Folding Wing Latch System with Non-Backdriveable Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for latching and locking folding wings in aircraft lack reliable mechanisms to ensure secure engagement and deployment, particularly in commercial aircraft where space constraints and aerodynamic efficiency are critical.
Innovation Solution
A latching system comprising non-backdriveable mechanical latch pin actuators, drive lines, motors, locks, and manual drive interfaces that securely engage and disengage folding sections to fixed sections, providing multiple levels of redundancy for reliable operation and efficient deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If folding wings are used to reduce space occupancy, then storage space efficiency is improved, but structural reliability and secure engagement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is divided into multiple independent latch pins (e.g., three latch pins per folding section) that can engage independently with the fixed section. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability through redundancy while keeping the overall structure compact enough for space-constrained applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant locking mechanisms including multiple latch pins, non-backdriveable actuators that prevent unintended disengagement, and manual override capabilities. These precautions are built into the system design beforehand to ensure secure engagement and prevent catastrophic failure, addressing the reliability concern while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If redundant locking mechanisms are added to improve reliability, then secure engagement is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latch pins are controlled by a single motor through a drive line system that mechanically couples the motor to all latch pin actuators. This merging of control functions reduces the number of independent components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the redundancy needed for high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive line system serves multiple functions: it transmits mechanical power from the motor to all latch pin actuators, provides synchronized control of multiple latch pins, and enables manual override capability through a manual drive interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and reduces overall complexity.
3Reliability
If non-backdriveable actuators are used to prevent unintended disengagement, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A manual drive interface acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows operators to override the non-backdriveable actuators when needed. This intermediary provides a mechanical means to disengage the latch pins manually while maintaining the security benefits of the non-backdriveable design during normal operation, thus balancing reliability with operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A folding wing comprises a fixed section, a folding section, and a latch system for latching the folding section to the fixed section. The latch system includes a plurality of latch pins, and a corresponding plurality of non-backdriveable mechanical actuators for extending the latch pins to engage the folding section.