Vehicle Overhead Panel Assembly with Cam-Actuated Latch Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel assemblies in vehicles, such as aircraft, require improved mechanisms for easy disconnection and reconnection from support structures during maintenance, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and ensuring easy access to internal components.
Innovation Solution
A panel assembly with actuators that include first and second bodies, allowing for angular movement and engagement with latch pins to transition between stowed and open positions, hidden from view to maintain aesthetics, and facilitated by biasing members for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the panel is designed to be easily disconnected for maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural complexity increases due to the need for actuators and latch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The panel assembly employs dynamic actuators that can transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the panel to be easily moved between stowed and open positions. The actuators incorporate cam surfaces and latch pins that enable smooth transitions without requiring complex manual disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage the latch pin with the catch through its own motion cycle. When the actuator moves to its retracted position, the cam surface automatically releases the latch pin from the catch, enabling the panel to open without requiring additional manual manipulation or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If the actuator is positioned to engage the latch pin for secure panel mounting, then the reliability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that connects the panel to the support structure through the latch pin and catch interface. It provides the necessary mechanical engagement for secure mounting while being positioned or designed to minimize its visual impact on the aesthetic appearance of the panel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and its engagement components (latch pin, catch) are designed with local quality considerations, where the engagement interface provides robust mechanical connection for reliability, while the external surfaces and positioning of components are optimized to be less visually prominent or to blend with the overall aesthetic design of the panel.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the panel is securely latched to the support structure, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation for maintenance access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics, where the latch pin can be easily engaged and disengaged through the actuator's motion. The cam surface provides a mechanical advantage that allows the latch to be securely engaged during normal operation but easily released when the actuator is actuated, balancing stability with ease of access for maintenance.
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
Enables straightforward disconnection and reconnection of panels from support structures, providing access to internal components while preserving the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and ensuring safe, efficient maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member applies a force to the first body to bias the first body towards the first position
Implementation Method 2
the first body comprises a contact section and the second body comprises a cam surface with the first position locating the contact section at a first point on the cam surface to orient the second body at the first angular position
Data Source
AI summary
A panel assembly for an overhead support structure of a vehicle. The panel assembly includes a panel movable relative to the overhead support structure between a stowed position and an open position. One or more actuators release the panel from the stowed position. The actuators include first and second bodies arranged together and configured to move relative to each other and with the first body movable relative to the overhead support structure between first and second positions. The first position orients the second body at a first angular position relative to the overhead support structure that engages a catch on the second body with a latch pin. The second position orients the second body at a different second angular position relative to the overhead support structure to release the catch from the latch pin and thereby release the panel from the stowed position.