Aircraft Uplock with Indicator for Hidden Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uplocks in aircraft systems fail to detect structural failures in hooks, leading to hidden failure modes where the hook remains locked but releases the capture pin, causing the landing gear or wingtip devices to move undetected, and there is a need for an improved mechanism to reliably maintain aircraft components in their configured positions.
Innovation Solution
An uplock system with an indicator member that moves between positions based on the engagement of a capture pin, allowing detection of whether the pin is engaged with the hook, and a biasing mechanism to ensure the hook remains locked only when the pin is present, providing a signal to the avionics system for fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional uplock mechanism is used without additional detection components, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is insufficient because structural failures in hooks cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator member is introduced as an intermediary element that mechanically links the hook's structural integrity to a detectable position. The indicator member moves between positions based on whether the capture pin is engaged, providing a visible signal of the hook's state without requiring complex electronic sensors or direct monitoring of the hook structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The uplock system uses its own mechanical components (indicator member, biasing mechanism) to automatically detect and signal structural failures. The system self-monitors through the position of the indicator member, which is passively moved by the engagement state of the capture pin, eliminating the need for external detection systems.
2Reliability
If the hook is designed to remain locked only when the pin is present, then the reliability improves through failure detection, but the device complexity increases due to the indicator member and biasing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator member is designed to be movable between distinct positions rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to the engagement state of the capture pin. This dynamic behavior enables the system to communicate the structural integrity of the hook through position changes, which can be monitored by sensors or visually observed.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is segmented into separate mechanical components (indicator member, biasing mechanism) rather than being integrated into the hook itself. This segmentation allows the detection system to operate independently while providing clear signals about the hook's structural state through the position of the indicator member.
3Measurement precision
If the indicator member is added to detect pin engagement, then the measurement precision of the lock state improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator member serves as a mediator that translates the complex mechanical state of pin engagement into a simple, detectable position signal. This intermediary element amplifies the detection capability by providing a clear positional distinction between locked and unlocked states, which can be easily monitored by proximity sensors or other detection devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An uplock is disclosed including a hook configured to engage a capture pin mounted on an aircraft component. The hook is mounted for movement between a closed position and an open position. The uplock further includes an indicator system configured to detect whether a pin is engaged with the hook when the hook is in the closed position.