Hydraulically Actuated Latch Mechanism for Aircraft Overhead Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft overhead stowage bins require dual retention latch mechanisms that are heavy and complex due to mechanical actuation linkages, increasing weight and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically actuated latch mechanism using a master cylinder in fluid communication with slave cylinders to simultaneously unlatch multiple latches, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining sufficient unlatching force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If mechanical actuation linkages are used to release multiple latches simultaneously, then sufficient force can be applied to release both latches, but the linkage becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuation linkage with a hydraulic system. A master cylinder receives input force from a handle and transmits it through hydraulic fluid to multiple slave cylinders, which in turn actuate the latches. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining the ability to apply sufficient force to multiple latches simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles to transmit force from a single input point (master cylinder) to multiple output points (slave cylinders). The incompressible hydraulic fluid transmits pressure uniformly throughout the system, allowing a single operator to control multiple latches with one hand without requiring complex mechanical advantage structures.
2Force
If mechanical actuation linkages are used to release multiple latches simultaneously, then sufficient force can be applied to release both latches, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical linkages with a hydraulic system that uses lightweight cylinders and flexible hoses. The hydraulic fluid transmits force without requiring the rigid, heavy structural components needed for mechanical linkages to span multiple latches, thereby significantly reducing the overall weight of the latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system eliminates the need for heavy mechanical linkages by using fluid pressure transmission. The master and slave cylinders are lightweight components compared to the mechanical linkages they replace, and the hydraulic fluid transmits force efficiently without adding significant weight, resulting in a lighter overall system.
3Reliability
If dual retention latch mechanisms are used to ensure bin closure during turbulence, then reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the latch actuation function into separate modular components: a master cylinder for receiving input force, multiple slave cylinders for actuating individual latches, and hydraulic fluid for transmission. This segmentation allows the system to reliably actuate multiple latches independently while keeping each component simple and manageable, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid serves as an intermediary that transmits force from the master cylinder to the slave cylinders. This intermediary element enables reliable simultaneous actuation of multiple latches without requiring direct mechanical connection between them, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining the dual retention reliability required for flight safety.
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 hydraulically actuated latch mechanism is lighter, less complex, and more efficient, reducing fuel costs and maintenance while providing greater flexibility and force multiplication, improving usability and storage space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a master cylinder in fluid communication with the slave cylinders for causing the slave cylinders to simultaneously unlatch the latches
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system comprises a storage compartment having a compartment door, a plurality of latches for latching the door, a plurality of slave cylinders coupled to the latches, and a master cylinder in fluid communication with the slave cylinders for causing the slave cylinders to simultaneously unlatch the latches.