Self-Centering Cable Latch for Aircraft Ceiling Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current latch systems for aircraft ceiling panels are costly, unreliable, and difficult to certify, as they require access holes and turn fasteners, limiting design aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hidden latch system with self-centering engagement features and a cable pull system that allows for remote activation, enabling quick and simple access while maintaining a clean design and reducing installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual access to the latch is provided for service personnel, then the latch can be actuated for release, but design limitations are created on ceiling panels and visual appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is extracted from the visible ceiling panel surface and relocated to the structural framework behind the panels. Service personnel access the latch through gaps between ceiling panels or by removing panels, while the latches themselves remain hidden, preserving the visual appearance of the ceiling while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If turn fasteners and access holes are used for ceiling panel attachment, then panels can be installed and accessed, but the system becomes costly, unreliable, and difficult to certify
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical turn fastener system is replaced with a cable-actuated latch mechanism. The cable pull system provides reliable engagement and disengagement without requiring access holes or complex fastening operations, reducing certification challenges while maintaining installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates self-centering features that automatically align the engagement rod with the engagement portion during installation, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing installation complexity while ensuring reliable engagement.
3Productivity
If hidden latch system with self-centering features is used, then installation efficiency is improved and certification challenges are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is segmented into distinct functional components: the engagement portion mounted on the structural framework, the engagement rod attached to the ceiling panel, and the cable pull system for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall installation process through modular assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A hidden latch system for an interior structure of an aircraft includes at least two engagement features coupled to an interior structure of an aircraft. Each of the at least two engagement features includes an engagement portion, an engagement rod, and a self-centering feature. The engagement portion is configured to engage and release the engagement rod, and the self-centering feature is configured to self-center the engagement rod in at least one direction. Further, the engagement portion is configured to release the engagement rod using a cable pull system.