Aircraft Uplock Retention Detection via Mechanical Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uplocks in aircraft fail to reliably detect whether a capture pin is retained by the hook, leading to potential false detections and the need for additional sensors or complex digital processing.
Innovation Solution
An uplock design utilizing a single proximity sensor and target, where the sensor and target are movable relative to each other, with the sensor carried by the locking member and the target by an indicator lever, ensuring the signal change only occurs when both the hook is in the retaining position and the capture pin is present, eliminating the need for digital processing and multi-target control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single proximity sensor is used to detect both the locking member position and capture pin presence, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to difficulty in controlling simultaneous detection of multiple targets
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two separate detection paths: one for detecting the locking member position (first target and first proximity sensor) and another for detecting capture pin presence (second target and second proximity sensor). This segmentation allows each sensor to independently verify its specific condition without interference, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining simplicity through modular detection architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
An indicator lever is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the presence or absence of the capture pin into a detectable positional change of the second target. The indicator lever acts as a mediator between the capture pin (object to be detected) and the second proximity sensor (detection device), enabling reliable indirect detection of capture pin presence through the position of the second target.
2Reliability
If two proximity sensors are used to detect locking member position and capture pin presence separately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and logic combination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Both proximity sensors use identical detection technology and principles, making them universal detection devices. The first sensor detects the locking member position, while the second sensor detects the indicator lever position (which reflects capture pin presence). This universal approach simplifies the system design as both sensors can be of the same type, reducing complexity while maintaining high reliability through separate detection paths.
3Device complexity
If simultaneous detection of multiple targets by a single sensor is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to false detections and control difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into distinct detection zones: the first proximity sensor detects only the first target (locking member), and the second proximity sensor detects only the second target (indicator lever). This spatial segmentation eliminates the false detection problem by ensuring each sensor monitors a specific condition independently, preventing interference between multiple targets while maintaining simple device architecture.
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
This solution provides reliable detection of the hook's retaining position and capture pin presence using a single sensor and target, enhancing reliability without requiring digital processing or complex control logic.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical signal generated by the proximity sensor changes when the locking member passes from the unlocked position to the locked position and vice versa
Data Source
AI summary
An uplock for the selective retention of a capture pin of a movable element includes a hook, a locking member, and a detector. The hook is movable between a release position and a retaining position for retaining the capture pin. The locking member moves between a locked position, and an unlocked position. The detector detects whether the hook is in the retaining position and the capture pin is in the hook. The detector includes a sensor movable relative to a target. The target or the sensor is carried by the locking member and the other by an indicator lever which is movable between a first position indicating absence of the capture pin in the hook and a second position indicating presence. The target and the sensor are only in the proximate position if the locking member is in the locked position and the indicator lever is in the second position.