US 4,906,037 A · Externally accessible, clutching adjustable keeper mechanism

Abstract

An externally accessible, clutching adjustable latching mechanism is provided having an adjusting assembly which permits the latching mechanism to be mounted over a greater range of depths than conventional adjusting mechanisms and controls the amount of pre-load which is possible by the adjustment feature, and protects the aircraft skin from being damaged during such adjustment. An internal clutching mechanism insures the accomplishment of proper, minimum preload on the structures connected by the latching mechanism. The adjusting assembly includes a two-part driver (14a, 14b) and a drive unit (15) which translates rotational movement of the driver into linear movement of a connecting element (10), allowing infinitely small, non-incremental adjustment of the position of the connecting element (10) relative to the structures joined by the mechanism. The driver further includes clutching plates (36, 39) and springs (72) which provide a disengaging feature when a pre-selected pre-load has been achieved as a result of adjustment of the connecting element. The disengagement prevents any additional pre-load from being applied to the structures by the rotation of the mechanism.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An adjustable keeper mechanism constructed and arranged for securing a first structure relative to a second structure under a pre-selected load, said mechanism comprising:

a connecting element, having a longitudinal axis, structurally secured to said first structure and arranged for joining said first structure to said second structure;
an assembly for adjusting the position of and load on said connecting element along its longitudinal axis relative to the structures;
said assembly including a driver and a drive unit;
said driver having a tool operable first driving end portion with a first clutch surface at one end thereof and a second driven end portion with a second clutch surface at one end thereof, said first and second clutch surfaces normally engaging one another until a pre-selected load causes separation thereof;
said second driven end portion of said driver having a first meshing surface formed on its end opposite said second clutch surface and said drive unit having a second meshing surface formed thereon for translating rotational movement of said driver through said first driving end portion, said first and second clutch surfaces, and said second driven end portion to said drive unit;
and
said drive unit receiving said connecting element for translating rotational movement of said drive unit into linear movement of said connecting element along its longitudinal axis until said pre-selected load is exceeded whereby said clutch will cause said first and second portions to disengage.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Externally accessible, clutching adjustable keeper mechanism

Life of this patent

Externally accessible, clutching adjustable keeper mechanism

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18