Aircraft Arresting Hook Dual Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional arresting hook systems for aircraft face challenges in efficiently decelerating aircraft on short runways, such as aircraft carriers, due to increased system weight and complexity, particularly in the trapeze assembly and uplock mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The proposed arresting hook system incorporates a dual lock mechanism with a passive lock and a directional lock, coupled with a trapeze deployment assembly and a hook deployment assembly, to enable smooth transition from a stowed to a deployed position, while maintaining the hook in an intermediate position for inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional arresting hook systems are used to decelerate aircraft on short runways, then the aircraft can be stopped effectively, but the system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into separate functional components: a passive lock mechanism and a directional lock mechanism. The passive lock includes a pocket and engagement feature, while the directional lock includes a biasing element and directional engagement feature. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system weight by eliminating redundant structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex conventional mechanisms and implements it through a simplified dual-lock system. The passive lock handles the primary retention function, while the directional lock provides unidirectional constraint, removing unnecessary complexity from traditional arresting hook designs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional trapeze and uplock mechanisms are used, then the hook can be retained in stowed position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive lock and directional lock are merged into a single integrated locking assembly that works together to provide both retention and directional control. The guide member integrates multiple functions: guiding the roller, engaging the passive lock, and interacting with the directional lock, thereby reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member serves multiple functions: it guides the roller along the track, engages the passive lock for retention, bypasses the directional lock during deployment, and enables intermediate positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the hook deployment assembly moves from stowed to deployed position, then cable engagement is achieved, but the system requires complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic system where the guide member moves along the track and selectively engages or bypasses lock features based on the deployment state. The biasing element in the directional lock provides dynamic force to maintain engagement during retraction while allowing bypass during deployment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems are designed for full deployment, then arrestment is effective, but inspection and maintenance positions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The directional lock is positioned and biased to automatically capture the roller at a predetermined intermediate position during retraction, enabling inspection without requiring full deployment or complex positioning mechanisms. This preliminary positioning action facilitates maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example locking assembly for an arresting hook system includes a track coupled to a frame of an aircraft. The track includes a forward end and an aft end opposite the forward end. The track includes a first lock positioned at the forward end and a second lock positioned at the aft end. The locking assembly includes a guide coupled to a hook shank of the arresting hook system. The guide is to move along at least a portion of the track, engage the first lock when the hook shank is in a stowed position, and bypass the second lock as the hook shank moves from the stowed position to a deployed position.