Adjustable Hook Latch With Star Wheel and Ball Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latches lack an effective mechanism for adjusting the distance between mounting points while maintaining constant torque, which is crucial for applications requiring precise positioning and secure fastening.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hook latch featuring a rotatable star wheel mechanism with a ball and compression spring system, allowing axial movement of the hook relative to the housing while providing constant torque and preventing inadvertent rotation, enabling precise adjustment of the mounting distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to adjust mounting distance with constant torque is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The star wheel mechanism is nested within the housing, with the ball and compression spring system integrated inside the star wheel's central opening. This nested configuration allows multiple functional components (adjustment mechanism, locking mechanism, spring) to occupy the same spatial envelope, achieving distance adjustment capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from a static latch to a dynamic adjustable system through the star wheel's rotational capability. The ball dynamically engages and disengages from different holes in the star wheel's face, enabling continuous adjustment of the hook's axial position while maintaining structural integrity through the reusable engagement cycles
2Ease of operation
If the star wheel is made accessible for rotation, then adjustment is enabled, but inadvertent rotation and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The star wheel's hole pattern is segmented into two distinct groups: holes positioned for tool engagement (enabling intentional rotation) and holes positioned for ball engagement (providing locking positions). This segmentation allows the mechanism to distinguish between intentional adjustment operations and potential inadvertent movements, enhancing reliability while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ball acts as an intermediary element between the operator's rotational input and the hook's positional output. By requiring the ball to engage specific holes in the star wheel's face, the mechanism mediates the rotation process, preventing inadvertent rotation while enabling controlled adjustment through tool-mediated star wheel rotation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ball is allowed to move freely on the spring, then adjustment range is maximized, but uncontrolled movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is pre-loaded to exert a constant force on the ball, directing it toward the star wheel's face before engagement occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when the star wheel is rotated, the ball is already positioned and pressured to engage the next available hole, enabling smooth progression through the adjustment range while preventing uncontrolled movement or rebound
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism provides mechanical feedback through the ball's engagement with the star wheel's holes. Each hole engagement creates a discrete stable position that feedbacks the adjusted state to the operator. The compression spring continuously monitors the ball's position, providing force feedback that maintains control while allowing the full adjustment range through sequential hole engagement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable hook latch offers a reliable and secure method for adjusting the distance between mounting points with constant torque, enhancing the usability in aerospace and other applications by providing a self-enclosed anti-rotation feature that prevents damage and ensures secure fastening.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned within the hollow portion of the body
Implementation Method 2
the ball aligns with and engages one of the first plurality of holes of the star wheel to retain the star wheel in a first position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch including a housing having a cylinder, a compression spring positioned within the cylinder, and a ball positioned at one end of the compression spring, a hook positioned slidably within the housing, and a star wheel positioned around the hook and having a plurality of holes formed therein. The ball under load from the spring aligns with and engages one of the holes of the star wheel to retain it in place. The star wheel is moveable rotatably such that the ball disengages the one of the holes of the star wheel to enable the hook to move axially and be adjusted relative to the housing, and the ball is adapted to engage another of the holes of the star wheel to retain the star wheel and prevent inadvertent rotation.