Securing Device for Linear Guiding Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear guiding mechanisms used in aircraft are bulky and heavy due to the need for reliable supporting strength and safety, which complicates their design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with two securing portions and a coupling portion is integrated into the linear guiding mechanism, allowing it to engage with the guiding rail in case of a malfunction, preventing the movable unit from coming off and providing additional security without increasing the mechanism's bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear guiding mechanisms are designed with enhanced supporting strength and safety features, then reliability is improved, but weight and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is divided into two separate securing portions that can independently engage with the guiding rail. This segmentation allows the safety function to be distributed across multiple simple components rather than requiring a single complex heavy-duty securing mechanism, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing portions are pre-positioned on the movable unit and automatically engage with the guiding rail upon detection of a failure condition. This preliminary positioning allows the safety mechanism to be ready in advance, eliminating the need for heavy active securing systems that would require continuous power and complex actuation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If securing mechanisms are added to prevent movable unit detachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device consists of two independent securing portions rather than a single complex locking mechanism. Each securing portion has a simple engagement geometry that interacts with corresponding features on the guiding rail, reducing the overall complexity while providing redundant safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active securing mechanisms that require power and control systems, the invention uses passive securing portions that rely on the geometry of the guiding rail and the force of gravity or spring pressure to maintain engagement. The system inverts the approach by using the rail's structure to provide the securing function rather than requiring the movable unit to actively lock itself.
3Reliability
If the securing device engages with the guiding rail during normal operation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to contact and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The securing portions are designed to dynamically adjust their engagement state with the guiding rail. During normal operation, they remain disengaged or lightly contacted, allowing free movement. Upon detection of a failure condition, they automatically transition to a fully engaged state, providing security only when needed. This dynamic behavior eliminates unnecessary friction during normal operation while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device incorporates a preliminary detection mechanism that identifies failure conditions before they result in detachment. This preliminary anti-action allows the securing portions to engage proactively in response to detected anomalies, preventing the harmful effect of detachment without requiring continuous engagement that would impede normal operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a securing device (1) for providing a movable unit (3) of a linear guiding mechanism (5) with additional safety in that the securing device prevents the movable unit from coming off a guiding rail (7) in case of a bearing malfunction. The securing device comprises at least one securing portion (9A, 9B) and a coupling portion (11) for coupling the at least one securing portion to the movable unit. The securing portion is engageable with the guiding rail in case of a failure of the movable unit.