Articles and processes for inhibiting wear in latch systems

Abstract

The present application relates to articles and processes for inhibiting wear in a latch system, and discloses an article and process configured to inhibit wear of a lock in a latch system, the latch system including a gland surrounding an actuator that translates the lock through a first fixed lock receiver and a movable lock receiver. The article and process include inhibiting deflection of a lock center axis of the lock away from substantial alignment with a first center axis of a first opening of the first fixed lock receiver and an actuator center axis of the actuator by assembling a first translation guide into the first fixed lock receiver, wherein the lock translates through the first opening and an opening in the movable lock receiver. Also included is inhibiting: wear of the gland around the actuator in the lock when translated, and leakage of actuator fluid within the lock through the gland; and deflection of the actuator center axis of the actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to latch systems, and in particular to methods, apparatus, and systems for inhibiting wear of components of a latch system including a latch that translates through a movable latch receiver. Background Art

[0002] Manufacturing a latch system may involve assembling a number of components to form the latch system. The latch system may be used to secure moving parts to operate in conjunction with each other for a certain period of time. Without limitation, the latch system may include a lug as a lock receiver having an opening through which the lock may translate.

[0003] The latch system may include a locking member that translates through openings in a plurality of locking member receivers. Non-limiting examples of a locking member may be a pin or a piston, and the locking member receiver may be a lug having an opening sized to receive the locking member. The latch system may experience certain loads as it translates between a closed or fully latched position and an open or fully unlocked position. Depending on the load on the lug, the latch system may experience different loads after being in the closed position than it would experience when translating through openings in the plurality of lugs.

[0004] The different parts can be connected by a latching system that includes a locking member that translates through an opening in a lug belonging to each of the different parts so that the central axis of the locking member is substantially aligned with the central axis of each opening in each lug. The clearance between the sides of the locking member and the interior of the opening must allow translation of the locking member but be tight enough to control the desired connection and load transfer between the different parts. There may be technical problems in translating the locking member into position between the lugs. There may be technical problems in maintaining sufficient contact between the locking member and the opening after the locking member is placed in the opening.

[0005] A bushing that fits within the opening of the lug can be used to help the latch translate through the opening and enhance the desired contact and clearance between the sides of the latch and the interior of the opening, thereby creating the desired connection and load transfer between the different parts connected by the latch system.

[0006] Typically, the type and amount of material, as well as the size and weight of the bushing, is designed based on the loads that a particular bushing is designed to experience during its use and life cycle when the various parts connected are used together for their designed purpose. Thus, for a locking piece that is inserted between the lugs and retained there during use, such as, but not limited to, a bushing for a common lug in a clevis-type latch system, can be designed to withstand static or rotational loads in the shear plane. In other words, the size and strength of the bushing can be designed to withstand dual shear loads from the lugs and from the locking piece.

[0007] Likewise, cost and material usage manufacturing choices for such bushings generally require that the bushings contain a minimum amount of material of minimum size that will accept and handle the expected design loads on the bushing from the locks and lugs during use of the connected parts. In some environments, it is also desirable that the bushings be as light as possible. A non-limiting example of such an environment would be joining parts of an aircraft wing together or joining an aircraft wing to an aircraft fuselage.

[0008] When one of the lugs through which the locking member must translate is movable, as the locking member begins to translate through the lug, the central axis of the opening in the movable lug may not be precisely aligned with the central axis of the opening of the fixed lug and the central axis of the locking member translated through the opening. A non-limiting example of a movable lug would be a lug on a folding wing tip on an aircraft that aligns with a fixed lug on a fixed portion of the wing that is connected to the folding wing tip.

[0009] Therefore, there is currently a technical problem that when a locking member that translates through a fixed lug strikes a portion of a movable lug or a bushing therein, its central axis may not be precisely aligned with the fixed lug. The technical problem may include undesirable forces and wear on the surface of the locking member and on the surface of the movable lug and / or the surface of the bushing therein. The forces on the locking member caused by striking the movable lug or the bushing therein may cause the central axis of the locking member to deviate from alignment with its axis of lateral translation through the lug, and therefore cause the central axis of the locking member to deviate from the translation axis of the actuator within the locking member and from the central axis of the opening in the fixed lug.

[0010] Currently, such a misalignment between the central axis of the locking element and the central axis of the fixed lug can lead to further technical problems in addition to wear of the locking element and the movable lug. Such a misalignment can also lead to wear of parts of the fixed lug, as well as wear, clearance and leakage of surfaces and seals around the gland around the actuator in the locking element and around the head of the actuator.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to solve the technical problems listed above and possible other problems. Therefore, it would be desirable to have systems and processes for manufacturing articles and processes that take into account at least some of the technical problems and problems listed above and other possible problems. For example, it would be desirable to have systems and processes for manufacturing articles and processes that overcome the technical problems of wear and / or leakage of components of latch systems, particularly latch systems that include movable locking member receivers. Summary of the invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide a fabrication configured to inhibit wear of a gland around an actuator in a latch system. The latch system may include: a latch configured to translate through: a fabrication that fits within a first opening of a first fixed latch receiver of the latch system; and an opening in a movable latch receiver.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a process for inhibiting wear of a lock in a latch system, the latch system comprising: a gland surrounding an actuator that translates a lock through: a first fixed lock receiver including a first opening, and a movable lock receiver including an opening. The process may include inhibiting a lock center axis of the lock from deflecting away from substantial alignment with: a first center axis of the first opening of the first fixed lock receiver, and an actuator center axis of the actuator, wherein the lock translates through the first opening and the opening in the movable lock receiver. The inhibition may be performed by fitting a first translation guide into the first fixed lock receiver.

[0014] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a process for inhibiting wear of a gland around an actuator in a lock in a latch system, the lock translating through: a first fixed lock receiver, and a movable lock receiver in a latched position. The process may include inhibiting: leakage of actuator fluid within the lock through the gland; and deflection of an actuator center axis of the actuator away from substantial alignment with: a lock center axis of the lock; and a first center axis of a first opening. The inhibiting may be performed by shrink fitting a first translation guide into the first opening in the first fixed lock receiver.

[0015] The features and functions can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

[0016] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0017] Item 1: A manufactured article configured to inhibit wear of a gland around an actuator in a latch system, the latch system comprising a locking member configured to translate through: the manufactured article mounted within a first opening in a first fixed locking member receiver of the latch system; and an opening in a movable locking member receiver.

[0018] Clause 2: The article of manufacture of the preceding clause, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a first translation guide and the lock comprises an internal chamber configured to retain an actuator fluid and the actuator.

[0019] Clause 3: The article of manufacture of any preceding clause, further comprising the first translation guide configured to prevent a gap that would allow actuator fluid to leak from the locking member through the gland.

[0020] Clause 4: The article of manufacture of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a ratio between a length of the first translation guide and an outer diameter of the locking member that exceeds 0.500.

[0021] Clause 5: The article of manufacture of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the travel distance of the locking member exceeding 0.559.

[0022] Clause 6: The article of manufacture of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: an outer diameter of the lock comprises a dimension of 2.48 inches; a length of the first translation guide comprises at least 1.24 inches; and a travel distance of the lock comprises a dimension of less than 0.878 inches.

[0023] Clause 7: The article of manufacture of any preceding clause, wherein the first translation guide comprises a copper-nickel-tin alloy shrink-fit into the first opening.

[0024] Clause 8: A manufactured article according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: the actuator comprising an actuator center axis; the locking member comprising a locking member center axis; the first opening comprising a first center axis; and the first translation guide being configured to maintain the actuator center axis and the locking member center axis substantially aligned with the first center axis.

[0025] Clause 9: A manufactured article according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: a latching system comprising: a second locking member receiver comprising a second opening, the second opening comprising a second center axis; a movable locking member receiver comprising a movable opening, the movable opening comprising a center axis, the movable locking member receiver being configured to rotate to a latched position located between the first fixed locking member receiver and the second locking member receiver; and the first translation guide being configured to maintain the actuator center axis and the locking member center axis substantially aligned with: the center axis of the opening in the movable locking member receiver in the latched position and the first center axis.

[0026] Clause 10: The article of manufacture of any preceding clause, further comprising the first translation guide configured to inhibit the lock central axis from deflecting away from alignment with the first central axis.

[0027] Clause 11: The article of manufacture of any preceding clause, further comprising the first translation guide configured to inhibit wear of the lock in response to inhibiting the lock central axis from deflecting away from alignment with the first central axis.

[0028] Clause 12: A manufactured article according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a first translation guide configured to inhibit wear of: the first translation guide; the translation guide mounted in the opening of the movable locking member receiver; and the second translation guide mounted in the second opening in response to inhibiting the locking member center axis from deflecting away from alignment with the first center axis.

[0029] Item 13: A process for inhibiting wear of a locking member in a latch system, the latch system comprising: a gland surrounding an actuator, the actuator translating the locking member through: a first fixed locking member receiver including a first opening, and a movable locking member receiver including an opening, the process comprising: inhibiting a locking member center axis of the locking member from deflecting away from substantial alignment with: a first center axis of the first opening of the first fixed locking member receiver, and an actuator center axis of the actuator by assembling a first translation guide into the first fixed locking member receiver, wherein the locking member translates through the first opening and the opening in the movable locking member receiver.

[0030] Clause 14: The process of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising the first translation guide inhibiting leakage of actuator fluid in the lock through the gland when translating the lock through the first fixed lock receiver and the movable lock receiver.

[0031] Clause 15: The process of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the diameter of the locking member exceeding 0.500.

[0032] Clause 16: The process of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the travel distance of the locking member exceeding 0.559.

[0033] Clause 17: The process of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: the first translation guide comprising a copper-nickel-tin alloy; and shrink fitting the first translation guide into the first opening.

[0034] Clause 18: The process of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: the locking member comprising an outer diameter measuring 2.48 inches; the first translation guide comprising a length of at least 1.24 inches; and the travel distance of the locking member comprising a dimension less than 0.878 inches.

[0035] Item 19: A process for inhibiting wear of a gland around an actuator in a lock in a latch system, the lock translating through: a first fixed lock receiver, and a movable lock receiver in a latched position, the process comprising inhibiting: leakage of actuator fluid within the lock through the gland by shrink-fitting a first translation guide into a first opening in the first fixed lock receiver; and deflection of an actuator center axis of the actuator away from substantial alignment with: a lock center axis of the lock; and a first center axis of the first opening.

[0036] Clause 20: A process according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising: suppressing, by a first translation guide: wear of the locking member, and deviation of the actuator center axis of the actuator away from substantial alignment with the center axis of a movable locking member receiver in a latched position adjacent to a first fixed locking member receiver, wherein the locking member translates through the movable locking member receiver in the latched position.

[0037] Clause 21: The process of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the diameter of the locking member exceeding 0.500.

[0038] Clause 22: The process of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the travel distance of the locking member exceeding 0.559.

[0039] Item 23: A manufacturing system configured to inhibit wear in a component of a latch system, the latch system comprising a locking member configured to translate a travel distance through a first translation guide in a first locking member receiver and a movable locking member receiver, the first locking member receiver comprising a first opening and the movable locking member receiver comprising a second opening.

[0040] Clause 24: A manufacturing system according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a machine configured to produce a first translation guide configured to be shrink-fitted within the first opening such that the first translation guide comprises a length of at least 1.24 inches and the locking member comprises an outer diameter measuring 2.48 inches and a travel distance measuring less than 0.878 inches.

[0041] Clause 25: A method for making a portion of an aircraft, the aircraft including a manufactured part configured to inhibit wear of components of a latch system for a folding wing, the method comprising: shrink fitting a first translation guide into a first opening in a first lock receiver adjacent to a movable lock receiver in a flight position in a folding wing system, such that the first translation guide includes a length of at least 1.24 inches and the lock includes an outer diameter measuring 2.48 inches and a travel distance measuring less than 0.878 inches. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The novel features believed to be characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. However, the illustrative embodiments together with the preferred mode of use, further objects and features thereof will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a prior art latch system in an unlocked position in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0044] Figure 2 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the present latch system according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein a locking member translates between an unlocked position and a locked position;

[0045] Figure 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the present latch system according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein a locking member translates between an unlocked position and a locked position;

[0046] Figure 4 is an illustration of the present latch system depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment with a locking member in a locked position;

[0047] Figure 5 is an illustration of a block diagram of a latch system according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0048] Figure 6 is an illustration of components in a cross-sectional view of a latch system in an unlocked position according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0049] Figure 7 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a latch system according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0050] Figure 8 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a latch system according to an illustrative embodiment with a locking member proximate a locked position;

[0051] Fig.9A is an illustration of a perspective view of a folding aircraft wing with a latch system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0052] Fig. 9B is an illustration of a perspective view of a folding aircraft wing tip with a latch system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

[0053] Fig. 9C is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a latch system in a wing according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0054] Fig.10 is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and service method according to an illustrative embodiment;

[0055] Fig.11 is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft in which the illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

[0056] Fig.12 is an illustration of a flow chart of a process according to an illustrative embodiment for inhibiting wear of a lock in a latch system including: a gland surrounding an actuator that translates a lock through: a first fixed lock receiver including a first opening, and a movable lock receiver including an opening;

[0057] Fig.13 is an illustration of a flow chart of a process according to an illustrative embodiment for inhibiting wear of a gland around an actuator in a lock in a latch system that translates through: a first fixed lock receiver, and a movable lock receiver in a latched position; and

[0058] Fig.14 is an illustration of a block diagram of a product management system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or more different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that currently manufactured and produced latch systems may suffer from technical problems of wear and / or leakage of components. However, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that current manufacturing parts and processes for latch systems (particularly latch systems with movable locking member receivers) cannot provide technical benefits that overcome the technical problems of wear and / or leakage of components of latch systems.

[0060] The illustrative embodiments also recognize and take into account that existing design standards and products for translation guides of lock receivers in latch systems maintain a desired angle relative to the center axis of a fixed lock receiver in the lock receiver to one side of the lock that translates through the lock receiver. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that with currently used bushings, as the lock translates through multiple lock receivers including a movable lock receiver, the center axis of the lock can deflect away from the center axis of the fixed lock receiver. When this angle deviates beyond a certain threshold amount, the deflection causes undesirable wear of components of the latch system, including but not limited to the surface of the lock, the fixed lock receiver, the bushing for the lock receiver, and the gland around the actuator for the lock.

[0061] The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that the deflection of the central axis of the lock relative to the central axis of the actuator can also cause the following technical problems, namely, the formation of an undesirable gap between the gland around the actuator for the lock and the actuator for the lock. The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that the gap around the gland can cause the loss of actuator fluid from the inside of the lock to the outside of the lock. The loss in the form of actuator fluid in the lock can cause the translation ability of the lock to degrade. The loss of actuator fluid requires additional maintenance of the lock and / or the actuator. The additional maintenance can increase the operating cost of the article containing the latch. The additional maintenance requires the removal of the article containing the latch from the operation. Such removal can cause and increase the direct operating cost of the article containing the latch. Such removal can cause and increase the related operating cost of the article containing the latch. Without limitation, the related costs can include the loss of revenue-generating activities of the article when the latch is removed from the maintenance operation.

[0062] The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that the deflection of the central axis of the lock relative to the central axis of the actuator can also lead to the following technical problems, namely, the formation of an undesirable gap between the seal around the head of the actuator in the lock and the interior of the lock. The undesirable gap between the seal around the head of the actuator in the lock and the interior of the lock can inhibit the ability to control the movement of the lock along the length of the actuator.

[0063] Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a process, article, and / or system for making a translation guide for a latch system including a movable lock receiver.

[0064] As used herein, the phrase "at least one", when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items can be used, and only one of each item in the list may be required. In other words, "at least one" means that any combination of items and multiple items from the list can be used, but not all items in the list are required. The item can be a specific object, thing, or category.

[0065] For example, but not limited to, "at least one of item A, item B, or item C" may include item A, item A and item B, or item C. This example may also include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. Of course, there may be any combination of these items. In some illustrative examples, "at least one" may be, for example, but not limited to, two items A; one item B; and ten items C; four items B and seven items C; or other suitable combinations.

[0066] As used herein, a first component "connected to" a second component means that the first component can be directly or indirectly connected to the second component. In other words, there can be additional components between the first component and the second component. When there are one or more additional components between the two components, the first component is considered to be indirectly connected to the second component. When the first component is directly connected to the second component, there are no additional components between the two components.

[0067] In the illustrative embodiments, there are one or more technical solutions to overcome the technical problem of wear on the components of the latch system. As a result, one or more technical solutions can provide a technical effect of suppressing wear on the components of the latch system. For example, the illustrative embodiments of this document can provide one or more technical solutions, in which at least one alignment of the central axes is maintained for the components in the latch system. In other words, as the locking piece translates through the locking piece receiver in the latch system, the desired angle is maintained between the central axes of the components of the latch. One or more technical solutions can suppress wear on various components within the latch system.

[0068] For example, one or more technical aspects enable the first translation guide to maintain the alignment of components in the latch system at a specific angle during translation of a locking member in the latch system so that wear on the components of the latch system is inhibited. Figure 1-Figure 4 Examples of undesirable technical problems are shown without limitation: friction, deflection, wear and leakage of components in current latch systems.

[0069] Now turn to Figure 1 , depicts an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a current latch system in an unlocked position according to an illustrative embodiment. As shown, the current latch system 100 may be part of a larger item ( Figure 1). Without limitation, the present latch system 100 may be used to secure a second part ( Figure 1 The first part (not shown) Figure 1 ), such that one of the parts comprises at least one fixed lug and the other part comprises at least one movable lug 110.

[0070] In some embodiments, the articulated parts may include wing roots and wing tips of an aircraft. Figure 1-Figure 4 The current latch system 100 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a technical problem that results in undesirable wear of components in comparable current latch systems 100 , which is addressed by Figure 5-Figure 8 The embodiment shown is used to overcome this problem. Figure 1-Figure 4 The current latch system 100 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a technical problem that results in undesirable leakage of actuator fluid in comparable current latch systems, which is addressed by Figure 5-Figure 8 The embodiment shown is used to overcome this problem.

[0071] The current latch system can include many different components. As used herein, "plurality", when used with reference to a component or item, means one or more components or items. As depicted, the current latch system 100 includes: a locking member 102, an actuator 104, a gland 106, a first fixed lug 108, a movable lug 110, a second fixed lug 112, an internal chamber 114, an actuator center axis 116, and a locking member center axis 118, a first bushing 120, a first center axis 121, a first opening 123, a movable opening 122, a movable center axis 124, a movable bushing 126, a second bushing 128, a second opening 130, a head 132 of the actuator 104, and a rod 134 of the actuator 104. The locking member 102 can be configured as a cylinder with an internal chamber 114 and an actuator 104.

[0072] The internal chamber 114 can be filled with an actuator fluid so that the lock 102 can act as a piston that is actuated by the flow of fluid through the head 13 of the actuator 104 in the internal chamber 114, causing the lock 102 to translate along the actuator 104. The gland 106 refers to a component that is connected to the lock 102 and moves with the lock 102, which prevents the actuator fluid from leaking from inside the internal chamber 114 to the outside of the internal chamber 114. The gland 106 can include a rigid component and a compressible seal associated therewith.

[0073] Thus, the lock 102 can be configured as a cylinder, wherein the piston rod is located in the internal chamber of the cylinder. However, instead of the piston rod moving in the internal chamber of the cylinder, the cylinder moves relative to the piston. The moving cylinder can act as the lock 102 that translates along the piston rod 134, which acts as the actuator 104 for the lock 102 to translate. The gland 106 can be configured to surround the actuator 104 to prevent fluid from leaking from the interior of the internal chamber 114 to the outside of the lock 102. The actuator 104 can have an actuator center axis 116.

[0074] The actuator 104 may be constructed of metal, such as, but not limited to, stainless steel. The head 132 of the actuator 104 may also include a compressible seal (not shown) associated therewith that prevents the actuator fluid from passing from one side of the head 132 to the other side of the head 132 .

[0075] The first fixing lug 108 can be directly connected to the structure (not shown) and is configured to receive the locking member 102, allow the locking member 102 to translate through the first fixing lug, and secure the locking member 102 within the first fixing lug 108 when the current latch system 100 is in the unlocked position. The first fixing lug 108 can have a first opening 123, and the first opening 123 is sized to allow the locking member 102 to translate through the first opening. The first fixing lug 108 and the first bushing 120 can be located within the first opening. The first bushing 120 is generally sized according to engineering standards, such as, but not limited to, engineering standards available in the following:

[0076] i. Machinery's Handbook (29th Edition), section entitled "PLAIN BEARINGS" (page 2314). ISBN: 978-0-8311-2901-9. Three types of bearings are described (radial, thrust and guide).

[0077] ii. Joseph E. Shigley and Charles R. Mischke and Thomas H. Brown, McGraw-Hill Engineering, Chapter 19, Shaft and Bearing Standards, 3rd Edition.

[0078] iii. Eugene A. Avallone and Theodore Baumeister (eds.) Manual of Mechanical Engineering Designation Standards, McGraw-Hill Engineering 1996, Section 8.4, Fluid Film Bearings.

[0079] Typically, the first bushing 120 is sized to be attached to the second part once the first part is attached to the second part (similar to Figure 4), carrying the expected loads of the U-clip / pin type connection during use of the article and allowing the pin / locking member to translate through the first opening. Figure 1 In the unlocked position shown, the locking member central axis 118 is aligned with and overlaps the actuator central axis 116 and the first central axis 121 .

[0080] The movable lug 110 is configured to move relative to the first fixed lug 108 and the second fixed lug 112 and relative to the structure ( Figure 1 The movable lug 110 may have a movable opening 122, the size of which is designed to allow the locking member 102 to translate through the movable opening.

[0081] The movable opening 122 may have a movable central axis. The movable opening 122 is fixed within the movable lug 110 and is not movable relative to the movable lug 110, but is movable relative to the first opening. Without limitation, the movement of the movable lug 110 relative to the first lug may be a rotation around a hinge (not shown) on a structure (not shown) of which the first lug is a part.

[0082] Other forms and directions of movement of the movable lug 110 relative to the first lug are possible. The movable central axis 124 is fixed relative to the movable opening 122 and the movable lug 110 and is immovable relative to the movable lug 110 but moves relative to the first opening 123 and the first central axis 121 .

[0083] The removable bushing 126 may be located within the removable opening. The removable lug 110 and the removable bushing 126 are typically sized according to engineering standards, such as, but not limited to, those available in:

[0084] iv. Machinery's Handbook (29th Edition), section entitled "PLAIN BEARINGS" (page 2314). ISBN: 978-0-8311-2901-9. Three types of bearings (radial, thrust and guide) are described.

[0085] v.Joseph E.Shigley and Charles R.Mischke and Thomas H.Brown in McGraw-HillEngineering Chapter 19: Shaft and Bearing Standards, 3rd Edition.

[0086] vi. Eugene A. Avallone and Theodore Baumeister (eds.) Manual of Mechanical Engineering Designation Standards, McGraw-Hill Engineering 1996, Section 8.4 Fluid Film Bearings.

[0087] The movable bushing 126 is sized and shaped accordingly so that when the locking member 102 is in the Figure 4 When in the locked position shown (the latch system is in the latched position), the locking member 102 is secured within the movable opening, facilitating translation of the locking member 102 through the movable opening, and carrying a load between the movable lug 110 and the locking member 102 that prevents the movable lug 110 from moving away from the first fixed lug 108 and the second fixed lug 112.

[0088] The second fixing lug 112 can be fixed to a structure (not shown) that holds the first fixing lug 108 and is configured to: receive the locking member 102, allow the locking member 102 to translate through the second fixing lug 112, and secure the locking member 102 within the second fixing lug 112 when the current latch system 100 is in the locked position. The second fixing lug 112 can have a second opening 130 that is sized to allow the locking member 102 to translate through the second opening. The second bushing 128 can be located within the second opening 130.

[0089] The second retaining lug 112 and the second bushing 128 are generally sized according to engineering standards, such as, but not limited to, those available in:

[0090] vii. Machinery's Handbook (29th Edition), section entitled "PLAIN BEARINGS" (page 2314). ISBN: 978-0-8311-2901-9. Three types of bearings (radial, thrust and guide) are described.

[0091] viii. Joseph E. Shigley and Charles R. Mischke and Thomas H. Brown, 3rd edition of the Manual of Standards for Mechanical Design, McGraw-Hill Engineering, Chapter 19, Shaft and Bearings.

[0092] ix. Eugene A. Avallone and Theodore Baumeister (eds.), Manual of Mechanical Engineering Designation Standards, McGraw-Hill Engineering 1996, Section 8.4, Fluid Film Bearings.

[0093] The size and shape of the second bushing 128 are accordingly designed so that when the locking member 102 is in the Figure 4 In the locked position shown (the latch system is in the latched position), the locking member 102 is secured within the second opening, facilitating translation of the locking member 102 through the second opening and transferring loads between the second securing lug 112 and the locking member 102 .

[0094] Reference now Figure 2 , depicts an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the present latch system 100 according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein the locking member 102 translates between an unlocked position and a locked position. The unlocked position is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The locked position is as shown. Figure 4 As shown (the latch system is in the latched position). In the illustrative example, the locking member 102 has been moved from Figure 1 As shown, its position within the first fixed lug 108 has moved to the left and has come into contact with the movable lug 110. Figure 2 As shown, the movable lug 110 is in the latched position 200, but the movable lug 110 and the movable central axis 124 are no longer substantially aligned with the first central axis 121 or the central axis of the locking member 102. Here, the latched position is defined by the movable lug 110 being positioned relative to the first and second fixed lugs 108, 112 so that the locking member 102 can translate through all three lugs.

[0095] Figure 2 10 and the result of the misalignment of the central axis of the lock 102, wherein the chamfered corner 202 of the lock 102 contacts the corner 204 of the movable bushing 126 in the movable lug 110 and applies a force 206 to the movable lug 110, which moves the movable lug 110 and the movable opening 122 downwardly enough to allow the lock 102 to continue to translate through the movable opening, as shown in FIG. Figure 3-Figure 4 Force 206 causes the following undesirable friction and wear: friction and wear on the chamfered corners, movable bushing 126, lock 102 along surface 207 and surface 208 of lock 102, and friction and wear on first bushing 120 at points 210 and 212.

[0096] The movable lug generates a force 214 on the lock 102 that is commensurate with the force 206. The force 214 transmitted to the lock 102 through the second bushing 128 generates a moment 216 about the head 132 of the actuator 104 within the interior chamber 114. The moment 216 causes the lock central axis 118 to deflect away from alignment with the first central axis 121 and the actuator central axis 116 at an angle 220. As the lock 102 translates along the actuator 104, the deflection of the lock 102 can cause undesirable compression, friction, and wear on the gland 106 and along the sides 222 of the actuator 104 as long as the lock central axis 118 remains deflected from the actuator central axis 116. As the force 214 acts on the lock 102, the deflection of the lock 102 can cause an undesirable gap 224 to open between the gland 106 and the sides 226 of the actuator 104. Additionally, over time, undesired compression, friction, and wear of the gland 106 may degrade the integrity and size of the gland 106 enough to create a permanent gap between the gland 106 and the side 222 of the actuator 104 .

[0097] Likewise, the deflection of the lock 102 may cause undesirable compression, friction, and wear on the head 132 of the actuator 104 and on the sides 228 of the interior chamber 114 of the lock 102. As the force 214 acts on the lock 102, the deflection of the lock 102 may cause an undesirable gap 225 to open between the sides 230 of the interior chamber 114 and the head 132 of the actuator 104. Additionally, over time, the undesirable compression, friction, and wear of the gland 106 may degrade the integrity and size of the gland 106 enough to create a permanent gap between the gland 106 and the sides 222 of the actuator 104.

[0098] Although Figure 1-Figure 4 The result of the movable lug 110 and movable center axis 124 being displaced above the first lug and first center axis 121 is shown, but those of ordinary skill in the art understand that the displacement can also be below and can cause the opposite effect of damage opposite to the damage described above. Over time, as the displacement occurs upward and downward, undesirable wear, clearance and leakage can be caused along both sides of the gland 106, both sides of the center rod 134 of the actuator 104, and both sides of the head 132 of the actuator 104. Of course, the description herein is relative to the cross-sectional views presented in these figures. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that these items are actually three-dimensional, and the undesirable compression, friction and wear described do not actually occur on one side or the other, but can appropriately occur around the inner periphery and / or outer periphery of the locking member 102, internal chamber 114, head 132, gland 106 and / or rod 134 in question.

[0099] Next reference Figure 3, depicts an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a current latch system 100 according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein the locking member 102 is translated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the illustrative example, the locking member 102 has been moved from Figure 1 and Figure 2 Its position shown in FIG. 1 is further moved to the left and has come into contact with the second bushing 128 in the second fixing lug 112 . Figure 3 It is shown that the force 214 on the movable lug 110 has prevented the force 206 from the lock 102 from fully aligning the movable central axis 124 with the first central axis 121, the second central axis, and the actuator central axis 116. As a result, the chamfered corner 302 of the lock 102 impinges on the second bushing 128. As a result, undesirable friction and wear of the second bushing 128 and the chamfered corner 302 occur.

[0100] In other words, as the lock 102 translates past the movable lug 110, it applies a force 206 to align the movable central axis 124 with the actuator central axis 116. However, as the lock 102 translates along the actuator 104, as long as the lock central axis 118 remains deflected from the actuator central axis 116, the surfaces and surfaces of the lock 102 are subject to undesirable friction and wear. In other words, the lock central axis 118 is deflected away from alignment with the actuator central axis 116 and the first lug central axis by the force 214 from the movable lug 110 on the lock 102. As a result, the gland 106 and the seal associated therewith are subject to undesirable compression, friction, and wear from the actuator 104. In addition, due to the deflection and the compression and wear on the gland 106, an undesirable gap is generated between the gland 106 and the inner wall of the lock 102. The undesirable clearance causes the actuator fluid to undesirably leak from the interior chamber 114 of the lock 102 .

[0101] Likewise, as the lock 102 translates along the actuator 104, the head 132, and the seal associated therewith, the interior chamber 114 is subject to undesirable compression, friction, and wear from the actuator 104 as long as the lock central axis 118 remains deflected from the actuator central axis 116. Additionally, due to the deflection and the compression and wear on the head 132 and the interior chamber 114, an undesirable gap 225 is created between the head 132 and the side 230 of the interior chamber 114 of the lock 102. The undesirable gap 225 results in undesirable leakage of the actuator fluid between the region 304 of the interior chamber 114 and the region 306 of the interior chamber 114.

[0102] Normal translation of the lock 102 may occur by the actuator 104 regulating the actuator fluid to move between the region 304 and the region 306. When leakage occurs between the regions 304 and 306, the translation of the lock 102 along the actuator 104 may not be properly regulated.

[0103] Next reference Figure 4 , depicts an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the present latch system 100 according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein the locking member 102 is in a locked position. In the illustrative example, the locking member 102 has been moved from Figure 1-Figure 3 Its position shown in FIG. 1 is further moved to the left and is located within the second securing lug 112. Without limitation, the loads experienced by the locking member 102 and the lugs may be shear or other loads.

[0104] In this cross-sectional view, the second central axis is substantially aligned with the following: the locking member 102 central axis, the first central axis 121, the actuator central axis 116, and the movable central axis. The locking member 102 is sufficiently fixed within the second bushing 128, the movable bushing 126, and the first bushing 120 so that the locking member 102 receives and carries the load from each of the second lug, the movable lug 110, and the first lug. The locking member 102 is sufficiently fixed within the second bushing 128, the movable bushing 126, and the first bushing 120 so that the locking member 102 holds the latch system in place. Figure 4 Latch position shown. Figure 4 Represents the operating conditions of the current guide bushing design and manufacture in the current latch system 100.

[0105] Figure 4 The locked position of the present latch system 100 is shown as a position where the load on the first part and the load on the second part of the article may attempt to move the first part away from the second part. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the locking member 102 prevents the movable lug 110 from moving away from the first lug and the second lug, thereby preventing the first part from moving away from the second part. Figure 4 The locking position of the current latch system 100 shown is used to determine the position of the maximum expected load on the first bushing 120, the movable bushing 126 and the second bushing 128, which determination is not limited to the size, shape, strength, hardness and / or other characteristics of each of the first bushing 120, the movable bushing 126 and the second bushing 128 typically found in the latch system represented by the embodiment shown by the current latch system 100.

[0106] Now go to Figure 5, depicts an illustration of a block diagram of a latch system 600 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. More specifically, an article 500 can be made of a first part 502 and a second part 504. The first part 502 and the second part 504 can be connected by a latch system 600, 506. Without limitation, the connection between the first part 502 and the second part 504 can include a hinge 508. The first part 502 can rotate about the hinge 508, and the hinge 508 is configured to allow the first part 502 to be movable relative to the second part 504, and the second part 504 is fixed to the article 500.

[0107] The first part 502 may include protrusions such as movable lock receivers 604, 510. The movable lock receiver 604 remains connected or integrated into the first part 502 and may be fixed to the first part 502, but is movable relative to the second part 504 of the article 500. The second part 504 may be configured with a first fixed lock receiver 512 and a second fixed lock receiver 514, each of which is fixed to the second part 504 and separated by a slot 516, so that neither the first fixed lock receiver 512 and the second fixed lock receiver 514 can move away from the second part 504 or from each other. The slot 516 may be sized and shaped to receive the movable lock receiver 604.

[0108] The movable lock receiver 604 may include a movable opening 122, 518. The movable opening 122 is an opening in the movable lock receiver 604 and is immovable relative to the first part 502. The movable opening 122 has a movable central axis 124, 520. The movable central axis 124 is immovable relative to the movable lock receiver 604, but is movable relative to the second part 504.

[0109] The movable translation guide 618 can be assembled and fixed in the movable opening 122 of the movable lock receiver 604. The movable central axis 124 is also the central axis of the movable translation guide 618. The movable translation guide 618 must meet the load requirements required of the movable bushing 126 as described above, and it must also be configured so that the size, shape and material are sufficient to provide stability and guidance as the lock 102 translates into contact with the movable translation guide 618 and translates through the movable lock receiver 604 to reduce friction between the outer surfaces of the lock 102 and resist the deflection effect on the lock 102 caused by forces (not limited to forces from the movable lock receiver 604).

[0110] The movable translation guide 618 can be made of a copper-nickel-tin alloy. The movable translation guide 618 can be assembled to be securely retained in the movable lock receiver 604, wherein the lock 102 translates and is located between and including the locked position and the unlocked position. The movable translation guide 618 can be shrink-fitted into the movable lock receiver 604. The movable translation guide 618 can be frozen to shrink before being pressed into the movable lock receiver 604 and fit into place by expansion after heating. Without limitation, the movable translation guide 618 can be frozen in liquid nitrogen before being assembled into the movable lock receiver 604.

[0111] The first stationary lock receiver 602 has a first opening 524. The first translation guide 526 can be configured to be assembled to be securely retained within the first opening 524 in the first stationary lock receiver 602, wherein the lock 102 translates and is located in any position between and including the locked position 536 and the unlocked position 538. The first translation guide 526 can be shrink-fitted into the first stationary lock receiver 602. The first central axis 528 can be an axis at the center of the first opening 524, which can also be at the center of the first translation guide 526. Similar to special design tools that have formal names, such as Allen wrenches or Phillips head screws, translation guides that meet the shape and size requirements of the first translation guide 526 described herein are also given the formal name of Kamiscio guides 610.

[0112] Unlike the first bushing 120, the first bushing is typically sized according to engineering standards as described above so that: Figure 1 The unlocked position 538 shown secures the locking member 102 within the first opening 524 and when the locking member 102 is in the Figure 4 When receiving the load from the first fixed lock member receiver 602 when in the locked position 536 shown, the first translation guide 526 must meet the load requirements required by the first bushing 120 described above, and is also configured so that the size, shape and material are sufficient to provide stability and guidance to resist the deflection effect of the force from the movable lock member receiver 604 on the lock member 102 when the lock member translates into contact with and through the movable lock member receiver 604.

[0113] The first translation guide 526 may be formed of a copper-nickel-tin alloy. The first translation guide 526 may be frozen to shrink before being pressed into the first stationary lock receiver 602 and fit into place by expansion after being heated. The first translation guide 526 may be frozen in liquid nitrogen before being fitted into the first stationary lock receiver 602.

[0114] The second stationary lock receiver 619 has a second opening 127, 130, 530. The second translation guide 618, 532 can be configured and assembled to be securely retained within the second opening 127, 130 within the second stationary lock receiver 619, wherein the lock 102 translates and is in any position between and including the locked position 536 and the unlocked position 538. The second translation guide 618 can be shrink-fitted into the second stationary lock receiver 619. The second central axis 534 can be an axis located at the center of the second opening 127, 130, which can also be located at the center of the second translation guide 618.

[0115] Unlike the second bushing 128, which is typically sized according to engineering standards as described above so as to transfer loads from the second fixed lock receiver 606 between the second fixed lock receiver 606 and the lock 102 when the lock 102 is in the locked position 536 (and to limit movement of the movable lock receiver 604 away from the first fixed lock receiver 602 and the second fixed lock receiver 619), the second translation guide 618 must meet the load requirements required of the second bushing 128 described above, and is also configured so that the size, shape and material are sufficient to provide stability and guidance to resist the deflection effect of the force from the movable lock receiver 604 on the lock 102 when the lock 102 translates into contact with the second translation guide 618 fixed to the second fixed lock receiver 619 and translates through the second fixed lock receiver 619.

[0116] The second translation guide 618 may be made of a copper-nickel-tin alloy. The second translation guide 618 may be frozen to shrink before being pressed into the second fixed lock receiver 619 and fit into place by expansion after heating. The second translation guide 618 may be frozen in liquid nitrogen before being fitted into the second fixed lock receiver 606.

[0117] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hinge 508 connection and rotation of the first part 502 represent non-limiting examples of how the first part 502 can move relative to the second part 504. Other types of connections and directions of movement other than rotation may also be suitable to allow the movable locking member receiver 604 on the first part 502 to move into and out of the slot 516 on the second part 504.

[0118] Each lock 102 receiver can be sized and shaped so that its corresponding translation guide is located within its corresponding opening and the lock 102 can translate through the lock 102 receiver between a locked position 536 and an unlocked position 538. The unlocked position 538 is when the lock 102 does not restrict movement of the movable lock receiver 604 into and out of the slot 516 and away from the second part 504. The latch system 600 can be locked 563 in the latched position 540 or locked 536 in the unlocked position 542. The latch system 600 is locked 536 in the latched position when the movable lock 102 extends through each opening of each lock 102 receiver and the movable lock receiver 604 cannot move out of the slot 516. When the movable locking member 102 extends through the corresponding opening of each fixed locking member 102 receiver on the second part 504, but not through the movable opening 122 of the first part 502, and the movable locking member receiver 604 cannot move into the slot 516, the latch system 600 is locked 536 in the unlocked position 542.

[0119] Without limitation, when article 500 is an aircraft, second part 504 may be a wing, and first part 502 may be a folding wingtip, the latched position may be considered and referred to as the flight position. In other words, for the aircraft to be configured for flight, the folding wingtip should be locked 536 in the latched position. In the case where the aircraft is parked on the tarmac or taxiing on the ground, the folding wingtip may be locked 536 in the unlocked position 542.

[0120] Without limitation, although only one removable lock receiver 604 is shown, the first part 502 may include more than one removable lock receiver 604. If the first part 502 includes more than one removable lock receiver 604, the second part 504 may include more than two (not shown) fixed lock 102 receivers, and a plurality of slots 516 (not shown) in addition to the slot 516 configured to receive the removable lock receiver 604.

[0121] Now turn to Figure 6 , depicts an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a latch system in an unlocked position according to an illustrative embodiment. As depicted, latch system 600 can be a portion of article 500 (not shown) that is larger than latch system 600. Without limitation, latch system 600 can be used to secure a first part 502 of article 500 that can be hinged to a second part 504 of article 500 such that second part 504 includes at least one fixed latch receiver and first part 502 includes at least one movable latch receiver 604.

[0122] In some embodiments, the hinged parts may include the wing tips and wing roots of the aircraft (e.g. Figure 9A-9C shown). Figure 5-Figure 8 The latch system 600 shown in FIG. 1 depicts a method of overcoming current latch systems (such as, but not limited to, Figure 1-Figure 4 An embodiment of a technical solution to the technical problem of the current latch system 100) is shown in FIG. Figure 6-Figure 8 The latch system 600 in FIG. Figure 5 A non-limiting embodiment of a latch system 600 for an article 500 is shown in FIG. Figure 6 -Some item numbers in Figure 9 may differ from Figure 5 The item numbers in are different, but Figure 6 - Figure 9 uses Figure 5 Any items with the same name used in Figure 5 Examples of embodiments of features having the same name.

[0123] in addition, Figure 1-Figure 4 Some components used in the current latch system 100 may remain unchanged in the latch system 600. Figure 5 The middle pair has Figure 1-Figure 4 Items with the same name can be numbered differently to represent something like Figure 1-4 , and continues to Figure 5 - Figure 9. This does not exclude the modification or redesign of these items, as it is possible for the latch system 600 / 600 without reducing the Figure 5 - Advantages and improvements of the embodiment shown and described in FIG. 9 .

[0124] The latch system 600 may include a number of different components. As depicted, the latch system 600 includes: a lock 102, an actuator 104, a gland 106, a first fixed lock receiver 602, a movable lock receiver 604, a second fixed lock receiver 606, a first fixed translation guide 610, a movable translation guide 618, and a second fixed translation guide 619. The lock 102 may be configured as a cylinder having an internal chamber 114 and the actuator 104 therein. The internal chamber 114 may be filled with an actuator fluid so that the lock 102 may act as a piston actuated by the flow of fluid within the internal chamber 114 to translate the lock 102 along the actuator 104. The gland 106 may be configured around the actuator 104 to prevent fluid from leaking from the internal chamber 114 to the outside of the internal chamber 114 along the sides of the actuator 104, while facilitating translation of the lock 102 along the actuator 104. The actuator 104 may have an actuator center axis 116. The gland 106 may have a component including a rigid portion and a compressible seal. The rigid portion may be a metal. The metal may be a metal alloy.

[0125] The first fixed lock receiver 602 can be fixed to the structure and configured to receive the lock 102, allow the lock 102 to translate through the first fixed lock receiver 602, and secure the lock 102 within the first fixed lock receiver 602 when the current latch system 100 is in the unlocked position 538. The first fixed lock receiver 602 can have a first opening 524, 123, and the first opening 524, 123 is sized to allow the lock 102 to translate through the first opening 524. The first translation guide 526, 610 can be located within the first opening 524. The first translation guide 526, 610 can be viewed as the first translation guide 526, 610 described above with respect to Figure 5 A non-limiting embodiment of the first translation guide 526 is described.

[0126] Unlike the first bushing 120, the first bushing is generally sized according to the above-mentioned current engineering standards to Figure 6 The unlocked position 538 shown secures the locking member 102 within the first opening 524, 123 and receives a load from the first fixed locking member receiver 602 when the locking member 102 is in the locked position 536 (similar to the Figure 4 100 ), the first translation guide 526 must meet the load requirements required of the first bushing 120 as described above, but also be configured such that the size, shape, and material are sufficient to provide stability and guidance to resist the deflecting effect of the force 214 from the movable lock receiver 604 on the lock 102 as the lock 102 translates into contact with and through the movable lock receiver 604. Testing has taught that the first translation guide 526 must be sized relative to the outer diameter 612 (measured across the outer surface) of the lock 102 and shaped to prevent the lock center axis 118 from deviating from substantial alignment with the first center axis 528 as the lock 102 translates through the movable lock receiver 604.

[0127] The first translation guide 526 may be made of a copper-nickel-tin alloy. The first translation guide 526 may be assembled to be securely held within the first fixed lock receiver 602, with the lock 102 translated and in any position between and including the locked position 536 and the unlocked position 538. The first translation guide 526 may be shrink-fitted into the first fixed lock receiver 602. The first translation guide 526 may be frozen in liquid nitrogen to shrink before being pressed into the first fixed lock receiver 602 and fit into place by expansion after being heated.

[0128] The first translation guide 526 may incorporate a lubrication system (not shown) that is configured to lubricate (but is not limited to) an inner surface of the first translation guide 526. The inner surface of the first translation guide 526 may be a surface of the first translation guide 526 that faces the outer surface of the lock 102. The lubrication system may include a piping system that allows lubricant to flow between the outer surface of the first translation guide 526 and the inner surface of the first translation guide 526. The outer surface of the first translation guide 526 may be a surface of the first translation guide 526 that faces away from the outer surface of the lock 102.

[0129] More specifically, testing has taught that the ratio of the length 614 of the first translation guide 526 to the outer diameter 612 of the lock 102 exceeds 0.500:1, and the ratio of the length 614 of the first translation guide 526 to the travel distance 624 of the lock 102 exceeds 0.559:1, which limits the lock center axis 118 from deflecting away from the first center axis 528 to an extent that may cause undesirable friction and / or wear on the lock 102, the gland 106 and actuator 104 within the lock 102, the movable translation guide 618, and the first translation guide 526 during translation of the lock 102 between the locked position 102 and the unlocked position 538. The travel distance 624 is the distance from the first translation guide 526 to the first translation guide 526. Figure 6 The cap 626 of the locking member 102 is shown in the fully retracted position 102 to the locking member 102 in the fully extended position (similar to Figure 4 628) is the distance of the orientation of the cap of the locking member 102 as represented by line 628.

[0130] Additionally, the gap 622 between the outer diameter 612 of the locking member 102 and the inner diameter 616 of the first translation guide 610 may be defined by a ratio of at least 0.0012 but not greater than 0.0067 to the outer diameter 612 of the locking member 102. Similar to special design tools having formal names, such as an Allen wrench or a Phillips head screw, a translation guide that meets the shape and size requirements of the first translation guide 526 described above is also given the formal name of a Kamiscio guide 610.

[0131] Testing has taught that a ratio of the length 614 of the first translation guide 610 to the outer diameter 612 of the locking member 102 exceeds 0.500:1, and a ratio of the length of the first translation guide 610 to the travel distances 624, 626 of the locking member 102 exceeds 0.559:1, which ratios will limit the locking member center axis 118 from deflecting away from the actuator center axis 116 and the first center axis 121 during translation of the locking member 102 between the locked position 536 and the unlocked position 538.

[0132] This deflection limitation of the lock central axis 118 prevents undesirable compression, friction, and wear on the gland 106 and the rod 134 of the actuator 104 to a degree that prevents a gap between the gland 106 and the actuator 104 from developing a size that allows an undesirable amount of actuator fluid to leak out of the interior chamber 114 of the lock 102 during translation of the lock 102. This deflection limitation of the lock central axis 118 prevents undesirable compression, friction, and wear on the interior chamber 114 of the lock 102 and the head 132 of the actuator 104 to a degree that prevents a gap between the interior chamber 114 of the lock 102 and the head 132 of the actuator 104 from developing a size that allows an undesirable amount of actuator fluid to leak between the region 304 of the interior chamber 114 and the region 306 of the interior chamber 114 during translation of the lock 102.

[0133] Furthermore, limiting the deflection of the lock central axis 118 away from the actuator central axis 116 not only prevents leakage during translation of the lock 102, but the reduction in compression, friction, and wear of the components creates a technical advantage of limiting permanent deformation of the components that could result in undesirable actuator fluid transfer or leakage when the lock 102 is stationary. Permanent deformation of the gland 106, actuator 104, and internal chamber 114 could impair or disable the ability of the actuator 104 to translate the lock 102, and could require undesirable, premature, and expensive repair or replacement of those components or the lock 102.

[0134] Thus, as a non-limiting example, if the outer diameter 612 of the lock 102 measures 1 inch, the first translation guide 610 to inhibit wear of the components of the latch system 600 would have a length in excess of 0.500 inches, wherein the travel distance 624 of the lock 102 is less than 0.355 inches. Thus, as a non-limiting example, if the first stationary lock receiver 602 is a lug on a stationary wing in an aircraft and the outer diameter 612 of the lock 102 is 2.48 inches, the first translation guide 610 must be at least 1.24 inches, wherein the travel distance 624 of the lock 102 is less than 0.878 inches.

[0135] At the same time, the ratio of the gap 622, 616, between the outer diameter 612 of the lock 102 and the inner diameter 616 of the first translation guide 610 to the outer diameter 612 of the lock 102 may be at least 0.0012: 1 but no greater than 0.0067: 1. Thus, without limitation, for a lock 102 having an outer diameter 612 of 2.48 inches, the gap 622 between the outer diameter 612 of the lock 102 and the inner diameter 616 of the first translation guide 610 may be at least 0.0030 inches and no greater than 0.017 inches.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, for the first translation guide 610 to meet the above size requirements, it must be relative to the above Figure 1-Figure 4 628. The first fixing lug 108 shown in FIG. 629 redesigns the size and shape of the first fixing lock receiver 602. However, the shape and size of the first fixing lug 108 and the second fixing lug 112 are designed to be substantially symmetrical to support the requirements for the first translation guide 610, and the first fixing lock receiver 602 must include an outer portion having a width length 630 and a newly designed inner portion having a length 630. While the length 630 remains equal to the width 632 of the second fixing lug 112, which is designed to carry the required load when the lock 102 is in the fully extended position represented by line 628, the additional length 634 of the inner portion of the first fixing lock receiver 602 is designed to support the above length requirement for the first translation guide 610 to resist loads that attempt to deflect the lock central axis 118 away from the actuator central axis 116.

[0137] The movable lock receiver 604 is configured to be relatively fixed relative to the first fixed lock receiver 602 and the second fixed lock receiver 606 and relative to the structure of which the first fixed lock receiver 602 and the second fixed lock receiver 606 are a part ( Figure 6 The movable locking member receiver 604 may have a movable opening 122 sized to allow the locking member 102 to translate through the movable opening.

[0138] The movable opening 122 can have a movable central axis 124. The movable opening 122 is fixed in the movable lock receiver 604 and cannot move relative to the movable lock receiver 604, but the movable opening 122 can move relative to the first opening 524. Without limitation, the movement of the movable lock receiver 604 relative to the first fixed lock receiver 610 can be around the hinge 508 on the structure (such as Figure 5 1230 and the first central axis 121.

[0139] The movable translation guide 618 can be located within the movable opening. Unlike the movable bushing 126, the movable bushing is generally sized according to the engineering standards shown above so that when the locking member 102 is in the locked position 536 (similar to Figure 4 The current latch system 100 shown is in a latched position and a locked position 536), receiving a load from the movable locking member receiver 604 (and limiting movement of the movable locking member receiver 604 away from the first fixed locking member receiver 602 and the second fixed locking member receiver), the movable translation guide 618 must meet the load requirements required by the movable bushing 126 described above, but is also configured so that the size, shape and material are sufficient to provide stability and guidance to resist the deflection effect of the force from the movable locking member receiver 604 on the locking member 102 as the locking member 102 translates into contact with the movable translation guide 618 fixed to the movable locking member receiver 604 and translates through the movable locking member receiver 604.

[0140] The movable translation guide 618 can be made of a copper-nickel-tin alloy. The movable translation guide 618 can be assembled to firmly hold the first fixed lock receiver 602, wherein the lock 102 is translated and in the locked position 536 (similar to Figure 4 ) or the unlocked position 538 (as shown in the current latch system 100 in FIG. Figure 6 ) and including any position between the locked position 536 and the unlocked position 538. The movable translation guide 618 can be shrink-fitted into the movable lock receiver 604. The movable translation guide 618 can be frozen in liquid nitrogen to shrink before being pressed into the movable lock receiver 604 and fit into place by expansion after being heated.

[0141] The second stationary lock receiver 606 can be fixed to the structure holding the first stationary lock receiver 602 and is configured to receive the lock 102 when the latch system 600 is in the locked position 536 to allow the lock 102 to translate through the second stationary lock receiver 606 and secure the lock 102 within the second stationary lock receiver 606. The second stationary lock receiver 606 can have a second opening 127, 130 sized to allow the lock 102 to translate through the second opening 127. The second translation guide 618 can be located within the second fixed opening.

[0142] Unlike the second bushing 128, which is typically sized according to the engineering standards listed above to receive the load from the second fixed lock receiver 606 when the lock 102 is in the locked position 536 (and to limit movement of the movable lock receiver 604 away from the first fixed lock receiver 602 and the second fixed lock receiver 619), the second translation guide 618 must meet the load requirements required of the second bushing 128 described above, but is also configured so that the size, shape and material are sufficient to provide stability and guidance to resist the deflection effect of the force from the movable lock receiver 604 on the lock 102 as the lock 102 translates into contact with the second translation guide 618 fixed to the second fixed lock receiver 619 and translates through the second fixed lock receiver 619.

[0143] The second translation guide 618 can be made of a copper-nickel-tin alloy. The second translation guide 618 can be assembled to be securely retained within the first fixed lock receiver 602, with the lock 102 translated and in the locked position 536 (similar to Figure 4 The latch system 100 may be in a locked position 536) or an unlocked position 538 (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 536 or the unlocked position 538. The second translation guide 618 can be shrink-fitted into the movable lock receiver 604. The second translation guide 618 can be frozen in liquid nitrogen to shrink before being pressed into the second fixed lock receiver 619 and fit into place by expansion after heating.

[0144] Now turn to Figure 7 , depicts an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a latch system 600 according to an illustrative embodiment. More specifically, the latch system 600 is shown as the locking member 102 having been moved from Figure 6 The unlocked position 538 is moved to the left. Because the movable central axis 124 is not aligned with the first central axis 121, the chamfered corner 202 of the locking member 102 hits the movable translation guide 618 at point 620. Figure 2 As shown, the locking member 102 must generate force 206 to overcome the force 214 from the movable locking member receiver 604. Figure 2Unlike the current latch system 100 in FIG. 1 , the Camisio guide 610 provides a balancing force 702 that generates a moment 704 about the head 132 of the actuator 104 on the lock 102, which counteracts the moment 216 generated by the force 214 about the head 132 of the actuator 104 within the interior chamber 114. The Camisio guide 610 applies the force 702 on the exterior of the lock 102. The force 702 generates the moment 704 about the head 132 of the actuator 104 and counteracts the force 214, so that the Camisio guide 610 inhibits the lock central axis 118 from deflecting away from the actuator central axis 116, the first central axis 121, and the second central axis 534.

[0145] Thus, the Camisio guide 610 provides a technical benefit of inhibiting wear of the lock 102 in a latch system that includes: a gland 106 surrounding an actuator 104 that translates the lock 102 through: a first fixed lock receiver 602 including a first opening 524, and a movable lock receiver 604 including a movable opening. Likewise, the Camisio guide 610 provides a technical benefit of inhibiting wear of the gland 106 surrounding the actuator 104 in a latch system that translates the lock 102 through: a first fixed lock receiver 602, and a movable lock receiver 604 in a latched position.

[0146] Now go to Figure 8 , depicts an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a latch system 600 with the locking member 102 proximate the locked position 536 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Figure 8 It can also be considered as having just been released from the fully locked position 536 (similar to Figure 46 ( FIG. 6 ) is an illustration of the locking member 102 withdrawn from the locked position 536 shown in the current latch system 100. The locking member 102 enters the second fixed locking member receiver 604 after translating through the movable locking member receiver 604. The gap 622 between the outer diameter 612 of the locking member 102 and the inner diameter 616 of the second translation guide 618 can be smaller than the gap 622 between the outer diameter 612 of the locking member 102 and the inner diameter 616 of the first translation / camisio guide 610. Depending on the vector of the force 214 applied by the movable locking member receiver 604 on the locking member 102 as the locking member 102 approaches the second fixed locking member receiver 619, the locking member 102 can contact the second translation guide 618. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the locking member 102 can contact the corner 802 of the second translation guide 618, 804. Contact with the second translation guide 618 can exert a force 806 on the lock 102 and generate a moment 808 within the lock 102 about the head 132 of the actuator 104. The Camisio guide 610 can exert a force 810 on the lock 102 about the head 132 of the actuator 104 that generates a moment 812 that maintains the lock central axis 118 substantially aligned with the actuator central axis 116 and the first central axis 121.

[0147] In other words, as the lock 102 approaches the second fixed lock receiver 606, the force 814 can cause the lock central axis 118 to deviate from being substantially aligned with the actuator central axis 116 and the first central axis 121, such that the lock 102 does not translate to the second fixed lock receiver 619 without contacting a portion of the second translation guide 618 at the corner 802 (but not limited thereto). The force acting on the movable lock receiver 604 can generate a force 814 from the movable lock receiver 604 to the lock 102. The lock 102 contacting the corner 802 can apply a force 806 that attempts to deviate the lock central axis 118 from alignment with the actuator central axis 116 and the first central axis 121, however, the Camisio guide 610 resists this deflection and maintains the lock central axis 118 substantially aligned with the actuator central axis 116 and the first central axis 121, such that the lock 102 translates through the second fixed lock receiver 606.

[0148] Thus, described above is an embodiment of a manufactured article configured to inhibit wear of a gland 106 about an actuator 104 in a latch system 600, the latch system 600 comprising: a lock 102 configured to translate through: a manufactured article that fits within a first opening 524, 123 in a first fixed lock receiver 602 of the latch system 600; and an opening in a movable lock receiver 604. The manufactured article may also include a first translation guide 610, and the lock 102 includes an internal chamber 114 configured to retain an actuator fluid and the actuator 104. The manufactured article may also include a ratio between a length of the first translation guide 610 and a diameter of the lock 102 that exceeds 0.500. The manufactured article may also include a ratio between a length of the first translation guide 610 and a travel distance 624 of the lock 102 that exceeds 0.559. The fabrication may also include that the first translation guide 610 is configured to prevent a gap that would allow actuator fluid to leak from the lock 102 through the gland 106 .

[0149] Additionally, the manufacture may further include: the first translation guide 610 includes a copper-nickel-tin alloy that is shrink-fit into the first opening 524. The manufacture may further include: the actuator 104 includes the actuator central axis 116; the lock 102 includes the lock 102 central axis; the first openings 524, 123 include the first central axis 121; and the first translation guide 610 is configured to maintain the actuator central axis 116 and the lock central axis 118 substantially aligned with the first central axis 121. The manufactured article may also include: the latch system 600 includes: a second fixed locking member receiver 619, which includes a second opening 127, 130, the second opening 127, 130 includes a second center axis 534; a movable locking member receiver 604, which includes an opening, the opening includes a center axis, and the movable locking member receiver 604 is configured to rotate to a latched position located between the first fixed locking member receiver 602 and the second fixed locking member receiver 619; the first translation guide 610 is configured to keep the actuator center axis 116 and the locking member center axis 118 substantially aligned with the following items: the center axis of the opening in the movable locking member receiver 604 in the latched position, and the first center axis 121.

[0150] In addition, the manufactured part may further include: the first translation guide 610 is configured to inhibit the lock central axis 118 from deflecting away from the alignment with the first central axis 121. The manufactured part may further include: the first translation guide 610 is configured to inhibit wear of the lock 102 in response to inhibiting the lock central axis 118 from deflecting away from the alignment with the first central axis 121. The manufactured part may further include: the first translation guide 610 is configured to inhibit wear of the first translation guide 610 in response to inhibiting the lock central axis 118 from deflecting away from the alignment with the first central axis 121; the translation guide fitted in the opening of the movable lock receiver 604; and the second translation guide 618 fitted in the second opening 127.

[0151] Reference now Fig.9A , depicts a perspective view of a folding aircraft wing with a latch system 600 according to an illustrative embodiment. Specifically, a left half of an aircraft 900 is shown with a wing tip 902 of a wing 904 in a folded up position. Without limitation, an aircraft may be a device having a size greater than at least the size of the above referenced device. Figure 5-Figure 8 The latch system 600 is an embodiment of the article 500. Thus, without limitation, the wing tip and the wing may each represent at least one of the above Figure 5-Figure 8 Article 500 is depicted as an embodiment of a first part 502 and a second part 504 of an aircraft.

[0152] Reference now Fig. 9B , depicts a perspective view of a folding aircraft wingtip with a latch system 600 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, four movable latch 102 receivers 916-922 are part of the latch system 600, 906 for latching the wingtip to the wing, and the wingtip is shown in an unlocked position 542 and a folded up position.

[0153] Fig. 9C is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a latch system 600 with a wing tip in a latched and locked 536 state in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 9B on the contrary, Fig. 9B The wing tip is shown in an unlocked position 542 and an unlocked folded upward position 538, while Fig. 9C In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 , the wing tip has been moved downwardly to align with the wing, and the movable locking member receivers 916-918 are shown locked 536 to the upper side for Figure 5-Figure 8 The latch position described.

[0154] In this embodiment, the latch system 600 / 906 is shown with four latches 908-914 in the wing 904. Each latch 102 receiver may have a different size and shape than the other latches, but each latch may be considered to be composed of the above Figure 5-Figure 8 The latch system 600 / 906 is shown. Each of the latches 908-914 can be considered as Figure 5 The latch system 600 / 506 is shown in the upper Figure 5 The latch position 540 and the locking position 536 are described as an embodiment. Therefore, each of the latches 908-914 can be viewed as showing its corresponding movable locking member receiver 916-922 is positioned as described above for Figure 5 The first fixed locking piece receiver 602 and the second fixed locking piece receiver 606 / 514 are in the groove 516.

[0155] Without limitation, although Figure 5-Figure 8 Only a single movable lock receiver 604 is shown moved to a position between the first fixed lock receiver 602 and the second fixed lock receiver 606, but one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that additional movable or fixed lock 102 receivers may be added. In all cases, the description of the first fixed lock receiver 602 applies to the receiver of the lock 102 that holds the actuator 104 and lock 102 when the lock 102 is in the unlocked position 538 retracted from engagement with all other lock receivers.

[0156] Reference now Fig.10 , depicts an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and service method in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method 1000 may include Fig.11 Specification and design 1002 of the aircraft 1100 and material procurement 1004. Fig.11 The aircraft 1100 in FIG. 1 may be an example of the aircraft 900 shown in FIG. 9 . The latch system and processes related thereto may be included as part of the manufacturing and service method 1000 .

[0157] During production, Fig.11 Component and subassembly manufacturing 1006 and system integration 1008 of the aircraft 1100 in FIG. Fig.11 The aircraft 1100 in use may undergo certification and delivery 1010 for entry into service 1012. When the customer is in use 1012, Fig.11 The aircraft 1100 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 1014, which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service. Modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service may include removing, for example, Figure 1-Figure 4 The first fixed bushing described and used as Figure 5-Figure 8The first translation guide is shown replaced to retrofit the current latch system 100. Therefore, the technical benefits of the novel embodiments and processes described herein can be obtained not only in original production, but also by applying the novel embodiments and processes described herein to current equipment through retrofitting and / or reconfiguration as part of repair maintenance.

[0158] Each process of aircraft manufacturing and service method 1000 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, an operator, or some combination thereof. In these examples, the operator may be a customer. For purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, etc.

[0159] Reference now Fig.11 , depicts an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft 1100 is comprised of Fig.10 Aircraft manufacturing and service method 1000 is described herein and may include interior 1106 and airframe 1102 having multiple systems 1104. Examples of systems 1104 include one or more of propulsion system 1108, electrical system 1110, hydraulic system 1112, environmental system 1114, and flight control system 1116. Aircraft 1100 may be considered as Figure 5-Figure 8 The embodiment of the article 500 described in FIG. 9 and the aircraft 900 in FIG. 9. Without limitation, Figure 5-Figure 8 Latch system 600, depicted and shown in FIG9 as latch 906, may be considered part of electrical system 1110, hydraulic system 1112, and flight control system 1116. Any number of other systems may be included in aircraft 1100. Although an aerospace example is shown, the different illustrative embodiments may be applicable to other industries, such as, but not limited to, the automotive industry.

[0160] The apparatus and method implemented herein may be Fig.10 In one illustrative example, the aircraft 1100 may be used in conjunction with at least one of the phases of the aircraft manufacturing and service method 1000. Fig.10 Maintenance 1012 of parts or subassemblies produced in a similar manner or manufactured Fig.10 The components or subassemblies produced in component and subassembly manufacturing 1006.

[0161] As yet another example, a process may be performed during a production phase (such as Fig.10One or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof are utilized during component and subassembly manufacturing 1006 and system integration 1008 in the aircraft 1100. Fig.10 One or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized during use 1012 , during repair and maintenance 1014 , or both.

[0162] For example, latch system 506 may be produced in component and subassembly manufacturing 1006, such as an assembled fuselage section of airframe 1102. Additionally, latch system may be coupled to other systems during system integration 1008. For example, during system integration 1008, inspection, drilling, fastener installation, or other operations may be performed as at least electrical system 1110 and hydraulic system 1112 are integrated with latch system as part of flight control system 1116.

[0163] The use of the many different illustrative embodiments presented herein can greatly speed up the assembly of the aircraft 1100, reduce the cost of the aircraft 1100, or both speed up the assembly of the aircraft 1100 and reduce the cost of the aircraft 1100. In addition, as described above, the latch system suppresses friction, wear, leakage, and maintenance requirements of the components of the latch system compared to the current latch system 100. As a result, the latch system thus improves reliability and reduces required maintenance and reduces operational interruptions of the aircraft 1100 when in use. Therefore, relative to aircraft using the current latch system 100, the many different illustrative embodiments presented herein reduce operating costs and increase the reliability and operational availability and efficiency of the aircraft 1100.

[0164] Next turn Fig.12 , depicts an illustration of a flow chart of a process for inhibiting wear of a lock 102 in a latch system including: a gland 106 surrounding an actuator 104 that translates the lock 102 through: a first fixed lock 102 receiver including a first opening, and a movable lock 102 receiver including an opening, according to an illustrative embodiment. Without limitation, Fig.12 The process shown in Fig.10 The system is implemented in the manufacturing environment 1006.

[0165] The process 1200 may include an operation 1202 of inhibiting wear of a lock 102 in a latch system including: a gland 106 surrounding an actuator 104 that translates the lock 102 through: a first fixed lock 102 receiver including a first opening, and a movable lock 102 receiver including an opening. The process 1200 may include an operation 1204 of inhibiting a lock center axis 118 of the lock 102 from deflecting away from substantial alignment with: a first center axis 121 of a first opening 123 of the first fixed lock 102 receiver, and an actuator center axis 116 of the actuator 104, wherein the lock 102 translates through the first opening 123 and the movable opening 122 in the movable lock 102 receiver.

[0166] The process 1200 may also include an operation 1206 of forming a translation guide for fitting into the first opening 123 in the latch system such that a ratio between a length of the first translation guide and a diameter of the lock 102 exceeds 0.500 and a ratio between a length of the first translation guide and a travel distance 624 of the lock 102 exceeds 0.559. Without limitation, the first translation guide may be formed to include a copper-nickel-tin alloy.

[0167] The process 1200 may also include an operation 1208 of fitting the first translation guide into the first fixed lock 102 receiver. Without limitation, fitting the first translation guide may include shrink fitting the first translation guide into the first opening. Additionally, the process 1200 may include an operation 1210 of inhibiting leakage of actuator fluid in the lock 102 through the gland 106 via the first translation guide as the lock 102 is translated through at least the first fixed lock 102 receiver and the movable lock 102 receiver.

[0168] Thus, the above is a process for inhibiting wear of a locking member 102 in a latch system, the latch system comprising: a gland 106 surrounding an actuator 104, the actuator 104 translating the locking member 102 through: a first fixed locking member 102 receiver comprising a first opening, and a movable locking member 102 receiver comprising an opening, the process comprising: inhibiting a locking member center axis 118 in the locking member 102 from deflecting away from substantial alignment with: a first center axis 121 of a first opening 123 of the first fixed locking member 102 receiver, and an actuator center axis 116 of the actuator 104 by assembling a first translation guide into the first fixed locking member 102 receiver, wherein the locking member 102 translates through the first opening 123 and the opening in the movable locking member 102 receiver. The process may also include the first translation guide inhibiting leakage of actuator fluid in the lock 102 through the gland 106 when the lock 102 is translated through the first fixed lock 102 receiver and the movable lock 102 receiver. In addition, the process may also include a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the diameter of the lock 102, the ratio exceeding 0.500. The process may also include a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the travel distance 624 of the lock 102, the ratio exceeding 0.559. The process may also include: the first translation guide includes a copper-nickel-tin alloy; and shrink fitting the first translation guide into the first opening.

[0169] Go to Fig.13 , depicts an illustration of a flow chart of a process for inhibiting wear of a gland 106 around an actuator 104 in a latching system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment, the latch 102 translating through: a first fixed latch 102 receiver, and a movable latch 102 receiver in a latched position. Fig.13 The process shown in can be implemented in operation 1302, which inhibits wear of the gland 106 around the actuator 104 in the lock 102 in the latch system, which translates through: a first fixed lock 102 receiver, and a movable lock 102 receiver in the latched position.

[0170] The process 1300 may also include an operation 1304 of inhibiting: leakage of actuator fluid within the lock 102 through the gland 106; and deflection of the actuator center axis 116 of the actuator 104 away from substantial alignment with: the lock center axis 118 of the lock 102, and the first center axis 121 of the first opening by shrink-fitting the first translation guide into the first opening 123 of the first stationary lock 102 receiver. The process 1300 may also include an operation 1306 of forming the translation guide for fitting into the first opening 123 of the latch system such that a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the diameter of the lock 102 exceeds 0.500:1, and a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the travel distance 624 of the lock 102 exceeds 0.559:1.

[0171] The process 1300 may also include an operation 1308 of inhibiting, by means of a first translation guide: wear of the lock 102, and deflection of the actuator center axis 116 of the actuator 104 away from substantial alignment with the center axis of the movable lock 102 receiver in the latched position adjacent the first fixed lock 102 receiver, wherein the lock 102 translates through the movable lock 102 receiver in the latched position. Thus, the above-described article of manufacture and process teachings depart from and overcome technical difficulties of current latch systems 100s by at least inhibiting wear of the gland 106 around the actuator 104 in the lock 102 in the latch system, and the lock 102 translates through: the first fixed lock 102 receiver, and the movable lock 102 receiver in the latched position.

[0172] Thus, described above is a process for inhibiting wear of a gland 106 around an actuator 104 in a locking member 102 in a latching system, wherein the locking member 102 translates through: a first fixed locking member 102 receiver, and a movable locking member 102 receiver in a latched position, the process comprising inhibiting: leakage of actuator fluid within the locking member 102 through the gland 106; and deflection of the actuator center axis 116 of the actuator 104 away from substantial alignment with: the locking member center axis 118 of the locking member 102; and the first center axis 121 of the first opening by shrink-fitting a first translation guide into a first opening 123 in the first fixed locking member 102 receiver. The process can include inhibiting, via a first translation guide, wear of the lock 102 and deflection of an actuator center axis 116 of the actuator 104 away from substantial alignment with a center axis of a movable lock 102 receiver in a latched position adjacent to a first fixed lock 102 receiver, wherein the lock 102 translates through the movable lock 102 receiver in the latched position.

[0173] Additionally, the process may include a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the diameter of the lock 102 that exceeds 0.500. The process may also include a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the travel distance 624 of the lock 102 that exceeds 0.559.

[0174] Now turn to Fig.14 , depicts an illustration of a block diagram of a product management system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Product management system 1400 is a physical hardware system. In this illustrative example, product management system 1400 may include at least one of manufacturing system 1402 or maintenance system 1404.

[0175] Manufacturing system 1402 is configured to manufacture products, such as Fig.11 As depicted, manufacturing system 1402 includes manufacturing equipment 1406. Manufacturing equipment 1406 includes at least one of fabrication equipment 1408 or assembly equipment 1410.

[0176] The manufacturing device 1408 can be used to manufacture Fig.11 Fabrication equipment 1408 may include equipment for fabricating components of parts for aircraft 1100. For example, fabrication equipment 1408 may include machines and tools. The machines and tools may be at least one of a drill, a hydraulic press, a furnace, a mold, a composite tape laying machine, a vacuum system, a lathe, or other suitable types of equipment. Fabrication equipment 1408 may be used to fabricate at least one of a metal part, a composite part, a semiconductor, a circuit, a fastener, a rib, a skin panel, a wing spar, an antenna, or other suitable types of parts.

[0177] Assembly equipment 1410 is used to assemble parts to form Fig.11 Specifically, assembly equipment 1410 may be used to assemble components and parts to form Fig.11 The assembly equipment 1410 may also include machines and tools. Without limitation, these machines and tools may be at least one of a robotic arm, a crawler, a rapid installation system, a track-based drilling system, or a robot. The assembly equipment 1410 may be used to assemble parts such as seats, horizontal stabilizers, wings, engines, engine casings, landing gear systems, and Fig.11 For example, assembly equipment 1410 may include Figure 1 The flexible track system 115 and the crawling robot 164 in the vacuum track manufacturing system 106.

[0178] In this illustrative example, maintenance system 1404 includes maintenance equipment 1412. Maintenance equipment 1412 may include Fig.11Maintenance equipment 1412 may include any equipment required to perform maintenance on aircraft 1100. Fig.11 The tools used to perform various operations on parts of the aircraft 1100 in FIG. These operations may include disassembling a part, refurbishing a part, inspecting a part, reworking a part, manufacturing a replacement part, or performing other operations on a part. Fig.11 The aircraft 1100 in the embodiment of the present invention performs at least one of other maintenance operations. These operations can be used for routine maintenance, inspection, upgrade, refurbishment, or other types of maintenance operations.

[0179] In the illustrative example, the repair equipment 1412 may include ultrasonic inspection equipment, x-ray imaging systems, vision systems, drills, crawlers, and other suitable types of equipment. In some cases, the repair equipment 1412 may include fabrication equipment 1408, assembly equipment 1410, or both to produce and assemble parts required for repair.

[0180] The product management system 1400 also includes a control system 1414. The control system 1414 is a hardware system and may also include software or other types of components. The control system 1414 is configured to control the operation of at least one of the manufacturing system 1402 or the maintenance system 1404. Specifically, the control system 1414 may control the operation of at least one of the manufacturing equipment 1408, the assembly equipment 1410, or the maintenance equipment 1412.

[0181] The hardware in control system 1414 may use hardware that may include computers, circuits, networks, and other types of devices. Control may take the form of directly controlling manufacturing equipment 1406. For example, robots, computer-controlled machines, and other equipment may be controlled by control system 1414. In other illustrative examples, control system 1414 may manage operations performed by human operators 1416 when manufacturing aircraft 1100 or performing maintenance on aircraft 1100. For example, control system 1414 may assign tasks, provide instructions, display models, or perform other operations to manage operations performed by human operators 1416. In these illustrative examples, vacuum track manufacturing system 106 may be controlled by control system 1414 to manage Fig.11 At least one of manufacturing or servicing of the aircraft 1100. As another example, the control system 1414 can include a controller that operates to control a manufacturing system 1806 for manufacturing the latch system 600 and components therein (eg, the first translation guide 526).

[0182] In different illustrative examples, human operator 1416 may operate or interact with at least one of manufacturing equipment 1406, maintenance equipment 1412, or control system 1414. The interaction may be performed to manufacture Fig.11 Aircraft 1100 in.

[0183] Of course, the product management system 1400 can be configured to manage Fig.11 Although product management system 1400 has been described with reference to manufacturing in the aerospace industry, product management system 1400 can be configured to manage products in other industries. For example, product management system 1400 can be configured to manufacture products for the automotive industry and any other suitable industry.

[0184] The flow charts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments show the architecture, function and operation of some possible implementations of the apparatus and method in the illustrative embodiments. In this regard, each box in the flow chart or block diagram can represent at least one of a module, segment, function or operation or a part of a step. For example, one or more of the boxes can be implemented as a combination of program code, hardware or program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware can, for example, take the form of an integrated circuit, which is manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in the flow chart or block diagram. When implemented as a combination of program code and hardware, the implementation can take the form of firmware. Each box in the flow chart or block diagram can be implemented using a combination of a dedicated hardware system or a dedicated hardware system and a program code run by a dedicated hardware system for performing different operations.

[0185] In some alternative implementations of the illustrative embodiments, one or more functions mentioned in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in the figure. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes the blocks may be performed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In addition, in addition to the blocks shown in the figure, other blocks may be added to the flow chart or block diagram.

[0186] The description of different illustrative embodiments has been given for the purpose of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the disclosed form. The different illustrative examples describe components that perform actions or operations. In the illustrative embodiments, the components can be configured to perform the described actions or operations. For example, the components can have a configuration or design for a structure that provides the components with the ability to perform the actions or operations described as being performed by the components in the illustrative examples.

[0187] Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features than other desired embodiments. The selected one or more embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the present disclosure with various modifications suitable for the intended specific use.

Claims

1. A manufactured article configured to inhibit wear of a gland around an actuator in a latch system, the latch system comprising: A locking member comprising: outer diameter; an internal chamber configured to hold an actuator fluid and the actuator; wherein the locking member is configured to translate through: the article fitting within a first opening in a first stationary latch receiver of the latch system; and an opening in a movable locking member receiver; wherein the fabrication comprises a first translation guide; and wherein a ratio of the length of the first translation guide to the outer diameter of the locking member exceeds 0.500, and a ratio of the length of the first translation guide to the travel distance of the locking member exceeds 0.559, and wherein the travel distance is the distance from the position of the cap of the locking member in a fully retracted position to the position of the cap of the locking member when the locking member is in a fully extended position.

2. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the first translation guide is configured to prevent gaps that would allow the actuator fluid to leak from the lock through the gland.

3. A manufactured article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: said outer diameter of said locking member comprises a dimension of 2.48 inches; The length of the first translation guide comprises at least 1.24 inches; and The travel distance of the locking member comprises a dimension of less than 0.878 inches.

4. The article of manufacture of claim 1 wherein the first translation guide comprises a copper-nickel-tin alloy shrink fit into the first opening.

5. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein: The actuator includes an actuator central axis; The locking member includes a locking member central axis; The first opening includes a first central axis; and The first translation guide is configured to maintain the actuator central axis and the lock central axis substantially aligned with the first central axis.

6. The article of manufacture of claim 5, wherein the latching system comprises: a second lock receiver including a second opening including a second central axis; the movable lock receiver including a movable opening including a central axis, the movable lock receiver being configured to rotate to a latched position between the first fixed lock receiver and the second lock receiver; as well as The first translation guide is configured to maintain the actuator central axis and the lock central axis in substantial alignment with: the central axis of the opening in the movable lock receiver in the latched position and the first central axis.

7. The article of manufacture of claim 5, wherein the first translational guide is configured to inhibit the lock central axis from deflecting away from alignment with the first central axis.

8. The article of manufacture of claim 5, wherein the first translational guide is configured to inhibit wear of the lock in response to inhibiting the lock central axis from deflecting away from alignment with the first central axis.

9. The article of manufacture of claim 6, wherein the first translation guide is configured to, in response to inhibiting the lock central axis from deflecting away from alignment with the first central axis, inhibit wear of: the first translation guide; a translation guide that fits within the opening of the movable lock receiver; and A second translation guide fits within the second opening.

10. A process for inhibiting wear of a locking member in a latch system, the latch system comprising: a gland surrounding an actuator that translates the lock through: a first fixed lock receiver including a first opening, and a movable lock receiver including an opening, the process comprising: By assembling a first translation guide into the first fixed lock receiver, a lock center axis of the lock is inhibited from deflecting away from substantial alignment with a first center axis of the first opening of the first fixed lock receiver and an actuator center axis of the actuator, wherein the lock translates through the first opening and the opening in the movable lock receiver, wherein a ratio between a length of the first translation guide and a diameter of the lock exceeds 0.500, and a ratio between a length of the first translation guide and a travel distance of the lock exceeds 0.559, and wherein the travel distance is the distance from a position of a cap of the lock in a fully retracted position to a position of the cap of the lock when the lock is in a fully extended position.

11. The process of claim 10 further comprising the first translation guide inhibiting leakage of actuator fluid in the lock through the gland as the lock is translated through the first fixed lock receiver and the movable lock receiver.

12. The process according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The locking member includes an outer diameter measuring 2.48 inches; The first translation guide comprises a length of at least 1.24 inches; and The travel distance of the locking member comprises a dimension of less than 0.878 inches.

13. A process for inhibiting wear of a gland around an actuator in a latching system, the latch translating through: a first fixed latch receiver, and a movable latch receiver in a latched position, the process comprising inhibiting: leakage of actuator fluid within the locking member through the gland; and The actuator has an actuator central axis that is skewed away from substantial alignment with: a locking element central axis of the locking element; and A first central axis of the first opening, wherein a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the diameter of the locking member exceeds 0.500, and a ratio between the length of the first translation guide and the travel distance of the locking member exceeds 0.559, and wherein the travel distance is the distance from the orientation of the cap of the locking member in a fully retracted position to the orientation of the cap of the locking member when the locking member is in a fully extended position.

14. The process of claim 13, further comprising: Wear of the locking member and deviation of the actuator center axis of the actuator away from substantial alignment with the center axis of the movable locking member receiver in the latched position adjacent to the first fixed locking member receiver are inhibited by the first translation guide, wherein the locking member translates through the movable locking member receiver in the latched position.

15. A manufacturing system configured to inhibit wear in components of a latch system, the manufacturing system comprising a machine configured to produce a first translation guide and the latch system, the latch system comprising a locking member, the locking member configured to translate a travel distance through the first translation guide and a movable locking member receiver in a first locking member receiver, the first locking member receiver comprising a first opening and the movable locking member receiver comprising a movable opening, wherein the locking member comprises: outer diameter; an internal chamber configured to hold an actuator and an actuator fluid; wherein a ratio of the length of the first translation guide to the outer diameter of the locking member exceeds 0.500, and a ratio of the length of the first translation guide to the travel distance of the locking member exceeds 0.559, and wherein the travel distance is the distance from the position of the cap of the locking member in a fully retracted position to the position of the cap of the locking member when the locking member is in a fully extended position.

16. The manufacturing system of claim 15, wherein the first translation guide is configured to shrink fit within the first opening such that the first translation guide comprises a length of at least 1.24 inches, and the outer diameter of the locking member comprises a dimension of 2.48 inches and the locking member comprises the travel distance dimensioned less than 0.878 inches.

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