Aircraft Latch Assembly Lock Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies for aircraft cowls lack advanced sensing mechanisms to reliably indicate the locked or unlocked status, potentially leading to unintended movement during vibrations or extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronic sensor, such as a rotary or proximity sensor, to provide signals when the lock element is in locked or unlocked positions, along with a user interface for indicators, ensuring secure aircraft component alignment and easy monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latch assemblies are used without sensing mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is insufficient due to inability to detect locked/unlocked status under vibrations or extreme conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing mechanisms with electronic sensors (rotary sensors, proximity sensors, or Hall effect sensors) that electronically detect the lock element's position. This substitution maintains reliability under vibrations by using non-mechanical detection methods while actually reducing overall mechanical complexity of the sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through electronic sensors that continuously monitor the lock element position and provide real-time status signals to a control system or user interface. This feedback ensures reliable status indication by constantly verifying the locked/unlocked state, allowing the system to respond appropriately even under extreme conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are incorporated to provide redundant status feedback, then the reliability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems where a single sensor configuration can detect multiple states (locked, unlocked, intermediate positions) and provide feedback through various interfaces (visual indicators, audible alarms, digital signals). This multi-functionality achieves enhanced reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as one sensor system serves multiple detection and communication purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes sensors that detect changes in physical parameters (rotational position, proximity distance, magnetic field strength) to determine latch status. By monitoring parameter changes rather than using multiple complex mechanical switches, the system achieves reliable status detection with reduced complexity. The sensors translate physical state changes into electrical signals for processing.
3Measurement precision
If advanced sensing mechanisms are added to detect lock status, then the measurement precision of latch state is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated sensor systems that continuously monitor and report latch status without requiring manual verification. The electronic sensors automatically detect the lock element position and provide feedback, eliminating the need for operators to manually check latch states. This maintains high measurement precision while preserving ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual indicators (such as color-changing lights or displays) that provide immediate, intuitive feedback about latch status. The sensor-detected state is translated into simple visual signals (e.g., green for locked, red for unlocked), allowing operators to quickly assess status without complex monitoring procedures. This maintains measurement precision while greatly simplifying operation through intuitive visual communication.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for an aircraft. This assembly includes a keeper, a latch, a lock and an electric sensor. The latch includes a handle and a hook structure operatively coupled to the handle. The hook structure is engaged with the keeper when the handle is in a closed position. The hook structure is disengaged from the keeper when the handle is in an open position. The lock includes a lock element configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock is configured to lock the handle in the closed position when the lock element is in the locked position. The lock is configured to unlock the handle from the closed position when the lock element is in the unlocked position. The electronic sensor is configured to provide a signal when the lock element is in one of the locked position or the unlocked position.