Remotely-activated self-centering cable latch
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsTroy N. Terry, Jasen P. Schoales
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A hidden latch system for an interior structure of an aircraft includes at least two engagement features coupled to an interior structure of an aircraft. Each of the at least two engagement features includes an engagement portion, an engagement rod, and a self-centering feature. The engagement portion is configured to engage and release the engagement rod, and the self-centering feature is configured to self-center the engagement rod in at least one direction. Further, the engagement portion is configured to release the engagement rod using a cable pull system.
Claims20
A hidden latch system for an interior structure of an aircraft, the hidden latch system comprising:
- at least two engagement features coupled to an interior structure of an aircraft, wherein each of the at least two engagement features comprises:
- an engagement portion;
- an engagement rod;
- and
- a self-centering feature, wherein the engagement portion comprises a latch that is configured to engage and release the engagement rod, wherein the self-centering feature is configured to self-center the engagement rod in at least one direction, and wherein the latch is configured to release the engagement rod using a cable pull system,
- wherein the at least two engagement features comprise a first engagement feature and a second engagement feature,
- wherein, for the first engagement feature, the self-centering feature comprises frustoconically shaped portions at ends of a rod of the engagement rod, wherein when the engagement rod is moved toward engagement with the engagement portion, the frustoconically shaped portions self-center the engagement rod during engagement to the engagement portion, positioning the engagement portion between the frustoconically shaped portions,
- wherein, for the second engagement feature, the self-centering feature comprises a floating base that comprises at least one biasing member connected to a base of the engagement rod, wherein when the engagement rod is moved toward engagement with the engagement portion, the floating base allows the engagement rod to float relative to the engagement portion thereby self-centering the engagement rod with the engagement portion, wherein the engagement rod is a substantially straight rod,
- wherein, for each of the at least two engagement features, the self-centering feature further comprises a cut-out in the engagement portion configured to receive the engagement rod, and wherein the cut-out comprises a slanted portion that self-centers the engagement rod when the engagement rod is moved toward engagement with the engagement portion.
A hidden latch for an interior structure of an aircraft, the hidden latch comprising:
- an engagement feature coupled to an interior structure of an aircraft, wherein the engagement feature comprises:
- an engagement portion;
- an engagement rod;
- and
- a self-centering feature, wherein the engagement portion comprises a latch that is configured to engage and release the engagement rod, wherein the self-centering feature is configured to self-center the engagement rod in at least one direction, and wherein the latch is configured to release the engagement rod using a cable pull system,
- wherein the self-centering feature comprises a floating base that comprises at least one biasing member connected to a base of the engagement rod, wherein when the engagement rod is moved toward engagement with the engagement portion, the floating base allows the engagement rod to float relative to the engagement portion thereby self-centering the engagement rod with the engagement portion, wherein the engagement rod is a substantially straight rod.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.