Quick-disconnect harness system for helmet-mounted displays

P. T. Bapu; M. J. Aulds; Steven P. Fuchs; David M. McCormick

doi:10.1117/12.131964

30 October 1992 Quick-disconnect harness system for helmet-mounted displays

P. T. Bapu, M. J. Aulds, Steven P. Fuchs, David M. McCormick

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1695, Helmet-Mounted Displays III; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.131964
Event: Aerospace Sensing, 1992, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

We have designed a pilot's harness-mounted, high voltage quick-disconnect connectors with 62 pins, to transmit voltages up to 13.5 kV and video signals with 70 MHz bandwidth, for a binocular helmet-mounted display system. It connects and disconnects with power off, and disconnects 'hot' without pilot intervention and without producing external sparks or exposing hot embers to the explosive cockpit environment. We have implemented a procedure in which the high voltage pins disconnect inside a hermetically-sealed unit before the physical separation of the connector. The 'hot' separation triggers a crowbar circuit in the high voltage power supplies for additional protection. Conductor locations and shields are designed to reduce capacitance in the circuit and avoid crosstalk among adjacent circuits. The quick- disconnect connector and wiring harness are human-engineered to ensure pilot safety and mobility. The connector backshell is equipped with two hybrid video amplifiers to improve the clarity of the video signals. Shielded wires and coaxial cables are molded as a multi-layered ribbon for maximum flexibility between the pilot's harness and helmet. Stiff cabling is provided between the quick-disconnect connector and the aircraft console to control behavior during seat ejection. The components of the system have been successfully tested for safety, performance, ergonomic considerations, and reliability.

Citation Download Citation

P. T. Bapu, M. J. Aulds, Steven P. Fuchs, and David M. McCormick "Quick-disconnect harness system for helmet-mounted displays", Proc. SPIE 1695, Helmet-Mounted Displays III, (30 October 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.131964

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