Pressure Release Latch With Toggle Linkage and Manual Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art blowout latches are overly complex, heavy, and inefficient for aircraft applications, lacking a compact and lightweight design with clear visual indication of release.
Innovation Solution
A bi-modal pressure release latch with a rotatable bolt and linkage mechanism that automatically opens under excessive pressure and can be manually operated, featuring a trigger release and visible reset pad for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art blowout latch designs are used, then the latch can release under excessive pressure, but the design becomes overly complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure-actuated release mechanism and manual trigger release into a single integrated latch system. The bolt, linkage, and spring assembly serve dual purposes: automatically releasing under pressure while also responding to manual trigger activation, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions through its components. The linkage serves both as a mechanical advantage multiplier for manual operation and as a force transmission path for pressure-actuated release. The spring provides both resetting force and restraining force, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated components for each function
2Reliability
If prior art blowout latch designs are used, then the latch can release under excessive pressure, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pressure release and manual release functions into a single lightweight mechanism, the patent avoids the weight penalty of duplicate systems. The bolt, linkage, and spring assembly collectively handle both release modes without requiring additional heavy components
Solution Approach 2:
The latch uses a dynamic spring-loaded linkage system that adapts its mechanical advantage based on applied force. Under normal conditions, the spring provides restraining force; under excessive pressure, the linkage geometry changes to allow automatic release. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for heavy mechanical stops or multiple locking mechanisms
3Device complexity
If a compact design is implemented, then weight and complexity are reduced, but visual indication of release status may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual contrast through color or reflectivity differences on the indicator surface. The indicator may change color or reflectivity state between latched and unlatched positions, providing clear visual feedback without requiring additional mechanical indication mechanisms that would increase complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator acts as an intermediary element that translates the internal latch state (bolt position) into an externally visible signal. This mediator component provides clear status indication while remaining integrated into the compact latch design, avoiding the need for separate indication mechanisms
4Reliability
If the latch is designed for automatic pressure release, then safety is improved, but manual operation capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger acts as an intermediary that, when actuated, temporarily overrides the spring restraining force to allow manual bolt movement. This intermediary mechanism enables easy manual operation without compromising the automatic pressure release function, as the trigger simply removes the mechanical barrier (spring force) that normally prevents bolt movement
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 solution provides a compact, efficient, and lightweight design with reduced complexity and weight, enabling easy manual operation and clear visual indication of the latch's open status, enhancing safety and functionality in aircraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
A second end of the levers is unconstrained except for abutment between its pinned roller and a spring assembly
Implementation Method 2
The various pinned joints of the linkage form a toggle linkage so that as the spring assembly is further deflected by the bolt force
Data Source
AI summary
A blowout latch includes a rotatable bolt that secures a first panel that is adjacent to a second panel to which the latch is affixed. The bolt is restrained by a toggle linkage that operates at one end of the bolt against a pressure-actuated spring. The linkage will release the bolt when an excessive opening force against the bolt exceeds a selected restraining force of the spring. When that condition occurs, the linkage will have deflected the spring and moved to a position where the end of the linkage bearing against spring loses it mechanical leverage with respect to the bolt. Thereafter, the bolt is free to continue rotation to a fully open position. The latch also includes a manual trigger release that disables the restraining linkage and permits free rotation of the bolt to the fully open position when this trigger is actuated.