Improved Harness Technology

Trackwise has developed a new process that allows for the manufacture of flexible multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs) of any length. Flexible PCBs were developed in the 1960s to replace wiring harnesses as means of saving weight and space. Since that time application of the technology has been limited in scope by the ability to manufacture PCBs only of a maximum size, typically 610mm. Trackwise' innovation removes this limit and so enables their use for large scale harnesses. As the technology offers up to 75% weight saving, this is an important development. The growing role of electrically powered systems on commercial aircraft has resulted in more and more wiring and the potential to reduce the mass of this wiring is a significant energy saving opportunity. The project plans to test the design feasibility of converting a 3D harness into a 2D flex PCB and to quantify the benefits.