Foldable Long-Throw Latch for Gas Turbine Nacelle Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern latches for securing nacelle sections in gas turbine engines face increased resistance due to seal stiffness, making it difficult to close the sections manually, often requiring additional devices like come-along tools.
Innovation Solution
A foldable latch mechanism with a long throw and lever arm design, comprising multiple pivotally attached members and a locking device, allowing for a larger travel distance and mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for separate come-along devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latch with small reach is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the latch cannot reach across the gap between nacelle sections
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into multiple articulated members (first member, second member, third member, handle) that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the latch to achieve a long throw capability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism transitions from a simple linear arrangement to a multi-dimensional articulated structure. The members are arranged in a folded configuration that allows the latch to reach across gaps that would be impossible with a straight-line design, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to solve the reach problem.
2Ease of operation
If additional come-along devices are used to bring nacelle portions close enough, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of the latch mechanism and the come-along device into a single integrated system. The articulated members with long throw capability perform both the reaching function and the closing function, eliminating the need for separate come-along devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can reach across large gaps, provide mechanical advantage for overcoming seal stiffness, and secure the nacelle sections in the closed position. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate devices.
3Ease of operation
If a foldable latch mechanism with long throw is used, then the ease of operation improves, but the volume of the latch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated members of the latch mechanism are configured to nest within each other when the latch is in the closed position. The handle, second member, and third member can be folded back along the first member, significantly reducing the envelope volume while maintaining the long throw capability during operation.
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 latch mechanism provides a stable, efficient closure with reduced manual effort, optimizing weight and envelope size, and integrating seamlessly with existing architectures without modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a second member pivotally attached to the first member... a handle pivotally attached to the second member... provides both a good mechanical advantage (by virtue of the lever arm provided by the foldable handle) and a large travel between its fully open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
the third member comprises securing means for securing the third member to a second portion of a gas turbine engine... retaining means configured to retain the latch mechanism in its closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism for joining two portions of a gas turbine engine. The latch mechanism is moveable between an open and a closed position and includes a first member configured to be attachable to a first portion of a gas turbine engine and a second member pivotally attached to the first member. The first member is attached to the second member at a first position. The latch mechanism also includes a handle pivotally attached to the second member that is attached to the second member at a second position, and third member pivotally attached to the second member. The third member is attached to the second member at a third position, the third position being between the first position and the second position, and wherein the third member comprises securing means for securing the third member to a second portion of a gas turbine engine.