The present invention relates generally to ground support power for aircraft and more particularly to a connector for use between ground power carts and aircraft power supply systems.
When a commercial airliner is on the ground at a terminal between flights, a ground power cart is wheeled out to the aircraft and used to supply electrical power that would normally be supplied by the aircraft""s engine driven generator. The coupling between the ground power cart connector and the aircraft power connector is typically maintained through the physical engagement between the electrical contact pins of the aircraft power connector and the sockets of the ground power connector.
Although the couplings currently being used are successful for their intended purpose (i.e., to allow for transfer of electrical power from the ground power cart to the aircraft power supply), it would be beneficial to provide a connector that even better eliminates and/or absorbs arcing and excessive heating that can occur between the ground power connector and the aircraft power connector when excessive resistance exists therebetween.
Arcing, excessive heating, and the repeated coupling and uncoupling of the ground power connector with the aircraft power connector can lead to damage and ultimately to the eventual breakdown of the aircraft power connector, requiring the replacement of the aircraft power connector and an inspection of the surrounding assembly and associated conducting wires. Replacement of the aircraft power connector, however, can be a rather time-consuming process during which time the aircraft is out of service and the airline loses substantial revenue.
Accordingly, a need remains in the art for a device and method capable of providing both a strong, secure mechanical connection and a low resistance electrical connection between an aircraft power connector and a ground power connector. Ideally, the device and method should prevent, or at least reduce the extent of, damage to the aircraft power connector that can otherwise be caused thereto by excessive heating, arcing, and the repeated coupling and uncoupling of the aircraft power connector and the ground power connector. Additionally, the implementation of the device and method should not require any changes to either the aircraft assembly or the ground power cart.
In one form, the present invention provides an electromechanical connector for use between an aircraft power connector and a ground power connector. Preferably, the connector includes a housing and at least one pin and socket assembly disposed at least partially within the housing. The pin and socket assembly includes a pin portion and a socket portion. The pin portion is engageable with a socket of the ground power connector, whereas the socket portion is engageable with an aircraft pin of the aircraft power connector. A socket fitting is preferably disposed within the socket portion to electrically contact the aircraft pin when the aircraft pin is engaged with the socket portion. The pin and socket assembly also includes a collet for gripping the aircraft pin when the aircraft pin is engaged with the socket portion. Further, the connector is preferably configured to allow for individualized adjustment of the frictional force applied by the collet to the aircraft pin. Accordingly, the connector provides both a strong, secure mechanical connection and a low resistance electrical connection between the aircraft power connector and the ground power connector.
In another form, the present invention provides a method for connecting an aircraft power connector with a ground power connector. Preferably, the method comprises the steps of: electrically connecting an aircraft pin of the aircraft power connector with a connector; frictionally engaging the aircraft pin; individually adjusting the frictional force applied to the aircraft pin to removably secure the aircraft pin to the connector; and electrically connecting a socket of the ground power connector with the connector.
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, while indicating at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.