Aircraft Latching System with Movable Anti-Shear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latching systems on aircraft struggle to effectively handle shear loads in addition to tension loads, which are essential for securely retaining panels and structures during flight and maintenance, as they are primarily designed to manage differential pressures and aerodynamic forces.
Innovation Solution
The proposed latching system incorporates a keeper assembly with a movable anti-shear mechanism and shear pins that engage with the latch assembly, allowing the system to counteract shear loads by moving the anti-shear mechanism between retracted and extended positions, ensuring secure engagement with the frame to withstand both tension and shear forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional latching system is used, then the system can provide tension load to hold the panel closed, but the system cannot effectively handle shear loads
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is divided into separate functional components: a latch assembly for tension loading and a movable anti-shear mechanism with shear pins for shear load resistance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to handle combined loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-shear mechanism is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically engage and disengage based on loading conditions. The mechanism moves between retracted and extended positions, enabling the shear pins to engage with the frame when shear loads are present and disengage when not needed.
2Strength
If the anti-shear mechanism is made movable to handle shear loads, then the shear load capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable anti-shear mechanism is integrated into the keeper assembly, merging the shear resistance function with the existing keeper structure. This integration reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple functions into a single assembly rather than adding separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The keeper assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the primary keeping function, houses the movable anti-shear mechanism, and enables both tension and shear load resistance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
3Reliability
If the latch assembly is engaged with the keeper assembly, then the panel is securely held, but maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is designed to be easily engaged and disengaged by maintenance personnel without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The latch mechanism allows simple manual operation to secure or release the panel, enabling maintenance professionals to access components when needed and secure them when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A latching system for releasably securing a first structure relative to a second structure. The latching system includes a latch assembly coupled to the first structure and a keeper assembly coupled to the second structure. The latch assembly is selectively engageable with the keeper assembly to hold the first structure against movement relative to the second structure.