Mechanically Damped Hold Open Rod for Controlled Unlock Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical hold open rods lack resistance when unlocked, leading to quick and unintended movement of supported components, which can cause injuries and damage during maintenance or operation.

Innovation Solution

A mechanically damped pull then lift hold open rod mechanism featuring an inner tube assembly coupled with an outer tube assembly, including a damping mechanism that selectively dampens movement between the tubes, utilizing a locking dog and spring system to control the damping mechanism's activation based on the rod's configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the hold open rod is unlocked to allow component movement, then the component can be repositioned, but the component moves too quickly with considerable momentum causing injury and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent repositioning capabilityVSAvoidquick unintended movement causing injury and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a damping mechanism that is activated in advance during the unlocking process. As the hold open rod transitions from locked to unlocked state, the damping mechanism engages to provide resistance against rapid movement. This pre-cushioning approach ensures that when the component is repositioned, the movement is controlled and dampened, preventing the harmful quick movements that could cause injury or damage while still allowing necessary repositioning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the hold open rod provides negligible resistance when unlocked, then the component can move freely, but this results in unimpeded quick movement that is dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent movement freedomVSAvoidunimpeded quick movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance characteristic of the hold open rod variable rather than fixed. The damping mechanism is designed to engage dynamically during the transition from locked to unlocked state, providing controlled resistance during movement while maintaining the ability to move freely when needed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between providing freedom of movement and preventing harmful quick movements based on the operational state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 damping mechanism slows the movement of the hold open rod, preventing quick unintended movements and reducing the risk of injuries and damage to components and personnel.

Implementation Method 1

a spring located within the outer collar assembly configured to engage the inner collar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a damping mechanism configured to selectively damp movement of the outer tube assembly with respect to the inner tube assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12134923B2Mechanically damped pull then lift hold open rod mechanism

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 MARATHONNORCO AEROSPACE

AI summary

A hold open rod is configured to provide switched damping movement includes an inner tube assembly coupled to an outer tube assembly, the inner tube assembly movable within the outer tube assembly. The hold open rod also includes a damping mechanism configured to damp movement of the outer tube assembly with respect to the inner tube assembly.