Angled Aperture Plug-in Holder for Tool-Free Aircraft Component Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in holders for aircraft components require tool access for locking and unlocking, which is not always feasible, making the attachment process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The plug-in holder's opening is angled at an acute angle to the vertical, allowing the retaining bolt to be inserted and locked vertically, and automatically unlocked by pivoting into the central axis, simplifying the assembly and disassembly process without the need for tool access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool attachment on the retaining bolt is used for locking and unlocking, then the component can be securely attached, but the tool must be easily accessible which is not always the case
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining bolt is designed to be manually operable without tools by pivoting it about the second edge part. The bolt's own geometry (grooved end, wedge-shaped tip) enables it to lock and unlock automatically through user-applied force alone, eliminating the need for external tool attachments and making operation accessible in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring a tool to rotate the bolt for locking/unlocking, the design inverts the approach by allowing the bolt to be directly manipulated through pivoting motion. The opening is angled obliquely so that the user can apply force to pivot the bolt about the second edge part, reversing the conventional tool-based rotation mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the retaining bolt is inserted in the central axis for disassembly, then automatic unlocking occurs, but the bolt cannot be locked in the vertical position
Solution Approach 1:
The opening has different functional zones: the first edge part (at the narrow end) provides support for locking when the bolt is in the vertical position, while the second edge part (opposite to the first) serves as the pivot point for unlocking when the bolt is pivoted into the central axis. This spatial differentiation of functions within the opening structure enables both locking and automatic unlocking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining bolt transitions between two dynamic states: locked position (vertical, supported on first edge part) and unlocked position (pivoted about second edge part into central axis). The spring element also dynamically transitions from deflected state during insertion to latched state in the groove, enabling automatic locking/unlocking based on the bolt's position.
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 design enables easy and tool-free locking and unlocking of the component, ensuring secure attachment and detachment without requiring accessible tool attachments, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element can be deflected in the direction of insertion of the retaining bolt
Implementation Method 2
the retaining bolt can be pivoted about the second edge part into the central axis and then pulled out of the opening
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The mounting support (10) has a housing (20) with an aperture (22), where a component (14), mountable at a fixed structure (12), is formed with a groove at an end. The aperture is arranged diagonally in the housing under an acute angle (Beta). An assembly of the mountable component and a locking bolt (40) is swingable towards a middle axis (M) into the aperture.