Pyrotechnic Latch Retraction Mechanism for Foldable Aircraft Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-sized aircrafts face difficulties, risks, and high costs during operation, use, and preservation due to their extensive wing parts, necessitating a mechanism for reliable and efficient wing retraction.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic latch retraction mechanism comprising a piston-cylinder assembly, electric igniter assembly, and guide assembly, utilizing pyrotechnic-activated components and compressed air for rapid and reliable wing release, allowing for reduced size and improved maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large-sized aircraft with extensive wing parts are used, then the aircraft can achieve wide operating ranges and large cargo capacity, but the difficulties, risks, and costs during operation, use, and preservation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure is divided into separable segments that can be folded and retracted. The latch mechanism divides the wing into a fixed portion and a movable portion, allowing independent manipulation of each segment for easier handling and reduced operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure transitions from a static extended configuration to a dynamic folded state. The latch mechanism enables the wing to change its spatial configuration dynamically, allowing it to be extended for operation and folded for storage or transport, thereby reducing operational difficulties
2Reliability
If a pyrotechnic-activated latch retraction mechanism is used, then the response time and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical latch release system is replaced with a pyrotechnic-activated mechanism. The electric igniter initiates a chemical reaction that generates gas pressure to drive the piston, providing more reliable and faster actuation compared to purely mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
A pneumatic system is introduced where pyrotechnic combustion generates high-pressure gas that drives a piston-cylinder assembly. This pneumatic mechanism provides reliable and rapid force transmission to release the latch and retract the wing, achieving high reliability through fluid pressure rather than complex mechanical linkages
3Productivity
If the wing is kept in extended state for operation, then the aircraft performance is maintained, but the overall system size and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is designed as a dynamic structure that can change its configuration between extended (for operation) and folded (for storage) states. The latch mechanism enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the system to optimize between performance and compactness based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The wing retraction mechanism utilizes spatial transformation by folding the wing along dimensional axes. The wing transitions from a planar extended configuration to a three-dimensional folded configuration, reducing the overall footprint and system volume while maintaining operational capability when extended
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 mechanism effectively retracts the wing before rotation, reducing overall system size without performance impact, offering economic and technical benefits, and ensuring high reliability and fast response times in the aerospace field.
Implementation Method 1
creating a stream of combustion products from the pyrotechnic powder of the electric igniter to create pressure to push the piston pin to move
Implementation Method 2
piston-cylinder assembly: includes piston pin, cylinder, rubber gaskets (two gaskets) and pin
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a pyrotechnic latch retraction mechanism that can be applied to various types of flying devices. The main structure of this mechanism includes piston-cylinder assembly, electric ignition assembly and guide assembly. The solution described in this invention not only makes the exploitation, use and preservation of equipment more convenient, reduces difficulties, prevents risks and saves costs, but also ensures safety and security, reliability during device operation.