Pressure Relief Latch With Adjustable Torsion Spring Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace applications require latches that can provide adjustable pressure relief to prevent loss of internal components due to high pressures, but existing latches lack fine-tuned load adjustment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A latch design featuring a housing with a latch mechanism including torsion springs, socket screws, and a bolt mechanism that allows for adjustable load settings, enabling toggling between engaged and disengaged positions to manage pressure effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing latch designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load adjustment capability is not fine-tuned and not adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates adjustable socket screws that allow the load threshold to be dynamically changed after manufacturing. The torsion springs work with the socket screws to provide variable resistance, enabling the latch to adapt to different pressure conditions without requiring a completely different design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the latch by incorporating torsion springs with adjustable preload through socket screws. By modifying the spring constant and preload force, the load threshold can be precisely tuned to specific requirements, transforming a fixed-parameter design into a variable-parameter system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a latch with adjustable load capability is designed, then the adaptability to different pressure conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is segmented into distinct functional components: the bolt mechanism, the arm, the link, the torsion springs, and the socket screws. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy adjustment of the load threshold by simply modifying the socket screw positions without affecting other parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion springs serve multiple functions: they provide the restoring force for the bolt mechanism, enable adjustable load thresholds through socket screw positioning, and allow the latch to respond to varying pressure conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If fine-tuned load adjustment is implemented, then the pressure relief precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket screws are designed to be directly accessible and adjustable by the user without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The external adjustment mechanism allows operators to fine-tune the load threshold themselves, eliminating the need for specialized service personnel or complex calibration procedures.
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 latch ensures secure closure under high pressure and allows safe opening of structures like aerospace doors, preventing internal component loss by providing a fine-tuned load-range capability.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of torsion springs, each of which is connected rotatably to the arm and engages a corresponding one of the pair of socket screws
Data Source
AI summary
A latch having a housing and a latch mechanism located within an interior portion of the housing. The latch mechanism includes an arm, a pair of socket screws, a pair of torsion springs, each of which is connected rotatably to the arm and engages a corresponding one of the pair of socket screws, a bolt mechanism attached rotatably to the housing, and a link attached pivotally to the arm and attached to the bolt mechanism. The socket screws are utilized to adjust loads on the springs. The bolt mechanism is movable between a first position, in which the arm and the link are toggled with one another under the loads of the springs and the bolt mechanism is adapted to engage an external structure, and a second position, in which the link and the arm are untoggled with one another and the bolt mechanism is disengaged with the external structure.