Dornier Aircraft (DO-228) was fitted with number of role modifications. The Line
Replacement Units (LRUs) and interface devices i.e. keyboard and display etc.
are install inside the specially design Operator Console. The Operator Console is
installed on aircraft seat rail. One double seat is installed on the Operator
Console as and when required. Observer can operate the mission systems
installed on the Operator Console from aisle side seat or fuselage side seat. In
some cases, two observers (one as trainee and other as trainer) may also require
for operating the mission system. Therefore, the position of keyboard to be
adaptable as per the requirement with sufficient structural integrity to meet the
airworthiness requirement.
In current invention, the keyboard-mounting platform has been design in such
way that have the provision for rotation as well as fixing the keyboard as desire
angle during flight to provide ease of functioning of keyboard operation during
flight.
2. Object of the invention: W^^^^M^^l
The object of the invention is i^lesLgn^&^development of rotating mounting
mechanism of keyboard having fix type mounting provision for installation on
Operator Console.
3. Summary of the invention
This invention is to provide a "Design & development of Keyboard fixing
mechanism with provision of angular adjustments" on Operator Console inside
Aircraft cabin.
a. Details of invention:
The keyboard with fix type mounting as shown in Figure-1. The "Design &
development of Keyboard fixing mechanism with provision of angular
adjustments" as shown in Figure-2 consist of honeycomb platform (1), machine
brackets (2, 3), retainers (4), knurl nuts (5), guide plates (6), nylon pads (7),
airworthiness self-locking standard fasteners (8, 9).
In this invention, a groove is made in the honeycomb platform using special tools
as shown in Figure-3. This groove is used to define the rotation path of the
Form 2: Design & development of Keyboard fixing mechanism with provision of angular adjustments
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Kanpur
Page 2 of 8
DELHI 28-©3-21319 1 7 - ©*
keyboard mounting structure as per the requirement. The groove length is
decided based on the total angular travel of the keyboard refer Figure-3 and
Figure-4. The location of rotation axis is also defined in the honeycomb platform
refer Figure-4. Installation position of all components is decided in respect of
rotation axis. Machine brackets are having knobs and holes refer Figure-2 and
Figure-3. Knobs are used for rotation of keyboard. The size of the retainers are
based on the size of grooves of honeycomb platform (1). These retainers are
having threads at one end for tightening of machine brackets using knurl nut.
These retainers are positioned inside the groove of honeycomb platform (1) at
four places as shown in Figure-2 and Figure-3. After positioning of the retainers
inside the groove, guide plates are positioned on the top of the honeycomb
platform to retain the retainers inside the groove. A slot is provided in the guide
plates (6) for controlling the rotation of keyboard with respect to rotation axis.
Nylon pads are used between guide plates and machine brackets to avoid the
metal to metal contact which results in less friction as well as avoid the possibility
of wear and tear of the metal. The keyboard is fitted on machine brackets using
airworthiness fasteners (8). The Desjre angle of rotation 'xo' may achieve by
controlling the dimension of hon^y^mMiMtMffi groove and guide plate slot.
b. Material used:
The parts are manufactured using Aluminium alloy, aluminium honeycomb and
nylon.
c. Operation:
In this mechanism by loosen the knurl nuts (5), retainers (4) are free to move
inside the groove of honey honeycomb platform (1) along path of rotation refer
Figure-4. The key board along with machine brackets (2, 3) is now free to rotate
about the axis of rotation refer Figure-4. The observer can rotate the keyboard
using knobs provided on the machine brackets. The guide plates (6) will help to
retain retainer inside the groove and provide guide for rotation. When observer
obtain the desired angle as per his convenient, the knurl nuts (5) have to tightenup
which results in bring retainer (4) upside inside the groove and stop movement
inside groove. Now keyboard is fixed at the required position.
Form 2: Design & development of Keyboard fixing mechanism with provision of angular adjustments
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Kanpur
Page 3 of 8
L-HI 2&-&3-2&I
Drawing No. ROTATION DWG -1
Name of the applicant: Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited, Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur
Keyboard
Figure-1
6 Figure-2
Signature: \°(Mahendra Upadhyay)
Form 2: Design & development of Keyboard fixing mechanism with provision of angular adjustments
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Kanpur
Page 4 of 8
;-&». :&+&< • *'• -. ">:-f1
Drawing No. ROTATION DWG -2
Name of the applicant: Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited, Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur
Detail "X"
Figure-3
IfML
Angle of rotation
Path of rotation
Axis of rotation
Figure-4

5. CLAIMS
We Claim that,
1. Design & development of Keyboard fixing mechanism with provision of angular
adjustments comprising of honeycomb platform (1), machine brackets (2, 3),
retainers (4), knurl nuts (5), guide plates (6), nylon pads (7), airworthiness
standard fasteners (8, 9).
2. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein honeycomb platform having groove,
axis of rotation, circular path of rotation retain the retainers and avoid the
misalignment during rotation.
3. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein machine brackets provide the
mounting provisions for keyboard.
4. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein retainers and knurl nuts provide
loosening and tightening mechanism during operations.
5. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein guide plates provide the path of
angular rotation.
6. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein nylon pad prevent the wear and tear
of metals.
7. The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein airworthiness self-locking standard
fasteners to prevent detachment of rotating mounting mechanics of keyboard having fix type mounting provision for installation on Operator Console.