Aircraft Panel Latch Roller Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing latches for assembling removable panels to aircraft structures experience high mechanical stresses due to large deflection of spring arms between closed and open configurations, leading to a shortened service life.
Innovation Solution
The latch design incorporates a moving surface, such as a roller, connected to the spring arms, which interacts with a convex curved profile on the keeper, allowing for reduced stress angles and minimal movement range between configurations, thereby minimizing wear and extending the service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the spring arms undergo large deflection between closed and open configurations, then the latch achieves sufficient movement range, but the mechanical stress on the spring increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a curved profile on the keeper that guides the moving surface (roller) along a specific arcuate path. This curvature constrains the motion to a controlled arc, reducing the angular deflection of spring arms from what would be required in a linear movement path, thereby reducing mechanical stress while maintaining adequate movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the spring arm configuration by positioning the roller at a specific distance from the rotation axis and designing the curved profile with optimized radius and arc angle. These parameter changes ensure that the spring arms operate within a smaller angular range (ideally less than 20° difference) while still achieving the necessary latch movement.
2Device complexity
If the latch uses a traditional sliding contact between keeper and spring arm, then the structure is simple, but friction and wear increase reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional sliding contact with a roller element that rotates on its axis while moving along the curved profile. This rolling contact significantly reduces friction compared to sliding contact, minimizing wear on both the roller and the keeper profile, thereby extending service life with only minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller acts as an intermediary element between the keeper and the spring arm system. Instead of direct sliding contact between the spring arm and keeper, the roller mediates the interaction, converting sliding friction into rolling friction and reducing wear while maintaining the force transmission function.
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
This design reduces the mechanical stress on the spring, extending its service life by minimizing the range of movement and reducing friction, thus enhancing the latch's operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a moving surface, such as a roller, connected to the spring arms, which interacts with a convex curved profile on the keeper, allowing for reduced stress angles and minimal movement range between configurations, thereby minimizing wear and extending the service life
Implementation Method 2
a spring, comprising a first and second arm connected by at least one intermediate portion, one end of each of the said first and second arms in abutment respectively on the keeper and on the push button. The latch is movable between a closed configuration, in which the keeper is in contact with the push button, and an open configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A latch (12) intended for assembling a removable panel (18) to a structure (14), notably that of an aircraft, includes a bracket (30) fixed to the panel; a keeper (32) and a push button (34) hinged to the bracket; a torsion spring (40) comprising two arms respectively in abutment on the keeper and the push button. The latch is movable between a closed configuration, in which the keeper is in contact with the push button, and an open configuration, in which the keeper is spaced apart from the push button. The latch further includes a roller (42) rotatably supported on an arm (86) of the spring; and the keeper includes a profile (58) on which the roller moves when the latch is moved between the closed and open configurations.