S-Hook Latch With Spherical Pivot to Prevent Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing S-shaped locking mechanisms used in aircraft engines experience wear and damage due to relative movement between the latch and S-hook, compromising the robustness of the lock.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism with a catch that allows the catching portion to pivot relative to the retaining portion, using a spherical section that fits into a correspondingly shaped recess, eliminating relative motion at the catch/S-hook interface and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the latch is allowed to move axially relative to the S-hook to accommodate pivot door design, then the locking mechanism can function with pivot door, but wear and damage occurs to the S-hook compromising robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The catching portion is provided with a spherical section that pivots within a correspondingly shaped spherical recess in the retaining portion. This spherical interface allows the catching portion to pivot relative to the retaining portion, accommodating the axial movement required by pivot door design while eliminating relative motion at the catch/S-hook interface, thereby preventing wear and damage to the S-hook.
2Device complexity
If the catching portion is rigidly fixed to the retaining portion, then the structure is simple, but relative motion causes wear and damage to the S-hook
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical section in the catching portion fitting into a spherical recess in the retaining portion enables pivoting motion while maintaining a simple, integrated catch structure. This curved interface allows relative movement between the catching and retaining portions without requiring complex mechanisms, while simultaneously eliminating harmful relative motion at the S-hook interface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the catching portion pivots relative to the retaining portion using spherical section and recess, then wear on S-hook is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical section and spherical recess provide a simple yet effective pivoting mechanism that eliminates wear on the S-hook. The spherical geometry naturally accommodates pivoting motion in all axes while maintaining structural simplicity, avoiding the need for complex bearings or joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The catching portion is designed to dynamically pivot relative to the retaining portion through the spherical interface, allowing the structure to adapt to motion requirements while maintaining simplicity. This dynamic capability is achieved through the inherent geometry of the spherical section and recess rather than through complex mechanical means.
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 reduces wear on the S-hook by allowing the catching portion to pivot, maintaining the lock's robustness and enabling motion in all axes while maintaining the S-shaped locking member's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the pivoting means may comprise the catching portion having a spherical section which fits into a correspondingly shaped spherical recess in the retaining portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A latching mechanism is described comprising: a latching component (100) and an retaining component (120); wherein the latching component (100) comprises means for receiving a hook (200) in use, and a pivoting feature which is configured to allow said latching component (100) to pivot relative to said retaining component (120).