Aircraft Cowl Locking Mechanism With External Adjustment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adjustment of locking mechanisms for aircraft cowls is tedious and time-consuming due to the need to repeatedly open and close the cowls to check and adjust the positioning of components, as the adjustment sleeves are only accessible from the interior when the cowls are open, and correct functioning can only be verified when they are closed.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism with adjustable components that allow for adjustment from an external zone, featuring a guideway link, pivoting control, and anti-return system, enabling positioning adjustments without alternating the cowls' openings and closures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustment is performed from the interior of the nacelle with cowls open, then the adjustment sleeves are accessible, but the adjustment process becomes tedious and time-consuming due to repeated opening and closing of cowls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional adjustment approach by providing adjustment means accessible from the exterior of the nacelle rather than requiring access from the interior. This allows adjustment to be performed with the cowls closed, eliminating the need to repeatedly open and close the cowls during the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (adjustment means with transmission element) that transfers the adjustment action from the exterior accessible location to the interior adjustment sleeves. This intermediary system allows the operator to adjust components from outside the nacelle while the adjustment actually occurs inside, resolving the accessibility vs. time contradiction.
2Loss of time
If adjustment is performed with cowls closed, then adjustment time is reduced, but the adjustment sleeves become inaccessible from the exterior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the accessibility arrangement by placing the adjustment means on the exterior side of the wall rather than requiring access from the interior. This inversion allows the adjustment function to be performed with the cowls closed while maintaining ease of operation through exterior accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission element acts as an intermediary that bridges the exterior adjustment interface with the interior adjustment sleeves. It transfers the adjustment motion from the exterior where it is applied to the interior where the adjustment sleeves are located, enabling time-efficient adjustment without sacrificing accessibility.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism requires precise positioning of components, then the locking function is reliable, but the adjustment process becomes more complex requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the adjustment means multi-functional by combining the adjustment sleeve, transmission element, and positioning functions into a single integrated system accessible from the exterior. This universal adjustment mechanism can adjust multiple components (centering system, shim system, anchoring point) through a single accessible interface, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the precision needed for reliable locking.
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
Simplifies the adjustment process by allowing positioning adjustments from the exterior, reducing the need for repeated opening and closing of the cowls, thereby enhancing efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a helical link (88) configured to convert a pivoting movement of the intermediate piece into a translational movement of at least the first segment (52.1) of the rod
Implementation Method 2
an angle transmission (92) configured to convert a pivoting movement of the control (90) into a pivoting movement of the intermediate piece
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism situated in an inner zone and comprising at least one component that is adjustable in a longitudinal direction and that is linked to a support by a link having a rod secured to the adjustable component. The link includes a guideway link, linking the rod and the support, and an adjustment system. The adjustment system comprises a pivoting control pivoting on itself and having a first end accessible from an outer zone, an intermediate piece configured to pivot on itself, an angle transmission converting a pivoting movement of the pivoting control into a pivoting movement of the intermediate piece, and a helical link converting a pivoting movement of the intermediate piece into a translational movement of the rod. The locking mechanism allows for adjustment from the outer zone. An aircraft comprising at least one such locking mechanism is also provided.