Clocking Stowage Bin Latches Using Funnel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for clocking stowage-bin latches in aircraft is time-consuming and inconsistent, leading to increased manufacturing lead times due to the need for a multi-step procedure to achieve a specific angular relationship between latch shafts and housings for simultaneous engagement and disengagement.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a body with a funnel structure for aligning and securing the latch shaft relative to its housing, ensuring consistent angular positioning through a fixed distance and rotational symmetry, allowing for consistent engagement and disengagement of latches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the existing multi-step clocking procedure is used to secure latches to the stowage bin, then the latches can be assembled, but the process is time-consuming and inconsistent, leading to increased manufacturing lead times
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus pre-positions the latch shaft within the funnel structure before the actual assembly operation. The funnel is configured with specific angular relationships and symmetry features that automatically establish the correct orientation of the shaft relative to the housing, eliminating the need for multi-step adjustment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel structure serves as an intermediary device between the shaft and housing. It provides a fixed geometric reference system with rotational symmetry that mediates the alignment process, ensuring consistent angular relationships without requiring complex multi-step procedures. The funnel's symmetry axis and fixed distance features act as the mediating element that transfers precise positioning from the apparatus to the latch components.
2Reliability
If manual multi-step clocking is performed, then latches can be assembled, but the process lacks consistency leading to rework
Solution Approach 1:
While the funnel has rotational symmetry, the specific angular relationship between the funnel's symmetry axis and the opening's symmetry axis creates a controlled asymmetric positioning. The fixed distance between these axes establishes a unique angular orientation that ensures consistent latch clocking. This controlled asymmetry in the geometric reference system guarantees reliable engagement without requiring complex procedural steps.
3Productivity
If a simple assembly method is used, then manufacturing is faster, but the angular relationship between shaft and housing becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus pre-establishes the correct angular relationship through the funnel's geometric configuration before assembly occurs. The funnel is manufactured with precise angular relationships between its symmetry axis and the opening's symmetry axis, so that when the shaft is positioned in the funnel, the correct orientation is automatically established in a single operation, maintaining both speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel acts as an intermediary that embeds the precise angular relationship information in its geometry. Instead of requiring complex assembly procedures to establish the angular relationship, the funnel's fixed geometric features (symmetry axes, fixed distances) serve as a built-in reference system that automatically ensures precise shaft-to-housing alignment during a simplified single-step assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for clocking a shaft of a latch relative to a housing of the latch is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body, comprising a surface and a first opening, formed through the surface. The first opening has a first symmetry axis, and the first symmetry axis is perpendicular to the surface of the body. The apparatus also comprises a first funnel, comprising an inlet and a second symmetry axis. The second symmetry axis of the first funnel is parallel to the first symmetry axis of the first opening. Further, the second symmetry axis of the first funnel is spaced a fixed distance away from the first symmetry axis of the first opening. The fixed distance is greater than zero.