Reinforced Plastic Locking Dogs for Wear-Resistant Hold Open Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hold open rods in the automotive and aviation industries face issues with locking mechanisms that deteriorate over time, leading to malfunction and wear, especially when supporting large loads.
Innovation Solution
A lockable hold open rod system featuring a locking mechanism with a locking groove on the inner tube, a radially engaging locking dog made of reinforced plastic, and an outer housing with an angled inner wall to securely lock the inner tube in place, reducing wear and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used in hold open rods, then the initial locking function is achieved, but the mechanism deteriorates and wears over time leading to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking dog is constructed from composite materials (reinforced plastic or metal matrix composite) that combine the advantages of plastic (corrosion resistance, smooth operation) with metal (strength, wear resistance). This composite construction allows the locking mechanism to maintain its functional properties over extended service periods without deterioration or wear, directly resolving the contradiction between initial reliability and long-term durability.
2Strength
If metal locking dogs are used, then strength is sufficient for heavy loads, but wear and deterioration occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for the locking dog that integrate the high strength properties of metal with the wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant properties of plastic. The reinforced plastic or metal matrix composite construction provides sufficient load-bearing capacity while eliminating the wear and deterioration problems associated with traditional metal components, thus simultaneously achieving both strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the locking dog by transitioning from traditional metal to composite materials. This parameter change in material composition fundamentally alters the wear characteristics and corrosion resistance while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength, allowing the locking mechanism to withstand heavy loads without the deterioration that plagues conventional metal components.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the locking mechanism is designed for long-term functionality, then durability is improved, but the appearance of wear may still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material construction of the locking dog inherently prevents visible wear and deterioration that would otherwise occur during extended service. The reinforced plastic or metal matrix composite provides a surface that resists wear, corrosion, and degradation, maintaining the appearance of the locking mechanism throughout its extended service life and eliminating the harmful visual effects of aging.
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 system provides a durable and long-lasting locking mechanism capable of supporting large loads while minimizing wear, ensuring reliable operation over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
The locking dog may be made from a reinforced plastic material
Implementation Method 2
an angled inner wall configured to engage the locking dog to move the locking dog to the inner radial position when the outer housing is moved to a locking position
Implementation Method 3
a locking dog configured to slide along the outer surface of the inner tube when the locking dog is in an outer radial position and fit in the locking groove when the locking dog in an inner radial position
Data Source
AI summary
A hold open rod may include: an outer tube and an inner tube; a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the inner tube with the outer tube; a locking groove in an outer surface of the inner tube; a locking dog and an outer housing covering the locking dog and at least part of the locking mechanism, the outer housing defining a cavity to contain the locking dog when the locking dog is in the outer radial position and also having an angled inner wall configured to engage the locking dog to move the locking dog to the inner radial position when the outer housing is moved to a locking position. A method of actuating a locking rod may be provided.