Pin Latch Adjustable Pre-Load Prevents Unintentional Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft latches can unintentionally release if the trigger is not fully set, leading to instability in retaining components during flight and storage, as existing systems lack assurance of the latch being closed and locked in the proper position.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable pre-load mechanism is integrated into the pin latch system, which holds the linkage in an over-center configuration until the handle is rotated, ensuring the latch is not fully released by trigger activation alone, with adjustable pre-load through the linkage to maintain the pin in the extended position until a force is applied to move it out of this configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trigger mechanism is used to release the latch, then the latch can be opened, but the latch may unintentionally release if the trigger is not fully set
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center linkage mechanism creates a preliminary locking action that prevents unintentional release. The linkage must be actively moved past the over-center point to release the latch, creating a mechanical barrier against accidental triggering while maintaining ease of intentional release.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-load mechanism applies a preliminary force to maintain the linkage in the over-center configuration, ensuring the latch remains securely locked before any release action occurs. This preliminary action reinforces the locked state and prevents premature or accidental release.
2Reliability
If the linkage is held in over-center configuration, then the latch remains securely locked, but additional pre-load mechanism is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-load mechanism is integrated with the existing over-center linkage structure, combining the locking function and pre-load application into a unified mechanism. This merging approach enhances reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage structure serves multiple functions: it provides the over-center locking action, transmits the pre-load force, and enables latch release when actuated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Force
If fixed pre-load is applied through the linkage, then the pin is biased toward extended position, but the pre-load amount cannot be adjusted for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-load mechanism transitions from a static fixed-value design to a dynamic adjustable design, allowing the pre-load force to be modified based on different application requirements. This enables the same latch mechanism to adapt to varying operational conditions and component retention needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows changing the pre-load parameter (force magnitude) to suit different applications. By making the pre-load amount adjustable rather than fixed, the system can optimize the locking force for different component sizes, weights, and retention requirements.
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
The adjustable pre-load mechanism provides enhanced assurance that the latch remains locked and prevents unintentional release, ensuring secure retention of aircraft components by maintaining the pin in the extended position until intentional release, thereby enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, and a washer received in the mount. The pin engages with the washer in the extended position and against a bias of the spring to apply the pre-load
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism includes a handle connected to a pin by a linkage. The linkage converts rotation of the handle relative to a frame into axial movement of the pin between extended and retracted positions relative to the frame. The pin engages with a pre-load adjustment mechanism in the extended position to apply a pre-load through the linkage that biases the pin toward the extended position. The pre-load adjustment mechanism is adjustable to set the pre-load through the linkage to a predetermined value as selected by a user.