Nacelle Locking Device with Positional Interlock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locking devices in nacelle junction zones can inadvertently lock when half-shells are separated, leading operators to believe they are unlocked, potentially causing material damage during separation.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with locking means that allow locking only when components are in a close position and prevent locking when separated, featuring a hook and movable stop mechanism to ensure safe actuation, where the hook engages or disengages with a retainer based on the position of a maneuvering member, and elastic return means to facilitate correct locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the locking system is equipped with a handle that can be folded down for convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of accidental locking when half-shells are separated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle operabilityVSAvoidlocking system safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A blocking means is introduced as an intermediary element between the operating member and the locking mechanism. This blocking means includes a movable stop that can be positioned to either allow or prevent the locking system from engaging, thereby mediating between the operator's action and the locking function to prevent accidental locking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking means is designed to preemptively prevent the locking action before it can occur. When the half-shells are separated, the movable stop is positioned to block the connecting means, creating a preliminary anti-action that counteracts any attempted locking movement of the operating member

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Ease of operation

If the locking system allows free movement between locked and unlocked states, then the ease of operation is improved, but the object-generated harmful factors worsen due to potential material damage during incorrect separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking system operabilityVSAvoidmaterial damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable stop acts as an intermediary that controls the interaction between the operating member and the locking mechanism. It selectively permits or prevents the locking action based on the position of the half-shells, thereby mediating between operational freedom and harm prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking means converts the potential harmful effect of accidental locking into a beneficial safety feature. By designing the system so that the movable stop naturally blocks incorrect locking attempts, the potential harm is transformed into a protective mechanism that prevents damage while allowing correct operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Prevents accidental locking when half-shells are separated, ensuring the locking system remains in an unlocked state until correctly aligned, thus avoiding material damage and ensuring safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

the member forming a movable stop is subjected to elastic return means capable of moving it into the locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2178759B1Locking device designed to be arranged in a junction region of a nacelle
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 SAFRAN NACELLES
  • EP2178759B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2178759B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2178759B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device (9) designed to be arranged in a junction region of a nacelle, comprising a locking system (10), intended to be mounted on a first half-shell of the nacelle, engaging with a retention member (11) intended to be mounted on a second half-shell, the locking system (10) being actuable between a locked state and an unlocked state with respect to the retention number (11), the locking system (10) and the retention member (11) being movable with respect to one another between a drawn-together position in which they can be locked with respect to one another and a spaced-apart position. The locking system (10) and/or the retention member (11) comprise locking means (25) designed to allow the locking system (10) to be locked with respect to the retention member (11) when they are in the drawn-together position and to prevent them from being locked when they are in the spaced-apart position.