Sealable Hook Loop Fastener with Alignment Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hook and loop interfaces in aircraft insulation blankets allow moist air to pass through, leading to frost accumulation and water leakage into the cabin, which is exacerbated by high humidity and long flights.
Innovation Solution
A sealable securing system with a hook member and a loop member, each equipped with seals and alignment members, that securely connect and verify sealing engagement to prevent moisture transport, using compressive seals and flexible, fluid-impermeable materials to ensure a fluid-tight interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hook and loop interfaces are used to connect insulation blankets, then the connection is simple and quick, but moisture can pass through the interface leading to frost accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hook member and loop member into an integrated connection system where sealing functionality is merged with the mechanical fastening elements. The seal is integrated directly into the hook member structure, ensuring that the sealing action occurs simultaneously with the mechanical connection, eliminating moisture passage while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seal as an intermediary element between the hook member and loop member. This seal acts as a mediator that prevents moisture passage through the connection interface while allowing the hook and loop structures to maintain their simple mechanical fastening function. The seal bridges the gap between mechanical connection and moisture protection requirements.
2Device complexity
If traditional hook and loop interfaces are used, then the structure is simple, but alignment verification is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators that change or become visible to confirm proper alignment and sealing engagement. The alignment verification feature provides a clear visual signal when the hook and loop members are correctly positioned and the seal is properly engaged, making it easy to detect and verify the sealing status without complex measurement tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment verification feature is integrated into the connection system itself, allowing the interface to self-verify its proper engagement. The system provides built-in visual feedback that automatically indicates when correct alignment is achieved, eliminating the need for external verification tools or complex inspection procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If seals are added to hook and loop members, then moisture transport is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is merged with the hook member structure, integrating the sealing function directly into the existing mechanical fastening element. This integration ensures that the seal and hook act as a unified component, preventing moisture passage while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through combined functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook member is designed to serve multiple functions: mechanical fastening through the hook structure and moisture sealing through the integrated seal. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both connection and sealing requirements, reducing the need for separate elements and minimizing device complexity while effectively preventing moisture transport.
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 system effectively reduces moisture passage and frost accumulation, providing a simpler and quicker connection process while ensuring a reliable sealing interface, even with misalignment, thereby minimizing water infiltration into the aircraft cabin.
Implementation Method 1
The first seal engages the second seal when the hook member is connected to the loop member, thereby providing an improved barrier against moisture transport
Data Source
AI summary
A sealable securing system and method include a hook member including a first seal. The hook member is configured to be secured to a first component. A first alignment member coupled to the hook member. A loop member includes a second seal. The loop member is configured to be secured to a second component. A second alignment member coupled to the loop member. The first alignment member coupled to the second alignment member verifies that the first seal of the hook member sealingly engages the second seal of the loop member.