Aircraft Luggage Flap Locking Device with Visual Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking solutions for aircraft luggage compartments are mechanically complex, require careful adjustment, and often lack a clear visual indicator for the correct locked state, making them difficult to use and verify for flight personnel.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking device comprising a flat support structure, a handle element with a recessed grip, and a latch with a hook, featuring a pivot bearing, plain bearing pin, and an activation bolt, which allows for safe and easy operation with a visible indicator to ensure the correct locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex latching and snap closures are used, then security against luggage falling out is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a latch element with hook for engagement, a bolt element for securing, and a handle element for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element automatically engages with the bolt element when the flap is closed, providing self-locking functionality without requiring complex manual intervention. The simple geometric interaction between the hook and bolt creates a reliable locked state through the closure action itself.
2Loss of information
If additional indication means are added, then verification of correct closure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle element incorporates a color indicator that changes appearance based on the locking state. When the latch engages properly with the bolt, the indicator displays a specific color or visual state that provides immediate, unambiguous confirmation of correct closure without adding mechanical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are added, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handle element is designed with a pivoting motion that allows it to rotate between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic design provides adaptability for different closure states without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling versatile operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking device (100) for a flap or door comprises a substantially planar support structure (200), a handle element (300) for unlocking the locking device, and a latch (400) with a hook (410). The support structure (200) can be positively connected to the flap and has a pivot bearing (210) for a rotating bolt (500) and at least one cylindrical linear guide bushing (220). The handle element (300) has a grip recess (310) and at least one slide bearing bolt (320) and provides a receptacle (330) for an activation bolt (510) fixedly arranged in the handle element (300) and oriented perpendicular to the slide bearing bolt. The latch (400) has a cam (420) designed as an elongated slot or groove for guiding the activation bolt (510).In a pre-assembled state, the sliding bearing pin (320) of the handle element (300) is guided longitudinally in the sliding bearing bushing (220) of the support structure (200), and the latch (400) is mounted in the pivot bearing (210) of the support structure (200) so as to be rotatable around the rotation pin (500) between a "locked" and "open" position. During opening and closing, the handle element (200) is guided linearly by the combination of sliding bearing pin (320) and sliding bearing bushing (220), and this linear movement is translated by a moving activation pin (510) via the cam (420) into a rotational movement of the latch (400), which unlocks the locking device. A locking unit (10) comprises at least two locking devices (100, 100') wherein the handle elements (300, 300') of which are arranged around a common handle recess (310) and a common support structure (200) is provided.A corresponding procedure for operating a locking unit is also described.