Pressure Retaining Cap for Manual Rotation of Disconnect Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical disconnect mechanisms for power trains in aircraft lack efficient manual actuation capabilities without electrical power or pneumatic air supply, limiting their operational flexibility and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic disconnect shaft assembly with a cap that can switch between pneumatic and manual modes, allowing for manual rotation of a decoupling shaft by removing a bolt and rotating the cap to cam locking pistons out of grooves, facilitating manual actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a pneumatic disconnect mechanism is used, then automated operation and sealing are improved, but manual actuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed to be dynamically configurable between two states: sealed (pneumatic mode) and open (manual mode). The bolt provides a simple mechanical means to transition between these states, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap assembly is segmented into separable components (cap, bolt, pneumatic chamber) that can be independently configured. The bolt acts as a separate element that can be removed or installed to switch between operational modes, providing modular control over the system's functionality.
2Reliability
If the cap is sealed to maintain pneumatic pressure, then pneumatic chamber integrity is improved, but manual access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cap transitions between a sealed state (maintaining pneumatic pressure) and an open state (providing manual access). The bolt serves as a simple mechanical switch that allows the system to dynamically change its configuration based on whether pneumatic operation or manual actuation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is extracted (removed) from the cap assembly to enable manual access to the pneumatic chamber. This simple extraction action opens the sealed chamber without requiring complex unlocking mechanisms, demonstrating how removing a single element can transition the system between operational states.
3Reliability
If a bolt is used to secure the cap, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is a simple, inexpensive mechanical element that provides reliable sealing when installed and allows easy access when removed. Rather than using a complex locking mechanism, the design accepts that the bolt serves its purpose temporarily during pneumatic operation and is then removed for manual actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is completely removed from the assembly when manual access is needed, rather than using a bolt that requires complex unwinding or manipulation. This extraction approach simplifies the manual actuation process while maintaining sealing integrity during pneumatic operation.
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 reliable manual actuation of the disconnect mechanism in the absence of power, enhancing operational flexibility and maintenance capabilities without requiring unique tooling or deforming parts.
Implementation Method 1
The first locking piston can be biased radially inward to engage a first groove in the decoupling shaft to lock the decoupling shaft in the second position
Implementation Method 2
Rotating the cap about a longitudinal axis of a decoupling shaft to rotate the decoupling shaft, camming one or more locking pistons out of grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a cap configured to attach to a first end of a pneumatic disconnect shaft assembly, the cap configured to seal a pneumatic chamber in a pneumatic mode and configured to allow access to the pneumatic chamber in a manual mode for manual rotation of a decoupling shaft. A method for manual rotation of a pneumatic disconnect shaft assembly includes removing a bolt from a cap that seals a pneumatic chamber of the pneumatic disconnect shaft assembly and rotating the cap about a longitudinal axis of a decoupling shaft to rotate the decoupling shaft, camming one or more locking pistons out of one or more grooves in the decoupling shaft.