Independent-Drive S-Shaped Locking Mechanism for Arm Fracture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional S-shaped locking mechanisms fail to maintain actuation when a fracture occurs between the actuator attachment and the pivot, leading to loss of locking function for both hooks, which is critical in safety applications like aircraft engines.
Innovation Solution
The locking mechanism incorporates a coupling system with independent drive couplings for each arm of the S-shaped locking member, allowing continued actuation of one arm even if the other fails, through a plate-like coupling element and dog elements that facilitate disengagement and prevent adverse loading on the actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional S-shaped locking member with a single actuator attachment point is used, then the mechanism structure is simple, but failure of the locking member between the actuator attachment and the pivot causes complete loss of actuation for both hooks
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system divides the actuation drive into two independent drive paths through separate coupling elements and drive couplings for each arm, so that failure of one arm does not affect actuation of the other arm
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements act as intermediary components between the actuator and the locking member arms, providing independent transmission paths that isolate failures between the actuator and each arm
2Reliability
If the locking member is designed as a unitary S-shaped element, then manufacturing is simpler, but a fracture in one location causes complete mechanism failure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into two separate arms that are independently coupled to the actuator through the coupling system, allowing one arm to remain functional even if the other arm fractures
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from a unitary locking member to separate arms with independent actuation paths, fundamentally altering the structural parameter to improve failure resistance
3Reliability
If a rigid connection is used between the actuator and locking member, then actuation force transmission is efficient, but fracture causes adverse loading on the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements and drive couplings are designed to allow disengagement upon fracture, preventing adverse loading on the actuator before damage can propagate to the actuator itself
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary that protects the actuator from adverse loading by allowing controlled disengagement when fracture occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism comprises an S-shaped locking member which comprises respective locking hooks arranged at the end of opposed arms of the locking member. A pivot is arranged between the arms of the locking member. The locking member rotates around the axis (A) of the pivot. The locking mechanism further comprises a coupling for coupling the locking member to an actuator for rotating the locking member around the pivot axis (A). The coupling comprises at least one coupling element, an actuator coupling for coupling the at least one coupling element to the actuator and first and second drive couplings for coupling the at least one coupling element independently to each arm of the locking member for transmitting rotational movement thereto, such that failure of one arm of the locking member will not cause loss of drive to the other arm of the locking member.