Hold Open Rod Ratcheting Lock for High Force Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hold open rods are insufficient to maintain structures in an extended configuration during critical events due to high aerodynamic or other forces, posing safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A hold open rod system with a ratcheting lock mechanism that includes a rail with engagement portions and roller pins, allowing movement in one direction while preventing movement in the opposite direction, ensuring secure locking in an extended configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hold open rod is used to support structures in an extended configuration, then the structure can be held open under normal conditions, but it fails to maintain the extended configuration during critical events subjected to high aerodynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The hold open rod incorporates a telescopic design with multiple segments that can extend and retract dynamically. During critical events with high aerodynamic forces, the rod extends to distribute the load across multiple sections and engagement points, preventing failure while maintaining the extended configuration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold open rod is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can independently engage with corresponding structures. This segmentation allows the rod to maintain its holding function even if one segment experiences excessive force, as other segments can continue to provide support and locking engagement.
2Reliability
If the hold open rod is designed to lock securely in extended configuration, then reliability during critical events improves, but the device complexity increases due to the lock mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the hold open rod in the extended configuration through spring-loaded locking elements that activate when the rod reaches its extended position. This self-locking capability eliminates the need for complex manual locking systems or additional actuators, maintaining reliability while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical locking systems with a simplified spring-based locking mechanism that uses elastic potential energy to maintain the locked state. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the overall device structure while ensuring reliable locking during critical events.
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 maintains structures in an extended configuration, enhancing safety and operational reliability by providing secure locking against high forces, such as those encountered during emergency actuation.
Implementation Method 1
a ratcheting lock mechanism configured to be attached to the rail, the ratcheting lock mechanism configured to allow the rail to move in a first direction. The ratcheting lock mechanism further configured to prevent the rail from moving in a second direction by engaging with the engagement portions
Data Source
AI summary
A hold open rod includes a rail configured to be attached to a structure. The rail including at least one surface having engagement portions. The hold open rod also includes a lock mechanism configured to be attached to the rail, the lock mechanism configured to allow the rail to move in a first direction. The lock mechanism further configured to prevent the rail from moving in a second direction by engaging with the engagement portions.