Flush-Mounted Latching Assembly With Flexible Membrane Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush-mounted latching devices for aircraft and similar vehicles face issues with excessive loading, dexterity requirements, lack of a sealed latch cavity, and inadequate sealing against contamination, which can lead to failure and contamination entry.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly featuring a force actuated locking mechanism with a depressable actuator and a flexible membrane, integrated within a cylindrical sleeve and fairing compound to create a sealed, smooth, and aerodynamic surface, allowing easy operation and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional latch mechanism with exposed handle or knob is used, then the latch can be easily operated, but it creates protruding features that increase drag and require additional mounting space
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is positioned over the locking mechanism, creating a sealed cavity while allowing the actuator to be depressed from the outside. The membrane maintains a smooth aerodynamic surface without protruding features, eliminating drag while enabling operation through the flexible material.
2Shape
If a retractable handle design is used to achieve flush mounting, then the surface is smooth and aerodynamic, but the handle and latch mechanism are subject to excessive loading and fail frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned within a sealed cavity and operates through the flexible membrane, isolating the latch mechanism from external environmental factors and excessive loading conditions. This protects the mechanism while maintaining the flush surface.
3Ease of operation
If the latch cavity is open to allow actuator operation, then the actuator is accessible, but contamination can enter the latch cavity causing component jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane seals the latch cavity while allowing the actuator to be depressed from the outside. This creates a barrier against contamination (water, ice, debris) while maintaining operational accessibility through the flexible material.
4Shape
If a magnetic latch design is used to achieve flush mounting with no exposed provisions, then the surface is smooth, but the latch does not provide a positive lock and may fail under vibrational and shock forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic retaining force with a mechanical locking mechanism that provides a positive lock. The locking mechanism includes a latch that engages with a locking surface, providing reliable mechanical retention that can withstand vibrational and shock forces in aircraft applications.
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 provides a reliable, easy-to-use, and sealed latching system that maintains a smooth aerodynamic surface, enhancing the durability and safety of the vehicle by preventing contamination and reducing operational stress.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane positioned over a locking mechanism to provide a smooth external surface while still enabling a user to actuate the locking mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly for a door is provided. The latch assembly includes a force actuated locking mechanism having a depressable actuator, a sleeve coupled to an inside surface of the door, wherein the sleeve includes a cylindrical opening configured to receive at least a portion of the force actuated locking mechanism therein and maintain the force actuated locking mechanism with respect to the door. The latch assembly also includes a flexible membrane oriented such that the depressable actuator is operable through the flexible membrane.