Modular Latch System for Aircraft Door Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of vehicle door latch systems, particularly in aircraft, is challenging due to the need for precise alignment of numerous components within tight spaces, often requiring specialized tools and customized parts, leading to increased complexity and time in manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A modular latch system (MLS) with identical components for symmetrical doors, featuring an activation module and striker modules connected via control cables, allowing for bench assembly and reduced part variability, which simplifies installation and alignment while maintaining operational independence from the door frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional door latch systems are installed with multiple different components, then the latch system can achieve proper functionality, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming due to precise alignment requirements and tight clearance spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is divided into modular components: a latch assembly module containing the latch tongue and actuator, and a separate striker module. These modules can be assembled independently and then installed as units, reducing the complexity of aligning multiple small components in tight spaces during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system is designed with standardized interfaces and dimensions that allow the same basic modules to be used across different door configurations and locations. This universality reduces the variety of unique parts needed and simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for specialized tooling for each installation location.
2Reliability
If traditional door latch systems require exacting part alignment between activation componentry and latch tongue assemblies, then proper operation is achieved, but specialized installation tooling is required which increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly module and striker module are pre-assembled with alignment features and tolerance compensation built into the module interfaces. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment is achieved through the module design itself rather than requiring specialized tooling during final installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The module interfaces incorporate tolerance compensation mechanisms that allow for variation in manufacturing parameters. This enables proper latch operation across a range of dimensional variations without requiring exacting alignment or specialized installation tooling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized parts are used for specific door locations and sides, then the latch system fits specific applications, but the number of different parts increases leading to increased manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system uses standardized modules with configurable features that can accommodate different door locations and sides. The same basic latch assembly module can be installed on various doors by adjusting the configuration rather than using completely different customized parts, thereby reducing the total number of unique components.
Solution Approach 2:
While the modules themselves are standardized, the system accommodates asymmetric door configurations through the arrangement and orientation of the modules rather than requiring asymmetric custom parts. The modular design allows the same components to be mirrored or repositioned to fit different door geometries.
4Reliability
If numerous components are installed within the interior of the door with very little clearance, then the latch system functions properly, but the installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the latch system into modular assemblies, the installation process is broken into fewer, larger steps rather than installing many small components individually in tight spaces. This modular approach significantly reduces installation time while maintaining proper system function.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated modules (e.g., latch tongue, actuator, and mounting features combined in one assembly). This reduces the number of separate installation operations required and allows components to be pre-positioned and pre-assembled outside the tight door interior space.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular latch system (200) has an activation module (202) comprising an activation rod (224), a latch module (204) comprising a biased latch, and a control cable (206) connecting the activation module (202) to the latch module (204) so that rotation of the activation rod (224) can retract the latch.