Knee Lever Locking Device with Electric Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for luggage compartments in airplanes are heavy and require mechanical connections for unlocking, making them inconvenient and heavy, especially when unlocking from a remote location.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a knee lever mechanism driven by an electric actuator connected to an energy storage unit, allowing for electrical unlocking from a distance without mechanical coupling, and featuring a compact design to reduce weight and maintain reliability even when the aircraft's electrical system is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical connection (pull wire, rod assembly) is used to couple the actuating element to the latch for unlocking from a remote location, then the locking device can be conveniently unlocked from a distance, but the device becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (pull wires, rod assemblies) with an electrical system consisting of an actuator and energy storage unit. The actuating element is electrically coupled to the latch through the actuator, eliminating the need for mechanical couplings and significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the locking device while maintaining the capability to unlock from remote locations.
2Weight of moving object
If the locking device uses an electrical system for unlocking, then the device can be light in weight, but it becomes dependent on the aircraft's electrical system which may be shut off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an energy storage unit (such as a capacitor or battery) that is pre-charged and stored within the locking device. This energy storage unit is capable of providing the necessary power to actuate the actuator and unlock the latch even when the aircraft's electrical system is shut off. The preliminary storage of energy ensures that the locking device remains operational during power outages or when the aircraft electrical system is deactivated.
3Reliability
If the knee lever is positioned against a point of abutment distanced from the pivot axis, then the latch is securely held in the locking position against retention forces, but the unlocking mechanism requires more force to move across the dead center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical force transmission system with an electrical actuator that directly drives the knee lever. The actuator generates the necessary torque to move the knee lever from its position against the point of abutment through the dead center to the unlocking position. This electrical actuation system can overcome the increased force requirement more efficiently than mechanical linkages, while the energy storage unit provides the necessary power surge to initiate movement across the dead center point.
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 solution enables convenient and reliable unlocking of luggage compartments with reduced weight, low power consumption, and compact dimensions, ensuring secure locking and easy operation even during turbulence or power outages.
Implementation Method 1
an electric actuator that can be connected to an electrical energy storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device has adjustable device parts, one of which comprises a locking element and another comprises a support part. A latch can be moved between a closed and an open position. A knee lever comprises a first arm pivotable about a pivot axis and a second arm, pivotable relative to the first arm about a knee joint axis. The latch is drivably connected to the knee lever so that in the closed position, the arms are pivoted into a first pivot position located near the dead center point of the knee lever and the knee lever can be positioned against a point of abutment distanced from the pivot axis. The knee lever can be moved by an actuator connectable to an electrical energy storage unit from the first pivot position across its dead center point into a second pivot position corresponding to the open position.