Aircraft Door Latching System Component Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating systems for aircraft doors are complex, expensive, heavy, and difficult to assemble due to numerous components and intricate mechanisms, which do not meet the requirements for compactness, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A compact actuating system for aircraft doors featuring a continuous latch shaft with two non-rotatably mounted latches, a latch securing unit, and a locking device with a lock lever and lock lever counterparts, which reduces the number of components and simplifies the design while ensuring robust locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional actuating system with multiple separate latching devices and securing devices is used, then the reliability and safety requirements are met, but the device complexity, weight, and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate latching devices and securing devices into a single integrated latching device. The latching shaft with multiple latches and the securing mechanism with locking levers are merged into one unified assembly, reducing the total number of components while maintaining the required reliability through multiple latches that can be secured simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The single latching device performs multiple functions that were previously distributed across separate devices. The latching shaft with multiple latches provides both latching and securing functions, while the locking levers provide both locking and indication functions. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining safety requirements
2Reliability
If a conventional actuating system with multiple moving parts and bearings is used, then the latching and securing functions are achieved, but the weight and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (latching devices, securing devices, locking mechanisms) into a single integrated latching device with a continuous latching shaft. This consolidation reduces the total number of moving parts and bearings, thereby reducing weight while maintaining the required latching and securing functions through multiple latches on the same shaft
3Reliability
If a conventional actuating system with numerous components is used, then the latching and locking requirements are fulfilled, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into a single integrated latching device that can be manufactured and assembled as one unit. The continuous latching shaft with multiple latches and the integrated securing mechanism with locking levers reduce the number of separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps, making the system easier to produce and assemble while meeting all latching and locking requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology relates to an actuating system (200), including a latching and locking system, for an actuatable door (201). The actuating system (200) comprises a rotatable drive shaft (210), a rotatable latch shaft (225), a latching device (220), and a locking device (260). The latching device (220) includes at least two latches (230), a latch securing unit (300) for maintaining the at least two latches (230) in the latched position (335), and at least two lock lever counterparts (264, 266). The locking device (260) includes a lock lever (262) for engaging with the at least two lock lever counterparts (264, 266) to prevent the latch securing unit (300) from disengaging from the securing position (365), thereby locking the at least two latches (230) in the latched position (335) when the lock lever (262) is in a locked position (460).