Retractable panel interface cable device and method

Abstract

A device and method for mounting and wiring avionic equipment such as modules and display units in an aircraft is provided. The novel configuration utilizes a flexible guide that routes communication lines from a device such as a display unit to other devices such as avionic modules. Because the flexible guide is only allowed motion in substantially a two dimensional plane, the communication lines routed by the flexible guide are held securely in place before, during, and after any access procedure. Damage or failure of communication lines is prevented by the structural support of the flexible guide, while at the same time, the display unit may be easily removed to allow access to devices such as modules located behind.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.