Aircraft Folding Wing Latch Sealing Against Ice and Debris
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft folding wing latches are prone to performance degradation due to moisture accumulation, ice formation, and debris accumulation, which can inhibit movement and require frequent maintenance, especially when using electrically powered actuators.
Innovation Solution
A latch design with seals on the aperture and latch pin to inhibit fluid transfer, featuring resilient and contact portions to expel moisture and debris, allowing for the use of electrically powered actuators without exceeding operational limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrically powered actuators are used in the latch, then device complexity and maintenance requirements are reduced, but the actuator may be less powerful and unable to expel ice and debris from the latch line
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is extracted as a separate component that can be independently installed on the latch pin or within the aperture. This allows the sealing function to be isolated from the actuator system, enabling the use of less powerful electrical actuators while maintaining reliability through the dedicated seal mechanism that prevents ice and debris accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal acts as an intermediary element between the latch pin and the aperture, preventing direct contact between moisture/ice and the mechanical components. This mediator protects the latch mechanism from environmental factors, ensuring reliable operation even with less powerful electrical actuators.
2Ease of operation
If the latch pin moves freely within the aperture, then ease of operation is improved, but moisture and debris can accumulate and degrade performance
Solution Approach 1:
A seal in the form of a flexible ring or lip is applied to either the latch pin or the aperture. This flexible sealing element maintains contact during the latch pin's linear motion, creating a barrier that prevents moisture and debris from entering the interface while allowing the necessary movement for locking and unlocking operations.
3Reliability
If hydraulic actuators are used to remove ice from the latch line, then reliability in cold conditions is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using hydraulic pressure to forcibly remove ice, the seal prevents ice and moisture from accumulating in the first place. By blocking the entry path of moisture during latch pin movement, the system converts the potential harm of ice accumulation into a benefit of preventive protection, eliminating the need for complex ice removal mechanisms.
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 latch design reduces mechanical fatigue and maintenance needs, ensuring reliable operation of the latch even with electrically powered actuators by effectively managing moisture and debris, thus maintaining latch performance.
Implementation Method 1
a seal configured to inhibit fluid transfer between the aperture and the latch pin as the latch pin moves within the aperture
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a latch for locking an aircraft folding wing. The latch comprises a lug (102a) comprising an aperture (204), and a latch pin (202) moveable within the aperture (204). The latch further includes a seal (210) configured to inhibit fluid transfer between the aperture (204) and the latch pin (202) as the latch pin (202) moves within the aperture (204).