Aircraft Latch Hook Body with Longitudinal Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft latch mechanisms are large and heavy due to their complexity, which is undesirable for aircraft applications where size and weight need to be minimized while maintaining strength.
Innovation Solution
A hook body design for a latch mechanism that incorporates a box-like structure with longitudinal beams and aft flanges, allowing for efficient load transfer and reducing moments or torques, thereby enabling smaller, lighter, and more compact designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional aircraft latch mechanisms are used, then strength and reliability are maintained, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a hook body with integrated longitudinal beams, a distinct latch member, and a keeper. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength through efficient load distribution across the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook body integrates multiple structural elements including longitudinal beams, transverse members, and load-bearing plates into a single monolithic component. This merging eliminates the need for additional fasteners and connection hardware, reducing weight while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated load path.
2Strength
If traditional latch mechanisms are used, then strength and reliability are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook body combines multiple structural functions into a single integrated component, merging the frame structure, load-bearing elements, and mounting features into one piece. This reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps, simplifying the device while maintaining strength through the unified load path.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural frame, carries loads through integrated beams, provides mounting surfaces for the latch member, and incorporates adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Strength
If larger latch mechanisms are used, then strength is maintained, but volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal beams are positioned specifically to carry loads in the longitudinal direction, while transverse members handle lateral loads. This localized optimization of structural elements ensures that material is placed only where needed for strength, reducing overall volume while maintaining required strength levels through efficient local load management.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates adjustment in the longitudinal dimension through the adjustable hook position, allowing the functional length to be changed without altering the hook body design. This dimensional adjustment capability provides versatility without increasing the base volume of the latch mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A hook body (330) for a latch mechanism (320) is disclosed. In various embodiments, the hook body (330) includes a plurality of longitudinal members (360, 361, 362) on an upper and a lower surface only, each of the plurality of longitudinal members (360, 361, 362) extending in a longitudinal direction along a full length with respect to the hook body (330), and a hook body load bearing plate (357) connected to the plurality of longitudinal members (360, 361, 362) and being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the hook body load bearing plate (357) configured to slidably receive a shaft (358) connected to a hook (338), the shaft (358) extending in the longitudinal direction with respect to the hook body (330).