Telescoping Mast Latch Assembly for Quiet Automatic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telescoping mast systems face issues with noise, manual intervention, and power requirements in lock designs, which affect stability and suitability for military applications, particularly due to inherent rotation and deflection caused by clearance in mast joints, and existing solutions either add weight or are ineffective for rapid movements.
Innovation Solution
An automatic locking system driven by the normal extension and retraction of the mast, featuring a latch assembly with a latch housing, lock member, and nest lock bar that interlocks tube sections without external power or manual intervention, reducing rotation and deflection while operating smoothly and quietly within existing footprints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional locks or latches are used to lock tube sections, then the mast can maintain extended position, but the locks are noisy and may require manual engagement or external power
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the relative movement between tube sections. During retraction, the latch member automatically disengages from the lock member; during extension, it automatically re-engages. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or external power sources while maintaining quiet operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the harmful noise-generating components from traditional lock designs and replaces them with a quiet latch mechanism that uses the natural movement of tube sections to operate. The latch member and lock member interaction eliminates the need for noisy motors, springs, or manual operation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If clearance is maintained between interacting surfaces to prevent binding under manufacturing tolerances and environmental conditions, then the mast can operate reliably, but rotation and deflection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to clearance variations. The biased configuration and engagement geometry accommodate manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion while maintaining stable engagement. This dynamic design ensures reliable operation across environmental conditions without exacerbating rotation and deflection.
3Ease of operation
If automated locking systems are implemented to eliminate manual intervention, then operation convenience improves, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member serves multiple functions: it automatically engages/disengages based on tube movement, provides locking action through interaction with the lock member, and accommodates clearance variations. This multi-functionality is achieved within the existing footprint of the mast structure, avoiding the need for separate automated actuation systems and reducing overall complexity.
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 provides stable and quiet operation, reducing inherent rotation and deflection, eliminating the need for external power or manual engagement, and fits within existing mechanical mast designs, enhancing the suitability for military applications.
Implementation Method 1
the nest lock bar configured to restrict movement of the lock member from the locked position when in the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
The lock member is movable from the unlocked position to the locked position by the first latch member when the first associated tube section is extended out of the second associated tube section to thereby interlock the first associated tube section with the second associated tube section
Implementation Method 3
An automatic locking system driven by the normal extension and retraction of the mast, featuring a latch assembly with a latch housing, lock member, and nest lock bar that interlocks tube sections without external power or manual intervention, reducing rotation and deflection
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic locking latch system is provided that is driven by the normal extension and retraction of the mast, reduces the inherent rotation and deflection of the mast due to clearances, and operates more smoothly and quietly than conventional locking systems. The locking latch system also fits reasonably within the existing footprint of a typical mechanical mast.