Airfield Light Locking Assembly Without Loosening Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airfield lights, such as taxiway lights, are secured using fasteners like bolts, which can loosen due to aircraft tire loads and vibrations, posing a foreign object damage threat and necessitating costly and time-consuming repairs.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking assembly with a spring or plunging mechanism secures the light assembly to the base without fasteners, using a plunging mechanism that compresses and extends to lock the light assembly in place, allowing easy retrofitting and reducing the need for frequent repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fasteners like bolts are used to secure the light assembly, then the light assembly can be initially secured to the base, but the fasteners can loosen due to aircraft tire loads and vibrations, posing a foreign object damage threat and necessitating costly and time-consuming repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (bolts and nuts) with a retention system that uses a retention arm and retention slot mechanism. The retention arm engages with the radial slot in the cover, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents loosening from vibrations and aircraft tire loads, while allowing for easy disengagement and maintenance without requiring threaded fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the securing mechanism into separate functional components: a retention arm that provides the securing force, a radial slot in the cover that guides the retention arm, and a base that anchors the system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally and enables easy replacement or maintenance of individual parts without affecting the entire assembly.
2Reliability
If fasteners are used to secure the light assembly, then the light assembly can be initially secured to the base, but periodic closure of runways and taxiways is required for fastener repair and replacement, causing time delays and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (bolts and nuts) with a retention system that uses a retention arm and retention slot mechanism. The retention arm engages with the radial slot in the cover, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents loosening from vibrations and aircraft tire loads, while allowing for easy disengagement and maintenance without requiring threaded fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is designed to be self-retaining through the engagement of the retention arm with the radial slot, eliminating the need for periodic human intervention to tighten or secure fasteners. The system maintains its securing function automatically throughout operation, only requiring intervention when deliberate maintenance or replacement is needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical locking assembly with plunging mechanism is used, then the light assembly can be secured without fasteners and easy retrofitting is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the securing mechanism into separate functional components: a retention arm that provides the securing force, a radial slot in the cover that guides the retention arm, and a base that anchors the system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally and enables easy replacement or maintenance of individual parts without affecting the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention arm and radial slot mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the light assembly to the base, guides the cover during installation, prevents loosening from vibrations, and enables easy maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall design despite the mechanical complexity of the plunging 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
The solution effectively secures airfield lights without fasteners, preventing damage and reducing maintenance delays and costs associated with loose fasteners, while being compatible with existing designs and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The locking assembly includes a plunging mechanism configured to compress against a cover of the light assembly while the cover is being rotated relative to the base, and extend into an opening of the cover of the light assembly to secure the light assembly to the base.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
Devices, methods, and systems for securing a light assembly of an airfield light are described herein. One device includes a light assembly, a base, and a locking assembly configured to secure the light assembly to the base. The locking assembly includes a plunging mechanism configured to compress against a cover of the light assembly while the cover is being rotated relative to the base, and extend into an opening of the cover of the light assembly to secure the light assembly to the base.