and which permits an electronic module supported on the apparatus to be quickly and easily removed from otherwise inaccessible areas without the need to first remove other various subsystems, conduits, cables or control elements typically located within an aircraft.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for supporting a subcomponent in a manner that allows the subcomponent to be quickly and easily removed from an area within a structure, where the subcomponent would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access by a worker without removal of other additional significant components before removal of the subcomponent. In one preferred form the apparatus comprises a fixture which is fixedly mounted to an interior wall or frame of the structure. Merely by way of example, the structure may comprise a commercial aircraft, although it will be appreciated that any fixed structure or other mobile platform would benefit from the use of the apparatus of the present invention, provided such structure or mobile platform requires removal of one or more important subcomponents for periodic maintenance, repair or testing, where such subcomponents may be located in congested areas which make access difficult.  
           [0011]    In one preferred form the apparatus of the present invention comprises a fixture having a frame onto which the subcomponent may be disposed. One preferred embodiment allows for the insertion of the subcomponent, which comprises an electronics module, into the frame. The frame-includes one or more components that allow it to be fixedly secured to a frame like portion of the structure or mobile platform. The frame allows for an external cable, such as an electrical cable, to be coupled to the electronics module. In one preferred form the frame also allows for an external cooling supply conduit to be coupled to the electronics module to supply cooling airflow to the electronics module.  
           [0012]    It is a principal advantage of the present invention that the fixture allows insertion and supporting of the electronics module without the need to remove additional structure or components which may otherwise impede direct removal of the electronics module. Thus, the fixture allows the electronics module to be inserted or removed quickly and easily from the frame thereof, thus obviating the need to remove other components that would be necessary in order to remove the electronics unit were it to be supported directly from a frame of the structure or mobile platform.  
           [0013]    In alternative preferred embodiments the apparatus further comprises a track upon which the subcomponent (e.g., electronics module) can be moved along into a very tight, confined area that is otherwise impossible to access with one or more hands of the user. A tether coupled to the electronics module allows it to be guided into and out of the frame of the apparatus.  
           [0014]    In yet another preferred embodiment the frame of the apparatus is sufficiently large to accommodate a plurality of subcomponents (e.g., electronic modules) disposed adjacent one another within the frame. Each of the preferred embodiments of the present invention enable a subcomponent, e.g. an electronics module, to be quickly and easily removed from a very confined area where removal would otherwise necessitate first removing various other subcomponents, conduits or tubing before the user would actually be able to have sufficient access to the subcomponent to remove same directly from the structure to which it is supported. The present invention thus significantly reduces the time needed to remove and replace various electronic modules, which often need to be periodically removed, tested and then reinstalled on a mobile platform, such as a commercial aircraft.  
           [0015]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixture in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention with an electronics module inserted into the fixture;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the electronics module of FIG. 1 installed within the fixture frame;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a simplified side view of the fixture installed behind a luggage bin in a commercial aircraft;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 shows the electronic module shown in FIG. 3 installed in the frame of the fixture without the need to first remove the luggage bin;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative preferred mounting location for the fixture above wiring and tubing in the crown area of a commercial aircraft;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative preferred form of the fixture of the present invention wherein a telescoping cooling conduit is employed with an electronics module;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative preferred form of the present invention wherein the fixture has a length sufficient to support a plurality of independent modules therein adjacent one another;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7A is a simplified perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 7;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the fixture of the present invention wherein a guide track and a tether are employed for aiding insertion and removal of an electronics module;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional end view of the guide track shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with section line  9 - 9  in FIG. 8 and  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional end view, similar to FIG. 9, of an alternative preferred form of the guide track of FIG. 8. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0028]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0029]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an apparatus  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  essentially forms a fixture to which a subcomponent, for example an electronics module  12 , can be coupled to and supported from. As will be described in the following paragraphs, the fixture  10  is supported from a structure or frame in an area that would be generally inaccessible to a worker without the need to first remove various other components to gain access to the electronics module  12 . For example, the fixture  10  could be located to an interior structural wall of a mobile platform such as an aircraft where access would generally be limited because of other aircraft subsystems, conduits, tubing or other structural elements that would impede access to the module  12 . Thus, the fixture  10  forms a means by which the module  12  can be quickly and easily removed by a worker without the need to first remove other subsystems, cabling, conduits, etc. to permit removal and re-installation of the module  12  into the fixture  10 .  
         [0030]    Throughout the following discussion, the subcomponent  12  will be referred to as the “electronics module”  12 . However, it will be appreciated the fixture  10  is not limited to use with only an electronics module. The electronics module  12 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, could comprise any type of electrical or electromechanical subsystem or component that may need to be periodically removed for maintenance, repair, testing, etc., from an area of a fixed structured or a mobile platform where access would be difficult without first removing various other components in the vicinity of the module  12 .  
         [0031]    With further reference to FIG. 1, the fixture  10  comprises a frame  14  forming a generally box-like structure into which the electronics module  12  is inserted. The frame  14  includes one or more flanges or components  16  which allow the frame  14  to be secured to a structural wall or other structural element via one or more brackets or like elements in a desired location within a fixed structure or mobile platform. Each flange  16  preferably includes at least one over-sized opening  16   a  through which an external fastening element may be inserted. In this manner the weight of the module  12  can be supported directly from the structure to which the fixture  10  is secured. The frame  14  further includes a rear portion  18  to which a gasket  20  is secured. The gasket  20  is adapted to matingly engage an opening, or potentially a flange, associated with the electronics module  12  such that a cooling airflow can be supplied through a conduit  24  and a manifold  26  to help cool an interior area of the electronics module  12 . It is anticipated that the electronics module  12  will in most instances include a connector or other coupling element  28  to which a suitable electrical cable  30  can be releasably coupled. Thus, insertion of the electronics module  12  within the frame  14  allows essentially an automatic coupling of the air flow conduit  24  to the opening of the electronics module  12 . It will be appreciated immediately, however, that the airflow conduit  24 , manifold  26  and gasket  20  are not essential to the functioning to the fixture  10 . Components  18 ,  20 ,  24  and  26  are illustrated merely to highlight the advantage that the frame  14  provides should it be necessary to provide a cooling airflow to the electronics module  12 . Alternatively, end portion  14   a  of the frame  14  may merely comprise an opening through which a user can manually couple a suitable airflow conduit (or alternatively another electrical cable) to the electronics module  12  if such access is available to the user.  
         [0032]    Referring further to FIG. 1, the frame  14  also preferably includes at least one channel, and more preferably a pair of channels  32  (only one being visible in FIG. 1) into which flanges  34  of the electronics module  12  can slide. However, again, it will be appreciated that while this feature enhances alignment of the electronics module  12  with the frame  14 , this feature is not absolutely essential to the functioning of the frame  14 . Instead, electronics module  12  could be adapted to simply be lowered or raised, or otherwise slid into, the frame  14 . The use of channels  32  and flanges  34 , however, serves to help the user align and guide the module  12  into the frame  14 .  
         [0033]    The frame  14  further preferably includes a suitable latch  36  which can be moved between an open position, wherein the electronic module  12  can be slid into the frame, as shown in FIG. 1, and a closed position in which the latch overlies a portion of the electronics module  12  and prevents ready removal of the module from the frame  14 . To aid insertion and removal of the electronics module  12 , it will be appreciated that this component could include a handle  38  or another suitable member to aid the user in grasping and controlling the module  12  as it is removed or installed relative to the frame  14 . The module  12  is shown installed in the frame in FIG. 2.  
         [0034]    Referring to FIG. 3, the electronics module  12  is shown within an aircraft fuselage  40 . In this example, a luggage bin  42  would otherwise impede access to the area that the electronics module  12  is preferably located, that area being designated by reference numeral  43 . The frame  14  of the fixture  10  is first secured to either an outer surface of the luggage bin  42  or an interior surface  44  of the fuselage  44  in an area generally behind the luggage bin  42 . The electrical cabling  30  is then secured to the electronics module  12 . A maintenance worker, technician, etc. then manually guides the electronics module  12  into the frame  14  where it automatically engages with the gasket  20  (FIG. 1). Thus, a cooling airflow can be provided through conduit  24  into the module  12 , as well as the needed electrical signals via electrical cable  30 . Most importantly, the worker is not required to first remove the luggage bin  42  to gain direct access to the electronics module  12 . The fixture  14  allows the worker to insert the electronics module merely by guiding it behind the luggage bin  42 , and even where the frame  14  is mostly obscured by the luggage bin  42 .  
         [0035]    It will also be appreciated that while the electrical cabling  30  and the conduit  24  have been shown as independent components, that suitable cabling and conduits could be coupled within a common sheath or housing such that both electrical and airflow connections are made with the electronics unit  12  before the electronics module  12  is inserted into the frame  14 . Alternatively, the use of the airflow conduit  24  can be omitted entirely. FIG. 4 shows the electronics module  12  installed within the fixture  10 .  
         [0036]    Referring to FIG. 5, an alternative preferred mounting location for the apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown partially above the luggage bin  42 . In this example the electrical cable  30  is routed around existing aircraft cabling and duct work  44 . Still further, other aircraft subsystems such as tubing and ducting  46 , which would otherwise impede removal and insertion of an electronics module  12 ′, still does not pose an obstacle to removal of the module  12 ′. In this example, the electronics module  12 ′ has coupled to it the electronics cable  30  at one end and the cooling airflow conduit  24  at the other end. To remove the module  12 ′ the electronics cable  30  and cooling airflow cable  24  are each uncoupled from the module  12 ′. The module is then moved initially to the right in the drawing of FIG. 5, and then below the ducting  46  to the left. In aircraft applications, it will also be appreciated that standard plug-like components, such as ARINC 600 connectors, can be employed for facilitating the electrical and/or cooling connections if desired. Regardless of the specific type of connectors employed for the purpose of supplying electrical signals, electrical power or a cooling airflow to the electronics module  12 ′, insertion and removal of the module from the apparatus  10  is not impeded by the components  44  and  46  disposed in close proximity to the frame  14  of the fixture  10 .  
         [0037]    Referring now to FIG. 6, a fixture  50  in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fixture  50  is essentially identical to fixture  10  with the exception that the fixture  50  includes a telescoping cooling interface  52  which receives a first portion  54  of a cooling conduit and places portion  54  in airflow communication with a second airflow conduit  56 . Instead of a telescoping interface, however, a telescoping electrical cable-like structure could just as readily be employed. Thus, as electronics module  12  is removed from the fixture  50 , first conduit portion  54  is withdrawn from portion  56 . When the module  12  is reattached to the fixture  50 , first conduit portion  54  is telescopically engaged within second conduit portion  56 . Electrical cabling  30  is also removably coupled to the electronics module  12 . With this embodiment, the electronics module  12  can be easily withdrawn from an area generally behind the luggage bin  42  within the fuselage  40  of an aircraft. The first conduit portion  54  can be constructed such that it can only be removed from the second conduit portion  56  a limited amount or, alternatively, such that it can be removed from second conduit portion  56  entirely.  
         [0038]    Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 7A, a fixture  60  in accordance with yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fixture  60  has a length, designated by arrow  62 , which is sufficient to hold a plurality of electronic modules  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  adjacent one another. It will be appreciated that each electronics module  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  needs to include a suitable interface such that electrical signals and/or power from cabling  30  can be supplied from a first one of the electronic units  12   a  successively to the second and third electronics modules  12   b  and  12   c . The construction of the fixture  60  is otherwise similar to fixture  10  and includes flanges  60   a  or other mounting components  64  for enabling a frame  66  of the fixture  60  to be secured to a structural member, wall, etc. as needed. The frame  66  includes a pair of flanges  66   a  that receive the modules  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c . In this example the majority of the fixture  60  is disposed behind the luggage bin  42  and the modules  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  would be difficult, if not impossible, to remove directly without first removing the entire luggage bin  42 , without use of the fixture  60 . The modules  12   a - 12   c  are removed along a path designated by arrow  69 . It will also be appreciated that with the fixture  60 , a supply of cooling airflow from a cooling airflow conduit  68  can be directed around each of the electronic modules  12   a ,  12   b  and  12   c  or alternatively, if suitable interfaces are provided, through interior portions of each of the electronic modules  12   a - 12   c . Alternatively, cooling airflow conduit  68  could comprise another electrical cable for coupling with a rear mounted connector on the module  12   c.    
         [0039]    Referring now to FIG. 8, a fixture  70  in accordance with yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment a track  72  is coupled to supports  74  associated with the luggage bin  42  or with the fuselage  40  of the aircraft.  
         [0040]    Referring briefly to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the track  72  can be seen in greater detail as comprising two facing U-shaped portions which are adapted to engage with two oppositely extending flanges  78   a  formed on an electronics module  78 . The track  72  serves to guide the electronics module  78  towards a frame  80  of the fixture  70 . In this regard it will be appreciated that the track  72  preferably extends within an interior area of the fixture  70 . As such, the fixture  70 , which is otherwise substantially identical in construction to fixture  10 , does not require the channels  32  described in connection with fixture  10 . Fixture  70  may also include an airflow supply conduit  82  coupled to the frame  80  for supplying a cooling airflow into the fixture  70 . Importantly, a tether or other form of cabling  84  is provided that is attached at a first end  86  to attachment structure  88  on the electronics module  78 , and at a second end  90  to a permanent attachment point  92  associated either with the luggage bin  42  or with other permanent structure in the vicinity of the luggage bin. A portion of the tether  84  is also secured to a manifold  98  to prevent the possibility of the manifold and/or conduit  82  falling behind and below the luggage bin  42  when the module  78  is removed. Removal of the electronics module  78  is accomplished by the user pulling on the tether in the direction of arrow  94 , which causes the electronics module  78  to be withdrawn along the path defined by track  72  to a position where same can be easily grasped by the user. Re-insertion of the electronics module  78  into the fixture  70  is accomplished by the user initially urging the electronics module along the track  72  in the direction of arrow  96 . As the electronics module  78  begins to pass behind the luggage bin  42 , gravity urges it down into the fixture  70  where a coupling is made with the electrical cable  30 . Thus, removal of the electronics module  78 , as well as reinsertion of the electronics module  78  into the fixture  70 , can be accomplished even without the user having visual access of any portion of the fixture  70 . The use of the tether  84  also eliminates the possibility of the electronics cable  30  being lost behind the luggage bin  42 .  
         [0041]    With brief reference to FIG. 10, an alternative preferred track  100  is shown. In this embodiment, track  100  includes a pair of ledges  102  and a central opening  104 . An electronics module  106  having a pair of oppositely extending flanges  108  is adapted to slide within the track  100 . It will be appreciated that a wide range of different track shapes could be employed to perform the needed function of allowing the electronics module  78  or  106  to be guided into position into the fixture  70 . Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to one specific form of track.  
         [0042]    The various preferred embodiments of the present invention all provide for quick and easy removal and installation of an electronics module or other form of component into a fixture disposed in a generally difficult to access area of a structure or mobile platform. While the fixture of the present invention is particularly well suited for use on mobile platforms such as aircraft, it will be appreciated that the fixture can be employed in any difficult to access area which would otherwise require the removal of various components before an electronics module or other like component can be removed for service or testing.  
         [0043]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.