Decompression Lock with Integrated Bearing Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decompression lock systems are heavy, complex, and require multiple parts, making them difficult to assemble and maintain, particularly in applications where weight reduction and simplified assembly are critical, such as in aircraft construction.
Innovation Solution
A two-part decompression lock design with a bearing carriage and a base part, featuring a spiral compression spring and a detent spring, which allows for efficient pressure equalization between two areas by using a swiveling locking bar and a leaf spring to pivot and displace the bearing carriage, reducing the number of individual parts and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional decompression lock systems are used, then pressure equalization function is achieved, but weight is excessive and assembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into integrated assemblies. The bearing carriage integrates the bearing element, detent spring mounting, and locking bar interaction surfaces into a single component. The base part integrates the compression spring mounting, guide structures, and locking bar axis into one piece. This merging reduces the total number of parts and simplifies assembly while maintaining the pressure equalization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The decompression lock is segmented into two main modular components: a bearing carriage that can be assembled and tested separately, and a base part that houses the compression spring. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing, easier assembly, and reduced weight compared to traditional monolithic designs, while still achieving the required pressure equalization functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple individual parts are used, then functionality is achieved, but assembly and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small components into two main assemblies: the bearing carriage combines the bearing element, detent spring mechanism, and locking bar interaction features; the base part combines the compression spring, guide structures, and mounting features. This reduces the number of individual parts that need to be handled during assembly and maintenance, making the system easier to manufacture and service.
3Temperature
If heavy materials are used, then heat resistance is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the material parameters and structural geometry to achieve adequate heat resistance with reduced weight. By carefully designing the bearing carriage and base part geometries and selecting appropriate materials, the system achieves the required thermal performance for aircraft applications without the excessive weight of traditional heavy-duty decompression lock systems.
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 reduces weight, simplifies assembly, and enhances the efficiency of pressure equalization between two areas, making it suitable for applications where heat resistance is a concern, such as in aircraft construction, while maintaining functionality even after potential heat-related damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral compression spring (31) common to both decompression locks, acting on both bearing carriages in the displacement directions
Implementation Method 2
a detent spring (14, 24) each arranged on a respective one of the bearing carriages (11, 21), which engages in a respective retaining notch (K) of the locking bar (12, 22)
Implementation Method 3
When the port shutter plate C presses against the pivoting latch L in the +P direction by the pressure increase in the lower portion U
Implementation Method 4
the pivoting latch L pivots in the + direction R around the axis A
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Decompression valves are designed to release a flap or plate from its closed position in the event of overpressure. The decompression valve utilizes the well-known principle that the holding force of a spring (14) is overcome to open it. A bolt (22) is rotatably mounted in a longitudinally displaceable slide (11). A detent spring (14) holds the bolt (12) in the closed position and releases it at a predetermined overpressure. The decompression valve is available as a single or double valve in an improved design. In the double valve, two single valves (10, 20) are arranged side by side, acting in offset, opposite directions (+F, +G); a common spring (31) displaces the bearing slides (11, 21) between them.