Store Suspension Release Unit With Icing Safety Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft store suspension and release units require complex and costly power-assisted ejection systems and umbilical cables for larger stores, which increase drag and maintenance costs, and are prone to jamming due to ice formation, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A simplified store suspension and release unit where the sway brace and electrical connector perform dual functions, using resilient or power-actuated mechanisms for ejection, and an icing safety latch mechanism to prevent unintended release, allowing for controlled ejection of smaller and lighter stores without the need for umbilical cables and complex power systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power-assisted ejection systems and umbilical cables are used for larger stores, then reliable store release is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sway brace is designed to perform dual functions: it provides structural support during store carriage and acts as the ejection mechanism upon release. The electrical connector similarly serves both electrical interfacing and ejection purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ejection systems and umbilical cables, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability for smaller, lighter stores
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the umbilical cable component from the system by making the electrical connector itself movable and resiliently biased. This allows the electrical connection to be maintained during carriage and then automatically broken during ejection, removing the need for complex umbilical cable management systems
2Reliability
If conventional umbilical connector cables are used, then electrical interfacing is provided, but additional drag during separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed with dynamic characteristics - it is movable and resiliently biased to move from an engaged position during carriage to a disengaged position during ejection. This dynamic design allows the connector to automatically adapt to the operational phase, maintaining electrical connection when needed and eliminating drag during separation by naturally breaking the connection
3Reliability
If latching mechanism is used for store release, then controlled release is achieved, but ice formation may jam the mechanism preventing release
Solution Approach 1:
The safety latch mechanism is designed with preliminary anti-action against ice jamming. The resilient biasing and mechanical linkage are configured to ensure that even if ice forms and partially jams the primary latch, the safety latch can still be actuated to initiate store release. The design anticipates the harmful effect of ice and builds in compensatory mechanical advantage to overcome it
4Reliability
If latching mechanism is actuated in icy conditions, then store release may be prevented, but the mechanism may fail to re-engage after de-energization creating unsafe condition
Solution Approach 1:
The safety latch mechanism provides beforehand cushioning against the risk of sudden unintended release. It acts as a backup safety barrier that remains engaged unless deliberately actuated. The mechanical design ensures that the safety latch can override any failure of the primary latch to re-engage, preventing catastrophic sudden release even if ice melts after a failed latch attempt
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 solution reduces hardware and maintenance costs, minimizes drag, and ensures safe and controlled store release by using dual-function sway braces and electrical connectors, along with an icing safety latch to prevent jamming, suitable for smaller and lighter stores.
Implementation Method 1
The leg may comprise a pivotally attached foot engageable with the store, the ejection impulse being provided by a torsion spring which biases at least a portion of the foot in a direction outwardly away from the remainder of the suspension and release unit
Implementation Method 2
The electrical connector may comprise one or more coil springs which bias at least a portion of the electrical connector in a direction away from the remainder of the suspension and release unit, to provide the ejection impulse
Data Source
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AI summary
A safety latch mechanism for a store suspension and release unit of an aircraft comprises a pawl 130 which engages a nib 108 on the suspension hook assembly to prevent inadvertent release of the store if the suspension hook assembly becomes jammed e.g. due to ice formation.