Nacelle Locking Indicator Triggered by Key Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting the effective locking of aircraft nacelle elements, such as cowls, require expensive signal processing systems and mass-increasing signal conveyance systems, making them unreliable and inefficient for pilot verification before takeoff.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a locking device with a key that can only be removed when the device is in the locking position, activating a control device which changes the state of a position indicator, eliminating the need for signal conveyance and processing systems, and allowing for a reliable locking indication without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional visual signal emission techniques are used to indicate locking status in the cockpit, then the pilot can detect the locking status during pre-takeoff checks, but the system requires expensive signal processing software and signal conveyance systems via harnesses that increase aircraft mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal conveyance and processing functions from the system by using a mechanical key removal detection mechanism. The key's physical removal from the locking device directly actuates the indicator through a control device, eliminating the need for electrical signal transmission via harnesses and complex software processing systems, thereby reducing aircraft mass while maintaining reliable locking status indication
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the key itself as the actuating mechanism. When the key is removed from the locking device, its physical movement directly triggers the control device to change the indicator state. The key's removal action serves dual purposes: it unlocks the nacelle element and simultaneously activates the visual indication system, eliminating the need for separate sensing and signaling components
2Reliability
If conventional visual signal emission techniques are used to indicate locking status, then the pilot can verify locking during pre-takeoff checks, but the system requires expensive signal processing software and signal conveyance systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex signal processing software and electrical signal conveyance systems from the architecture. Instead, it uses a purely mechanical detection method where the key's physical removal directly actuates a control device that changes the indicator state, achieving reliable locking verification without electronic intermediaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical and software-based signal processing systems with a mechanical actuation system. The key's physical movement upon removal directly mechanically actuates the control device, which in turn changes the indicator state, substituting complex electronic systems with simple mechanical linkages
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly comprising a nacelle element, such as a cover, a device for locking the nacelle element, a key for locking/unlocking the locking device and a indicator (20) for indicating the position of the locking device. According to the invention, this assembly comprises a control device (21, 22, 23) which is configured to be actuated by the key when said key is withdrawn from the locking device so as to make the indicator (20) move from a first state to a second state, the state of the indicator (20) being representative of the locked or unlocked position of the locking device.