Aircraft Panel Hinge Bayonet Locking for One-Sided Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing aircraft propulsion assembly hinge design is difficult to assemble due to inaccessible articulation hinges, and previous solutions either require tools or have limited resistance to vibration, leading to potential panel disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A bayonet mounting system is introduced between the axle and clevis, allowing the axle to be securely locked and unlocked from one side without tools, using radially extending lugs, a locking mechanism with cams and a return spring, and a handle for axial and angular manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional screw and nut design is used for the axle, then the hinge can be securely locked, but a spanner is required on each side of the clevis which is difficult to manipulate due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking mechanism from requiring tools by using a spring-loaded ball device that can be manually operated. The ball device is introduced from one side and expanded to lock on the opposite side, eliminating the need for spanners on both sides of the clevis.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded ball device acts as an intermediary between the axle and the clevis ears. It provides a mechanical means of locking that can be operated from one side only, mediating between the need for secure locking and the need for easy accessibility in limited space.
2Ease of operation
If a small diameter ball expandable device is used for the axle, then the axle can be introduced from one side and locked on the opposite side, but the device has limited resistance to vibration and the axle can be unlocked by vibrations alone
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of ball diameter from small to large. This increases the resistance to vibration and prevents the axle from being unlocked by vibrations alone, while maintaining the ability to be operated from one side through the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a spherical ball device that expands to engage with the clevis ears. The spherical geometry provides optimal contact surfaces for vibration resistance while allowing the expandable locking mechanism to function from one side only.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the hinge is positioned on inner faces of panels and walls of the nacelle to avoid aerodynamic drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the hinges become not easily accessible for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tool requirement from the assembly process, allowing the hinge to be assembled from one side without spanners. This enables the hinge to be positioned in aerodynamically optimal locations while maintaining ease of assembly through the one-sided ball device mechanism.
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
Enables easy assembly and disassembly of the hinge without tools and provides reliable locking resistance to vibrations, preventing panel disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which applies a force to the lugs in order to maintain engagement of these with the detents
Implementation Method 2
a cam mechanism which applies a force to the lugs in order to maintain engagement of these with the detents
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft propulsion assembly has a hinge for articulating a first and a second of its panels. The hinge includes a yoke rigidly connected to the first panel and a counter-yoke rigidly connected to the second panel, which is received between two lugs of the yoke. The yoke and the counter-yoke are passed through by a hinge pin that is movable between an extended position between the lugs of the yoke and a retracted position outside the yoke. The hinge further includes bayonet mounting means interposed between the pin and the yoke.