Cylindrical Cam Latching Box Orthogonal Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching boxes for undercarriages and wheel-bay hatches are oversized due to the projection of emergency actuators, which complicates their design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A latching box design featuring a cylindrical cam actuator that rotates orthogonally to the pivot axes of the hook and locking member, allowing the actuator to be compactly integrated within the box's body or along its peripheral edge, utilizing a bell-shaped cam and freewheels to ensure reliable operation with redundant motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary cam actuator is used to control the locking member, then the actuator can be reset by one complete revolution of the cam, but the actuator projects from the face of the box and increases its overall size considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The cam axis is reoriented from a position parallel to the hook and locking member pivot axes (projecting from the box face) to a position orthogonal to these pivot axes. This dimensional change allows the cam actuator to be integrated within the box body or along its peripheral edge, eliminating the need for the actuator to project from the box face and thereby reducing the overall size of the latching box while maintaining the one-revolution reset capability
2Device complexity
If the cam axis is oriented parallel to the hook and locking member pivot axes, then the actuator structure is simplified, but the actuator must project from the box face increasing overall dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The cam axis is reoriented from a position parallel to the hook and locking member pivot axes (projecting from the box face) to a position orthogonal to these pivot axes. This dimensional change allows the cam actuator to be integrated within the box body or along its peripheral edge, eliminating the need for the actuator to project from the box face and thereby reducing the overall size of the latching box while maintaining the one-revolution reset capability
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 significantly reduces the overall size of the latching box while maintaining reliable operation, enabling efficient control and emergency unlocking mechanisms, even if the primary actuator fails.
Implementation Method 1
the cam of the actuator is a cylindrical cam rotatable about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first and second pivot axes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a latching box for selectively retaining a movable element such as an undercarriage or a hatch in position, the box comprising a body carrying: a hook pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the movable element; a locking member pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis to pivot between a position for blocking the hook in the engagement position and a release position for releasing the hook; and at least one cam actuator in which the cam co-operates operationally with the locking member to move it towards the release position. The cam of the actuator is a cylindrical cam mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first and second pivot axes.