Aircraft Panel Latch with Built-in Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for joining aircraft interior panels require additional tools and can result in panels being joined outside desired tolerances, leading to increased time, effort, and cost due to the need for reworking to achieve proper alignment and gap width.
Innovation Solution
A latch system with a built-in adjustment mechanism that allows for the independent movement of the latch body along an axis, incorporating spring mechanisms to lock and unlock fasteners without requiring external tools, enabling precise alignment and adjustment of panel gaps without disengagement and rejoining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If brackets with slots, nut plates, and screws are used to join panels, then panels can be fastened together, but the joining process requires additional tools and time
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is designed to be self-contained with spring mechanisms that automatically lock and unlock fasteners without requiring external tools. The adjustment mechanism allows the latch body to move independently to adjust panel alignment and gap width, enabling the system to service itself during the joining process.
2Manufacturing precision
If standard brackets are used to join panels, then panels can be connected, but the gap width between panels cannot be precisely adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body is designed with movement capability along an axis independent of the housing, transforming a static connection system into a dynamic one. This allows the latch body to adjust its position to achieve precise gap width control and panel alignment while maintaining the connected state.
3Reliability
If panels are joined using traditional fastening methods, then panels can be secured, but reworking is needed to achieve desired tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanisms are pre-configured to automatically lock fasteners in place, and the adjustment mechanism allows for preliminary positioning of the latch body to achieve desired panel alignment and gap width before final securing, eliminating the need for reworking.
4Strength
If external tools are required to drive screws into nut plates, then secure fastening can be achieved, but the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body, spring mechanisms, fasteners, and adjustment mechanism are merged into a single integrated system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external tools while maintaining secure fastening strength, as the spring mechanisms provide the necessary locking force internally.
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 solution reduces installation time and effort by allowing panels to be joined tool-free, with the ability to adjust the gap width between panels without reworking, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism configured to hold the plate in a locked position within the latch body
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising a latch body (108) and a plurality of locking mechanisms (126,127). The latch body has a plurality of channels (122) that extend through the latch body. The plurality of locking mechanisms is housed within the latch body. A locking mechanism in the plurality of locking mechanisms comprises a plate (128) and a spring mechanism (130). The plate has an opening (132) positioned relative to a corresponding channel in the plurality of channels. The spring mechanism is configured to hold the plate in a locked position within the latch body.