Fuse Pin Mating Features to Prevent Wrong Shear Load Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastening systems for aircraft components, which use fuse pins that shear at different loads, often have similar visual appearances, leading to the potential installation of incorrect fuse pins, which can result in improper shearing loads and damage to aircraft components.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system with differentiable components, where each fuse pin and receiver have unique mating features that correspond to specific loads, preventing the incorrect fuse pin from being inserted into the wrong receiver, ensuring correct connection and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fuse pins with different shear loads are used for different aircraft models, then the fastening system can accommodate different load requirements, but the visual similarity of fuse pins leads to potential installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing the fuse pin with a non-circular cross-section (e.g., rectangular, oval, or other asymmetric shape) that corresponds to the receiver's opening shape. This asymmetric geometry ensures that only fuse pins with matching shapes can be inserted into their designated receivers, preventing installation errors while maintaining different shear load capacities across various aircraft models.
2Ease of manufacture
If fuse pins have similar visual appearances to simplify manufacturing and inventory, then manufacturing and inventory management become easier, but the risk of installing the wrong fuse pin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric cross-sectional shape serves as a positive identification feature that does not significantly complicate manufacturing. The asymmetric geometry is integrated into the fuse pin's basic structure, allowing for straightforward fabrication while providing a reliable visual and physical distinction between different fuse pin types to prevent installation errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color coding by applying different color coatings or markings to fuse pins with different shear load capacities. This visual differentiation system allows maintenance personnel to quickly identify the correct fuse pin type without complex geometric distinctions, while the asymmetric shape provides a mechanical backup to prevent incorrect installation.
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 system effectively prevents the incorrect insertion of fuse pins, ensuring that components are connected with the appropriate shear loads, thereby reducing the risk of damage to aircraft components during hard landings or impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The fuse pin may be configured to shear upon the application of a predetermined force
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system having differentiable components includes a first bushing with a first mating feature to be inserted within a first receiver. A first fuse pin with a second mating figure and being configured to shear upon the application of a first predetermined load is configured to be inserted into the first receiver and mate with the first mating feature of the first bushing. The first and second mating features correspond and permit the insertion of the first fuse pin into the first bushing within the first receiver to selectively connect components. The first bushing may prevent the complete insertion of a second fuse pin having a third mating feature into the first receiver. A second bushing having a fourth mating feature may permit the complete insertion of the second fuse pin into the second bushing positioned within a second receiver.