Fill Port Cap Assembly With Spring Latch for Compact Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure assemblies for water system ports in aircraft require a large area for opening and closing due to their hinged design, leading to wear and increased manufacturing costs, and are prone to accidental opening.
Innovation Solution
A spring latch mechanism with a hinge flange and channel configuration allows for compact operation, using additive manufacturing to reduce wear and cost, and distributes force across multiple points for secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinged closure assembly with arm or lever is used to close the ports, then effective closure is achieved, but a large area is required for opening and closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is divided into a cap portion and a closure portion that can move independently. The cap remains relatively stationary while the closure portion pivots on a pin, separating the sealing function from the motion function and reducing the space required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure portion pivots on a pin axis that is substantially parallel to the port axis, utilizing a different dimensional approach compared to traditional hinged closures. This allows the closure to open and close within a limited space by rotating along the length of the port rather than requiring lateral movement.
2Ease of operation
If repeated opening and closing about a hinge is performed, then port closure functionality is maintained, but wear increases and parts need replacement before their life would otherwise expire
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is divided into a cap portion and a closure portion that can move independently. The cap remains relatively stationary while the closure portion pivots on a pin, separating the sealing function from the motion function and reducing the space required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure portion is provided with a port profile that is substantially the same as the port shape, allowing it to fit tightly and effectively seal the port. This precise copying of the port geometry ensures effective sealing while distributing contact forces.
3Reliability
If a traditional hinged closure design is used, then closure functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is divided into a cap portion and a closure portion that can move independently. The cap remains relatively stationary while the closure portion pivots on a pin, separating the sealing function from the motion function and reducing the space required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure portion is designed as a simpler, more durable component that can be manufactured more cost-effectively. By focusing the complex motion mechanism in the closure portion rather than requiring a complex hinge assembly, the overall manufacturing cost is reduced.
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 spring latch mechanism enables efficient, space-saving closure with reduced wear and manufacturing costs, while providing secure sealing and resistance to accidental opening.
Implementation Method 1
a spring at the second end of the body, extending along the axis between the first and second ends, with the spring force being such as to push the ball latch back into engagement with the catch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A fill port assembly comprising : a housing (10') having an opening therethrough; a fill port (100) located in and extending through the opening defining a flow passage (111) through the fill port from a first end (101) to a second end (110), the flow passage having an axis defined between the first end and the second end; and a closure mechanism moveable between an open position in which the flow channel is open and allows fluid flow therethrough and a closed position in which the flow channel is closed and prevents fluid flow therethrough, wherein the closure mechanism comprises: a cap (300) attached at a first side (300a) of the cap to a first side of the housing (10'a) via a hinge (400), the cap pivotable about the hinge between an open position with respect to the fill port and a closed position to close the second end of the fill port, and a catch assembly (500) provided between a second side (300b) of the cap, opposite the first side, and a second side (10'b) of the housing, opposite the first side, to releasably secure the cap in the closed position, wherein the catch assembly comprises a spring latch part (700) secured in a channel (800) at the second side of the housing, the spring latch part having first and second end pins (731, 732) and a spring (710) between the first and second end pins, the spring biased to extend the first and second end pins beyond the respective ends of the channel, the catch assembly further comprising opposing first and second catch arms (610a, 610b) extending from the second side of the cap arranged to cooperate respectively with the first and second ends of the spring latch part as the cap is pivoted about the hinge to the closed position, the first and second catch arms each having a respective inwardly facing recess (612a, 612b) in which the respective ends of the spring latch part are received when the cap is moved to the closed position.