Powered Hinge Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered hinges for aircraft wingtips are either too large, heavy, and expensive due to their design, or require tight tolerances and complex machining, making them unsuitable for thinner wing structures like the F-35.
Innovation Solution
A powered hinge with an automatic locking feature, comprising a stationary member, a movable member, and a driving member with slots and pins that allow for greater than 1:1 angular movement ratio, utilizing detents to lock the hinge sections at extreme positions, reducing weight and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a compound planetary hinge rotary actuator is used, then the hinge can handle loads in extended and folded positions, but the hinge becomes large, heavy and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple independent plate-like members (stationary members, movable members, driving members) connected by pins, replacing the monolithic planetary actuator structure. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and lighter while collectively achieving the required load handling through the distributed slot-pin mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot-pin mechanism acts as an intermediary between the driving member and hinge sections, transferring motion and forces. The pins moving through configured slots provide the necessary mechanical advantage and load distribution without requiring a heavy planetary gear system.
2Weight of stationary object
If a spline lock concept is used, then the hinge profile is smaller and weight is reduced, but tighter tolerances and difficult machining are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge uses dynamic slot-pin interactions instead of static spline engagement. The slots are configured to guide pin movement during rotation, providing automatic locking at extreme positions through detents. This dynamic approach allows for larger tolerances compared to the precise spline tooth engagement required in conventional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the slots (width, orientation, curvature) to optimize both weight reduction and manufacturing ease. The slot configurations are designed to provide sufficient guidance and locking without requiring tight tolerances, balancing performance with manufacturability.
3Strength
If a compound planetary hinge rotary actuator is used, then the hinge can handle loads in extended and folded positions, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple independent plate-like members (stationary members, movable members, driving members) connected by pins, replacing the monolithic planetary actuator structure. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and lighter while collectively achieving the required load handling through the distributed slot-pin mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simpler, more manufacturable components (plates with slots and pins) that can be produced more economically than complex planetary actuators. The design accepts slightly reduced component life in exchange for significant reductions in manufacturing cost and complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An improved powered hinge (20) with an automatic locking feature proximate the ends of permissible relative angular displacement of its two hinge sections broadly includes: a stationary member (23) having a pivotal axis (x-x), and having a first slot (31) extending between opposite ends; a movable member (24) mounted for rotation about the pivotal axis relative to the stationary member, and having a second slot (34) extending between opposite ends; a driving member (28) adapted to be rotated about the pivotal axis relative to the sta¬ tionary member from one angular position to another, angular position, and having a third slot (36) extending between opposite ends; and an elongated pin (29) passing through the first, second and third slots, the pin being constrained for movement substantially parallel to the pivotal axis; the first, second and third slots being so configured and arranged that as the driv¬ ing member is rotated from the one angular position to the other angular position, the pin will be moved from substantially one end of the each of the slots to substantially the other end of each of the slots, and the movable member will be rotated about the pivotal axis relative to the stationary member.