Folding Wing Tip Latch Pin Assembly With Mechanical-Hydraulic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding wing tip systems for aircraft face reliability issues due to the complexity and weight added by multiple independent locking bodies, which can cause operational disruptions when they fail to secure the wings in the spread position, especially in space-limited taxiways and gates.
Innovation Solution
A latch pin assembly with a mechanical lock and hydraulic lock mechanism, including a lock cam and check valve, that securely holds the wing tips in the spread position using hydraulic fluid and a sequencing valve for reliable operation, reducing the need for redundant locking bodies and minimizing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent locking bodies are used to secure the latch pin, then the reliability of the folding wing tip system is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary and secondary locking bodies into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking body includes both a primary locking surface and a secondary locking surface that engage with the latch pin at different positions, eliminating the need for separate locking components while maintaining redundant locking functionality. This merging approach reduces device complexity and weight while preserving the reliability benefits of multiple locking points.
Solution Approach 2:
The single locking body performs multiple functions by providing both primary and secondary locking surfaces that engage the latch pin. This multi-functional design allows one component to fulfill the role of what would traditionally require multiple independent locking bodies, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable security of the folding wing tip system.
2Reliability
If multiple independent locking bodies are used to secure the latch pin, then the reliability of the folding wing tip system is improved, but the weight of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking bodies into a single integrated locking mechanism that provides both primary and secondary locking surfaces. This consolidation eliminates the weight of redundant separate locking components while maintaining the reliability benefits of multiple locking engagement points with the latch pin, thereby reducing aircraft weight without compromising safety.
3Reliability
If multiple independent locking bodies are used to secure the latch pin, then the reliability of the folding wing tip system is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking operations into a single integrated locking body that engages the latch pin through its primary and secondary locking surfaces simultaneously or sequentially. This merging of locking functions into one component simplifies the operational procedure, eliminating the need to manually operate multiple separate locking mechanisms while maintaining the reliability advantages of redundant locking engagement.
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 pin assembly ensures reliable and efficient folding and unfolding of wing tips, preventing operational disruptions by providing a secure locking mechanism that is lightweight and less complex, allowing aircraft with larger wingspans to safely navigate through space-limited areas without adding significant weight or operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic lock mechanism (730) which uses hydraulic fluid pressure to hold the latch pin (702) in the latched position
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic lock (730) includes a check valve positioned in the latching hydraulic line (709) that prevents fluid from exiting the extend chamber (708)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A folding wing tip system of an aircraft includes a latch pin actuator having a primary mechanical lock and a secondary hydraulic lock. The mechanical lock may include a lock cam movable between a lock position, in which the lock cam engages the latch pin, and an unlock position, in which the lock cam is disengaged from the latch pin, and a first lock actuator mechanically coupled to the lock cam and configured to provide a bias force pushing the lock cam toward the lock position. The hydraulic lock may be disposed in an unlatching hydraulic line and has an initial state, in which fluid flow through the unlatching hydraulic line is blocked thereby to hold the latch pin in the latched position, and an open state, in which fluid flow through the unlatching hydraulic line is permitted thereby to permit retraction of the latch pin to the unlatched position.