Cable-Actuated Latching Mechanism for Aircraft Stowage Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead aircraft stowage bins face limitations due to torque tubes used for actuation, which restrict latch mechanism placement, occupy valuable space, and add weight, while also lacking a keyless locking mechanism for crew security.
Innovation Solution
A cable-actuated coupling mechanism that uses a handle assembly with pivoting arms connected by cables to latch assemblies, allowing for flexible placement and reducing weight, and incorporates a keyless locking mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If torque tubes are used to connect the handle assembly to the latch mechanisms, then the latch mechanisms can be mechanically connected to the handle, but the latch mechanisms are limited to positions that are linearly aligned with the handle assembly along a single axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element between the handle assembly and the latch mechanisms. The cable connects the handle assembly to the latch mechanisms without requiring direct mechanical alignment, allowing the latch mechanisms to be positioned at locations that are not linearly aligned with the handle assembly. This resolves the alignment constraint while maintaining the mechanical connection function.
2Volume of moving object
If torque tubes and their covers are installed to connect the handle assembly to the latch mechanisms, then the mechanical connection is established, but valuable space within the interior of the stowage bin is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque tubes and their covers from the stowage bin interior by replacing them with cables that can be routed externally or along the bin edges. This removes the space-occupying components from the valuable interior storage space while maintaining the necessary mechanical connection between the handle assembly and latch mechanisms.
3Weight of moving object
If torque tubes are manufactured to minimize weight, then the weight is reduced, but the torque tubes and safety covers still add undesirable weight to the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy torque tubes and safety covers with lighter cables that serve the same function. Cables are significantly lighter than rigid torque tube assemblies while providing the necessary mechanical connection. This substitution reduces the overall weight of the latching mechanism without compromising functionality.
4Reliability
If keyed locking mechanisms are installed to allow flight crew to lock the bins, then the bins can be secured, but the bins must be specially ordered and installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a locking mechanism into the universal cable-actuated latching system, allowing the same basic bin design to serve both locked and unlocked configurations. The locking mechanism works with the existing cable and latch assembly, eliminating the need for specially ordered keyed bins while maintaining security functionality.
5Adaptability or versatility
If keyed locking mechanisms are used to secure the bins, then the bins can be locked, but reconfiguring bins to add, remove, or swap locking mechanisms is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism that can be easily engaged and disengaged without permanent installation changes. The locking feature is integrated into the cable-actuated system, allowing flight crew to configure bins as needed without cumbersome reinstallation procedures, enhancing adaptability while simplifying the reconfiguration process.
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
Maximizes internal storage volume, minimizes weight, and provides a secure, keyless locking system for aircraft stowage bins, enhancing both efficiency and security.
Implementation Method 1
One end of the cable is connected to the pivoting arm and the other end of the cable is connected to a release mechanism of the latch assembly. Upon rotation of the exterior handle, the pivoting arm pulls the cable, which in turn pulls the release mechanism of the latch assembly to release the bin from the stowed position.
Data Source
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AI summary
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for a lockable cable-actuated mechanism for latching and releasing aircraft and other stowage bins (102). According to various aspects, a cable-actuated coupling mechanism (200) includes a handle assembly (204) and a latch assembly (211). The handle assembly (204) includes an exterior handle (202) connected to a pivoting arm (206). The latch assembly (211) includes a release mechanism (212) configured to release the latch upon rotation of the release mechanism (212). A cable (208) connects the pivoting arm (206) of the handle assembly to the release mechanism (212) such that rotation of the exterior handle (202) applies tension to the cable (208), pulling the release mechanism (212) of the latch assembly (211). According to other aspects, a locking mechanism (308) may selectively disengage the pivoting arm (206) from the exterior handle (202) to prevent rotation of the pivoting arm (206) when the exterior handle (202) is rotated.