Galley insert control module
A galley insert control module for an aircraft galley insert includes an electronics module for controlling an aircraft galley appliance and a magnesium alloy housing for the electronics module. The magnesium alloy housing may be arranged around the electronics module to form part of a physical barrier around the electronics module without physically supporting the electronics module. This can form a physical barrier which provides physical protection and protection from dust and moisture for the electronics module. In one example, the magnesium alloy housing physically supports the electronics module. This can provide structural integrity to the electronics module.
1 . An aircraft galley insert control module comprising:
an electronics module for controlling an aircraft galley appliance; and
a magnesium alloy housing for the electronics module, wherein the magnesium alloy has the following composition:
3.7-4.3% yttrium;
2.4-4.4% rare earths;
0.4% min. zirconium; and
balance magnesium.
2 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , wherein the electronics module is supported in thermal contact with the magnesium alloy housing.
3 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , wherein the magnesium alloy housing defines an outer groove arranged to provide air flow over the housing.
4 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , wherein the electronics module is fixedly connected to the magnesium alloy housing.
5 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , wherein the magnesium alloy housing comprises one or more internal ribs arranged to locate the electronics module.
6 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the magnesium alloy housing is in the range 0.3-2.0 mm.
7 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , wherein the magnesium alloy housing is a one-piece housing.
8 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 7 , wherein the one-piece housing comprises a supporting surface for the electronics module, one or more side surfaces, and one or more bends connecting the supporting surface to the one or more side surfaces.
9 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , wherein the magnesium alloy housing is manufactured by the process of die-casting and/or CNC machining the magnesium alloy.
10 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a cover for the electronics module, wherein the magnesium alloy housing and cover are connected together to form an enclosure for the electronics module.
11 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 10 , wherein the cover is made from sheet material.
12 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 10 , wherein the cover is thinner than the magnesium alloy housing.
13 . An aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 , wherein the electronics module comprises a printed circuit board and a microcontroller for an aircraft galley appliance.
14 . An aircraft galley insert comprising:
an aircraft galley insert control module according to claim 1 ; and
an aircraft galley appliance operably connected to the aircraft galley insert control module.
15 . A method of manufacturing a magnesium alloy housing for an aircraft galley insert control module as recited in claim 1 , the method comprising:
forming magnesium alloy housing such that it includes bosses with threaded screw holes for securing the electronics module to the magnesium alloy housing.