Push-Button Motion Indicator With Plunger-Triggered Jam Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current jam indicators for aircraft control surface drive mechanisms require a large indicator arm and housing, and are prone to false indications due to spring clip failures.
Innovation Solution
A compact motion indicator mechanism using a plunger and push button system with a retaining assembly, where the push button is retained in a retracted position by retaining balls or springs, and moves to an extended position upon detection of an overtorque or jam condition, indicated by the plunger's retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lever type mechanism with a pivoted indicator arm is used, then the jam condition can be indicated, but the housing size becomes large and the reliability decreases due to spring clip failures
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a plunger that detects torque limiter movement, a push button that provides visual indication, and a retaining assembly with retaining balls. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large pivoted arm while maintaining reliable indication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The plunger acts as an intermediary between the torque limiter and the push button. When the torque limiter moves, it actuates the plunger, which in turn releases the retaining balls, allowing the push button to indicate the jam condition. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable indication without requiring a large housing.
2Reliability
If a lever type mechanism with a pivoted indicator arm is used, then the jam condition can be indicated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a plunger that detects torque limiter movement, a push button that provides visual indication, and a retaining assembly with retaining balls. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large pivoted arm while maintaining reliable indication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex pivoted indicator arm and spring clip retention system are extracted and replaced with a simpler plunger-push button mechanism. The retaining balls provide a more reliable and simpler retention system compared to the spring clip.
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact indicator mechanism is used, then the housing volume is reduced, but the reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger acts as an intermediary between the torque limiter and the push button. When the torque limiter moves, it actuates the plunger, which in turn releases the retaining balls, allowing the push button to indicate the jam condition. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable indication without requiring a large housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The push button is automatically actuated by the plunger when a jam condition occurs, eliminating the need for external actuation mechanisms. The retaining balls self-release when the plunger is actuated, providing reliable automatic indication in a compact form.
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 mechanism provides a compact, reliable indication of overtorque or jam conditions with reduced volume and weight, and prevents false indications, maintaining a visual status without exposure to harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger is biased into an axially extended position relative to the housing via a plunger biasing element
Implementation Method 2
The push button is biased toward an axially extended position relative to the housing via a biasing element
Data Source
AI summary
A motion indicator includes a housing and a plunger extending from a first housing end of the housing and axially movable relative to the housing. The plunger is biased into an axially extended position via a plunger biasing element, and is configured to detect motion of a component adjacent to a plunger tip. A push button is located at a second housing end of the housing and is axially moveable relative to the housing. The push button is biased toward an axially extended position via a biasing element. A retaining assembly is configured to retain the push button in an axially retracted position. The retaining assembly is configured to release the push button and allow the button biasing element to urge the push button toward the axially extended position when the plunger is urged toward a retracted position via motion of the component adjacent to the plunger tip.