Remote Hold Open Rod Release for Elevated Latch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The elevated position of hold open rod unlocking mechanisms in automotive and aviation industries poses a safety hazard and slows the process of closing components, as personnel need to mount ladders to reach and operate these mechanisms manually.
Innovation Solution
An electronic release system that includes an actuator interface with an input device, an actuator (such as a motor or solenoid), and a wiring assembly to remotely operate the unlocking mechanism of hold open rods or latch mechanisms, allowing personnel to initiate unlocking from a safer, lower elevation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hold open rod mechanism is positioned at an elevated position to support large components, then the component size and support capability are improved, but the accessibility and safety of operating the unlocking mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (actuator or remote release mechanism) that mediates between the operator on the ground and the elevated unlocking mechanism. This intermediary transmits the unlocking action remotely, allowing personnel to operate the system from a safe, accessible position without needing to reach the elevated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical operation of the unlocking mechanism with an automated or remotely actuated system. Instead of manually manipulating the lock at elevation, an actuator or electronic release system substitutes the mechanical action, enabling remote operation and improving safety.
2Device complexity
If the unlocking mechanism is manually operated at elevated position, then the system structure remains simple, but the operational time and safety risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator or remote release system is pre-positioned and connected to the unlocking mechanism before operation is needed. This preliminary setup allows for rapid activation without requiring time-consuming manual intervention at elevation, thus reducing operational time while maintaining relatively simple system structure.
3Device complexity
If personnel manually reach the elevated unlocking mechanism, then no additional actuation system is needed, but safety hazards and operational delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary between the control input and the elevated unlocking mechanism, eliminating the need for personnel to physically reach hazardous elevated positions. This intermediary transfers the unlocking function to a device that can be operated safely from ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the dangerous element (manual access to elevated positions) from the operation process by relocating the control interface to ground level. The hazardous action of reaching upward is removed, and only the essential unlocking function remains, performed remotely by the actuator.
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
Enables safe and efficient operation of hold open rods and latch mechanisms by allowing remote unlocking, reducing the need for ladders and speeding up the process of closing components, thereby enhancing safety and reducing operational time.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes at least one of the following: a motor or a solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic release system configured to unlock a hold open rod mechanism or latch mechanism includes an actuator interface configured with an input device and an actuator associated with the hold open rod mechanism or the latch mechanism. The input device configured to be actuated by personnel to initiate operation of an unlocking mechanism associated with the hold open rod mechanism or the latch mechanism. The electronic release system also includes a wiring assembly configured to connect the actuator interface to the actuator. The actuator interface configured to determine actuation of the input device and signal the actuator over the wiring assembly. The actuator being configured to operate the unlocking mechanism associated with the hold open rod mechanism or the latch mechanism.