Pressure Relief Latch With Automatic Load-Sensitive Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latches for aerospace vehicles lack a mechanism to automatically open when a defined load is reached, requiring manual operation and lacking in pressure relief functionality.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief latch design featuring a bolt with a curvilinear and linear portion, a trigger, and compression springs that allows manual operation and automatic opening when a defined load is applied, utilizing a pin and roller mechanism to engage and disengage the bolt notch, enabling automatic pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a latch is designed for manual operation only, then the structure can be simple, but it cannot automatically release when a defined load is reached
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically detects when a defined load is applied and self-actuates to open the secured object without requiring external intervention. The bolt pushes the pin and roller along the elongated slots when loaded, automatically disengaging from the bolt notch to trigger opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch transitions from a static manual-operated mechanism to a dynamic system that responds to applied loads. The movable bolt, pin, and roller components enable the latch to adapt its state based on the magnitude of force applied, allowing automatic activation when threshold load is reached.
2Reliability
If a latch includes automatic load-sensitive opening mechanism, then pressure relief functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin and roller serve as intermediary elements between the bolt and trigger mechanism. When load is applied to the bolt, it pushes the pin and roller along the elongated slots, which then interact with the trigger to initiate opening, providing a controlled transmission of force through intermediate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is divided into distinct functional segments: the bolt that senses load, the pin and roller that transmit motion, the trigger that initiates opening, and the compression springs that provide resetting force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall pressure relief capability.
3Ease of operation
If the bolt is designed with curvilinear and linear portions, then manual operation is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt incorporates a curvilinear portion that provides a lever arm for manual operation. When force is applied to the curvilinear end, it creates rotational moment about the pivot point, enabling easy manual actuation. The curved geometry translates small manual forces into effective opening motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is segmented into distinct functional zones: a curvilinear portion for manual actuation, a linear portion that engages with the pin and roller, and a pivot point for rotation. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to a fully complex custom shape.
Data Source
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AI summary
A latch (10) including a housing (12) having side members (18, 20) each having an elongated slot (22), a bolt (46) mounted rotatably to the housing (12) and positioned between the side members (18, 20) of the housing (12), a trigger (64) mounted rotatably to the housing (12), and a pin (74) and roller (76) positioned slidably within the elongated slots (22) of the side members (18, 20) of the housing (12). The bolt (46) is moveable between a first, closed position and a second open position. The trigger (64) is moveable between a first position, in which the pin (74) and roller (76) are engaged with the bolt (46) when the bolt (46) is in its first position, and a second position, in which the pin (74) and roller (76) are disengaged from the bolt (46). The latch (10) can be opened automatically when a defined load is provided on the bolt (46), or manually by depressing the trigger (64) to disengage the pin (74) and roller (76) from the bolt (46).