Fuel Coupling Latch Indicator for Verified Lock Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The clamping mechanism in fluid couplings may not latch properly, leading to incomplete closure and loss of coupling function, particularly in high-performance applications like aerospace, due to lack of confirmation of secure locking.
Innovation Solution
A spring-actuated visual and tactile indicator is integrated with the clamping mechanism, featuring peripheral slots and tabs that provide rotational and translational movement, ensuring the indicator can only be locked when latches are fully engaged, offering both visual and tactile feedback on the locking status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clamping mechanism with multiple latches is used to secure the coupling, then the locking strength is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to lack of confirmation that latches are properly engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism through an indicator that displays the engagement status of the latches. The indicator provides real-time information to the operator about whether the latches are properly engaged, allowing confirmation of secure locking without requiring disassembly or complex inspection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system is self-actuating through spring-loaded arms that automatically detect latch engagement and move the indicator accordingly. The mechanism uses the motion of the latches themselves to drive the indicator, eliminating the need for separate sensing devices or manual verification procedures.
2Device complexity
If a simple latch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is worsened due to inability to verify proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch mechanism with an integrated indicator system into a single unified assembly. The indicator is mechanically coupled to the latch structure through spring arms, merging the locking function with the verification function into one compact device that provides both security and visibility of engagement status.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded arms act as intermediary elements that translate the discrete positions of the latches into a continuous visual indicator. These arms bridge the gap between the internal latch mechanism and the external indicator display, converting mechanical engagement states into observable positional changes.
3Reliability
If an indicator mechanism is added to verify latch engagement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism is entirely self-actuating, using the motion of the latches themselves to drive the indicator through spring-loaded arms. No external power source, sensors, or additional actuators are required - the system uses its own operational movements to provide verification, minimizing added complexity while maximizing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensing and display systems with a purely mechanical indicator mechanism. The spring-loaded arms and visual indicators use basic mechanical principles to provide reliable engagement verification, avoiding the complexity of electronics while maintaining high reliability through straightforward mechanical linkage.
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 indicator ensures secure engagement of the coupling by providing reliable visual and tactile confirmation of the locking status, minimizing the risk of misapplied or insecure clamping and maintaining the coupling's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator cannot be retained in the closed position unless the latches are locked, and the retention of the tabs beneath the pin of the clamping mechanism releases the biasing force of the spring and provides a user with both visual and tactile feedback as to the status of the clamping mechanism of the coupling.
Implementation Method 2
fixing the indicator in a closed position against the bias of a torsional and compression spring
Data Source
AI summary
A closure indicator for a fluid coupling is disclosed where the fluid coupling has first and second semi-circular members hinged together at a first end and latched together at the opposite end, the indicator comprising an upper surface including a stop on a rear surface for arresting rotational travel in a first direction, first and second sidewalls with elongate slots, a spring biasing the indicator in the first direction, and first and second arms extending from said first and second sidewalls, respectively, to a position under a pin of a bracket only when the members are latched together.