High Offset Hook Latch With Nested Links

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft latches face challenges in securely fastening components under substantial forces while preventing inadvertent opening due to vibratory or other applied forces, particularly in restricted spaces.

Innovation Solution

A latch mechanism featuring a hook, displaceable handle, and connecting links that provide an over-center arrangement, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement with a keeper, and includes adjustable components to accommodate varying contours and enhance strength and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single link latch is used in restricted space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and strength under substantial forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch structure complexityVSAvoidlatch reliability under forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is divided into multiple links (first link and second link) connected in series between the handle and hook. This segmentation allows the latch to achieve the reliability and strength of a multi-link system while maintaining the compactness of a single-link design in restricted spaces, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The links are arranged in a nested configuration where the first link and second link are positioned within the compact latch assembly, allowing the mechanism to achieve over-center stability and high reliability without increasing the overall device complexity or space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If a single link latch is used in restricted space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the strength and durability under substantial forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch structure complexityVSAvoidlatch strength under forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is divided into multiple links (first link and second link) connected in series between the handle and hook. This segmentation allows the latch to achieve the reliability and strength of a multi-link system while maintaining the compactness of a single-link design in restricted spaces, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch components are designed to work together as a composite mechanical system where the multiple links and over-center arrangement create a synergistic effect that enhances overall strength and durability under substantial forces, overcoming the limitations of single-link designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If an over-center arrangement is implemented, then the reliability and prevention of inadvertent opening is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch reliability against vibratory forcesVSAvoidlatch mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is divided into multiple links (first link and second link) connected in series between the handle and hook. This segmentation allows the latch to achieve the reliability and strength of a multi-link system while maintaining the compactness of a single-link design in restricted spaces, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The over-center arrangement creates a dynamic mechanical advantage where the latch automatically locks into position and resists inadvertent opening under vibratory or other applied forces, enhancing reliability without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11002046B2High offset hook latch

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 HARTWELL CORP

AI summary

A latch mechanism includes a hook, a displaceable handle, and links connected between the handle and hook for the operation of the latch mechanism. The handle and links cooperate with the hook to hold the latch mechanism in a locked position.