Pulse-Controlled Rotary Lock for Aviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for aviation applications, such as landing gear, require a simple and reliable mechanism to lock movable elements in position, but existing solutions are complex and inefficient in switching between locking and release states.
Innovation Solution
A pulse-controlled rotary lock using a selector actuated by a single electromagnet, which alternates between locking and release positions by rotating through successive angular positions, allowing for reliable and efficient locking and unlocking of coaxial rotary elements like a shaft and pinion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pulse-controlled actuator with axial movement is used to switch between locking and release states, then the device can achieve reliable state switching, but the device complexity increases due to the need for axial movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the locking element axially between locking and release positions, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the locking element (bushing) between locking and release angular positions. The electromagnet acts on a selector that rotates rather than moves axially, simplifying the actuation mechanism while maintaining reliable state switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional axial movement to two-dimensional rotary movement. The locking element (bushing) rotates to present different angular positions for locking and release, and the electromagnet actuates a selector that rotates rather than moves linearly, adding rotational dimensionality to reduce mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If a friction brake with pulse-controlled actuator is used for safety blocking, then the blocking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the click-pen mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex click-pen mechanism from the safety blocking system. Instead of using a selector with axial positions and sloping cam surfaces, the invention uses a simplified rotary bushing with obstacles that can be engaged or disengaged by rotational movement alone, removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while preserving the safety blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by using rotational positions rather than axial positions for the selector. The bushing rotates to present obstacles at different angular positions, with the electromagnet acting on a rotating selector rather than an axially moving one, simplifying the overall mechanism.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used to achieve locking between shaft and pinion, then the locking function is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking element and selector into a single integrated bushing component. The bushing simultaneously serves as the locking element that presents obstacles to the pinion and as the selector that rotates in response to the electromagnet, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing performs multiple functions: it acts as the locking element that engages with pinion obstacles, serves as the selector actuated by the electromagnet, and provides the rotational indexing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring reliable locking 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
The solution provides a simple, reliable, and efficient mechanism for locking and unlocking, specifically adapted for aviation applications, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement of elements with minimal complexity and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the pulse-controlled actuator that pushes the selector against a spring member in order to cause it to turn on each pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a locking device for preventing movement between two elements (11, 12) that are mounted to move relative to each other, the locking device including a lock (31) mounted to rotate relative to one of the elements in order to present successive angular positions for locking and for release in which the lock alternates between preventing and allowing relative movement between the two elements, the lock being constrained to rotate with a selector (55) of an angular indexing mechanism (50) actuated by a pulse-controlled actuator (70, 71) arranged to push the selector against a spring member (58) in order to cause it to turn on each pulse and thereby cause the lock to pass from one angular position to the other.