Aircraft Hook Latch With Adjustable Throw and Keeper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft latches are heavy, complex, and prone to causing damage to aircraft structures due to weight distribution issues, and lack safety measures to prevent accidental opening and ensure proper closure.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a unique toggle linkage that places the center of gravity in front of the mounting pin, a keeper detector, and a handle safety cover to prevent accidental release, along with a mechanism to adjust the throw for different distances between the latch and keeper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional aircraft latches are used to securely connect panels, then the latching function is reliable, but the weight and complexity of the latch increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a mounting pin assembly, a toggle linkage assembly, and a hook assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight and function, reducing overall latch weight while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle linkage serves multiple functions: it provides the latching action, controls the hook throw distance, and positions the center of gravity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate weight adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall latch complexity and weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the center of gravity is positioned behind the mounting pin to prevent panel damage, then the hook hangs downward away from the opening, but the latch requires additional dead weight which increases overall weight
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the center of gravity behind the mounting pin and adding dead weight to hang the hook downward, the invention inverts this approach by positioning the center of gravity in front of the mounting pin. This allows the hook to naturally extend forward and hang downward without requiring additional weight, eliminating panel damage risk while minimizing latch weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism uses its own structural configuration (center of gravity positioning) to achieve the desired hook orientation and prevent panel damage, rather than requiring external weight additions. The mechanism serves itself by using its inherent mass distribution to control hook position.
3Device complexity
If a fixed throw latch is used, then the latch structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different distances between mounting pin and keeper
Solution Approach 1:
The latch incorporates an adjustable throw mechanism that allows the hook's reach to be dynamically changed. The toggle linkage can be repositioned along the mounting pin, enabling the latch to adapt to different distances between the mounting pin and keeper while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the hook throw distance by repositioning the toggle linkage. This parameter adjustment allows the same latch structure to accommodate various mounting configurations without requiring completely different latch designs.
4Weight of moving object
If the latch is made compact to reduce weight, then the weight decreases, but the kinematic envelope of the latch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch components are arranged in a nested configuration where the hook assembly is positioned within the bounds of the toggle linkage, which in turn is contained within the mounting structure. This nesting minimizes the overall kinematic envelope while keeping the latch lightweight.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch is operable between a disengaged position and an engaged position releasably connecting a latch mounting pin on a first static structural element to a keeper on a second, movable structural element. The latch includes means for adjusting the throw of the hook to accommodate different distances between the latch mounting pin and the keeper due to manufacturing tolerances or different applications. The latch has a tension mechanism, a hook connected to the tension mechanism, and a handle pivotably connected to the tension mechanism and operable to actuate the tension mechanism between engaged and disengaged positions with the keeper. The latch is operable between the engaged and disengaged positions by rotating the handle between a closed position and an open position.