Nacelle Locking Indicator Triggered by Key Withdrawal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for ensuring the correct locking of aircraft nacelle cowls in flight position require expensive software systems and signal-conveying systems, making them unreliable and increasing aircraft mass, as they rely on visual inspection or complex signal emission techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a locking device, a key, and an indicator that changes states when the key is withdrawn, allowing for a reliable locking indication without the need for signal-conveying systems or software processing, using a control device that can be activated/deactivated by the key, and an indicator that displays a distinct signal for locked/unlocked states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional visual inspection methods are used to detect locking status, then the system is simple in structure, but the reliability of locking detection is insufficient and cannot be performed during pre-takeoff checks from the cockpit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key as an intermediary element that serves dual functions: it operates the locking device and simultaneously activates the control device when withdrawn. This mediator transfers the locking status information from the mechanical domain to the visual signal domain without requiring complex electronic communication systems between the locking device and cockpit indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The key itself performs the function of activating the control device through its withdrawal action. The system uses the key's own movement (from inserted to withdrawn position) to trigger the visual indication, eliminating the need for separate sensors, signal conveyors, or software processing systems to detect and report the locking status.
2Reliability
If expensive software systems and signal-conveying systems are used to indicate locking status in the cockpit, then the locking indication can be detected during pre-takeoff checks, but the aircraft mass increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex signal-conveying systems, software processing systems, and electronic communication harnesses from the aircraft. By using the key's physical withdrawal as the direct trigger for visual indication, the system removes unnecessary intermediate components that would add weight and complexity while maintaining reliable locking status detection.
3Reliability
If a key with a pennant is used to improve visibility and reduce forgetting, then the risk of forgetting to lock and withdraw the key is reduced, but the system still requires in situ visual inspection and cannot provide cockpit indication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the withdrawal of the key from the locking device automatically triggers a visual signal in the cockpit. This closed-loop feedback provides immediate confirmation to the pilot that the locking operation has been completed successfully, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and enabling reliable pre-takeoff checks from the cockpit.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly including a nacelle element, such as a cover, a device for locking the nacelle element, a key for locking/unlocking the locking device and an indicator for indicating the position of the locking device. This assembly includes a control device which is configured to be actuated by the key when the key is withdrawn from the locking device so as to make the indicator move from a first state to a second state, the state of the indicator being representative of the locked or unlocked position of the locking device.