Patent Description:
An aircraft propulsion system may include a hinged assembly for pivotally coupling a door to a fixed structure of a nacelle. Various types and configurations of hinged assemblies are known in the art (as disclosed in, e.g., <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>). While these known hinged assemblies have various advantages, there is still room in the art for improvement. There is a need in the art therefore for improved hinged assemblies.

Document <CIT> discloses a hinged assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

In an aspect of the invention, a hinged assembly is provided according to claim <NUM>.

According to a fist inventive variant, the first fastener projects from a sidewall of the first collar, through a sidewall of the outer pin and into the inner pin.

According to a second inventive variant, the first fastener projects sequentially through at least a first aperture in the first collar, a first aperture in the outer pin, an aperture in the inner pin, a second aperture in the outer pin and a second aperture in the first collar.

The first fastener may include a bolt and a nut.

A second fastener may be included and connect the second collar to the outer pin and the inner pin.

The inner pin may be configured with a solid core.

The inner pin may be configured with a bore that extends axially within the inner pin along the axial centerline.

An exterior surface of the inner pin may contact an interior surface of the outer pin.

An exterior surface of the outer pin may contact an interior surface of the first collar.

A head of the bolt may be adjacent a first side of the first collar. The nut may be adjacent a second side of the first collar that is diametrically opposite the first side of the first collar.

The first component may include a first mount and a second mount. The first mount may be configured with a first aperture. The second mount may be configured with a second aperture. The second component may include a third mount arranged between the first mount and the second mount. The third mount may be configured with a third aperture. The hinge pin assembly may project sequentially through the first aperture, the third aperture and the second aperture along the axial centerline.

The first mount may be axially between the first collar and the third mount. The first collar may be axially adjacent the first mount. The second mount may be axially between the second collar and the third mount. The second collar may be axially adjacent the second mount.

The first collar may axially engage the first mount. The first collar may also or alternatively be axially unloaded against the first mount.

The second collar may axially engage the second mount. The second collar may also or alternatively be axially unloaded against the second mount.

The first component is a fixed structure of an aircraft propulsion system, wherein preferably the second component is a nacelle door of the aircraft propulsion system.

<FIG> is a side sectional illustration of a hinged assembly <NUM>. The hinged assembly <NUM> includes a first component <NUM>, a second component <NUM> and a hinge pin assembly <NUM>. This hinge pin assembly <NUM> pivotally connects the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> together about an axial centerline <NUM> of the hinge pin assembly <NUM> as described below in further detail.

The first component <NUM> includes a first component base <NUM> and one or more first component mounts 22A and 22B (generally referred to as "<NUM>"); e.g., flanges. Each of the first component mounts <NUM> is connected to the first component base <NUM>. Each of the first component mounts <NUM> projects out from the first component base <NUM> to a distal end of that respective first component mount <NUM>. Each of the first component mounts <NUM> is configured with a respective first component mount aperture 24A and 24B (generally referred to as "<NUM>"). This first component mount aperture <NUM> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> through the respective first component mount <NUM>. With the foregoing arrangement, the first component mounts <NUM> may be configured as a clevis; e.g., a U-shaped or V-shaped attachment. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such an exemplary first component mount configuration.

The second component <NUM> includes a second component base <NUM> and at least one second component mount <NUM>; e.g., a flange. The second component mount <NUM> is connected to the second component base <NUM>. The second component mount <NUM> projects out from the second component base <NUM> to a distal end of the second component mount <NUM>. The second component mount <NUM> is configured with a respective second component mount aperture <NUM>. This second component mount aperture <NUM> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> through the second component mount <NUM>. In the specific embodiment of <FIG>, the second component mount aperture <NUM> is formed by a bearing <NUM> (e.g., a spherical bearing) seated (e.g., swaged) in a receptacle <NUM> in a base <NUM> of the second component mount <NUM>. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such an exemplary second component mount configuration. For example, in other embodiments, the second component mount <NUM> may be configured without a spherical bearing as shown, for example, in <FIG>.

The hinge pin assembly <NUM> may be configured as a fail-safe structural pin. The hinge pin assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, for example, includes an outer pin <NUM> (e.g., an outer clevis pin), an inner pin <NUM> (e.g., an inner clevis pin), a first collar 42A (e.g., retainer), a second collar 42B (e.g., retainer), a first fastener 44A and a second fastener 44B.

The outer pin <NUM> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> from a distal outer pin first end <NUM> to a distal outer pin second end <NUM>. The outer pin <NUM> is configured with an outer pin bore <NUM> formed by a tubular sidewall <NUM> of the outer pin <NUM>. This outer pin bore <NUM> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> within the outer pin <NUM>. More particularly, the outer pin bore <NUM> of <FIG> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> completely through (or alternatively partially into) the outer pin <NUM> from the outer pin first end <NUM> to the outer pin second end <NUM>.

The outer pin <NUM> is further configured with one or more first end apertures 56A and 56B (generally referred to as "<NUM>") (e.g., fastener apertures) and one or more second end apertures 58A and 58B (generally referred to as "<NUM>") (e.g., fastener apertures). The first end apertures <NUM> are located at (e.g., on, adjacent or proximate) the outer pin first end <NUM>. The first end apertures <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> are arranged coaxial with one another along a first fastener axis 60A, which first fastener axis 60A may be coincident with and/or perpendicular to the axial centerline <NUM>. With this arrangement, the first end apertures <NUM> are diametrically opposed about the axial centerline <NUM>. Each of the first end apertures <NUM> extends along the first fastener axis 60A (e.g., radially relative to the axial centerline <NUM>) through a portion of the outer pin tubular sidewall <NUM>.

The second end apertures <NUM> are located at (e.g., on, adjacent or proximate) the outer pin second end <NUM>. The second end apertures <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> are arranged coaxial with one another along a second fastener axis 60B, which second fastener axis 60B may be coincident with and/or perpendicular to the axial centerline <NUM> and/or parallel with the first fastener axis 60A. With this arrangement, the second end apertures <NUM> are diametrically opposed about the axial centerline <NUM>. Each of the second end apertures <NUM> extends along the second fastener axis 60B (e.g., radially relative to the axial centerline <NUM>) through a portion of the outer pin tubular sidewall <NUM>.

The outer pin <NUM> may be constructed from a structural material such as, but not limited to, metal or composite material. The metal may be or otherwise include, but is not limited to, steel, stainless steel, nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al) and/or an alloy thereof. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary outer pin materials.

The inner pin <NUM> extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> from a distal inner pin first end <NUM> to a distal inner pin second end <NUM>. The inner pin <NUM> of <FIG> is configured with a solid core; e.g., a solid body without an inner bore. Of course, in other embodiments, the inner pin <NUM> may be configured as a hollow body with an inner pin bore <NUM> as shown, for example, in <FIG>. In such embodiments, the inner pin <NUM> may be configured - in a similar fashion as the outer pin <NUM> - with a tubular sidewall <NUM> that forms its inner pin bore <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the inner pin <NUM> is further configured with at least one first end aperture <NUM> (e.g., fastener aperture) and at least one second end aperture <NUM> (e.g., fastener aperture). Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first end aperture <NUM> is located at (e.g., on, adjacent or proximate) the inner pin first end <NUM>. The first end aperture <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> is coaxial with the first fastener axis 60A and, thus, the first end apertures <NUM> in the outer pin <NUM>. The first end aperture <NUM> extends along the first fastener axis 60A (e.g., radially relative to the axial centerline <NUM>) through the inner pin <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second end aperture <NUM> is located at (e.g., on, adjacent or proximate) the inner pin second end <NUM>. The second end aperture <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> is coaxial with the second fastener axis 60B and, thus, the second end apertures <NUM> in the outer pin <NUM>. The second end aperture <NUM> extends along the second fastener axis 60B (e.g., radially relative to the axial centerline <NUM>) through the inner pin <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the inner pin <NUM> has an inner pin length <NUM> that extends / is defined axially along the axial centerline <NUM> between the inner pin first end <NUM> and the inner pin second end <NUM>. This inner pin length <NUM> may be equal to an outer pin length <NUM> of the outer pin <NUM>, which outer pin length <NUM> extends / is defined axially along the axial centerline <NUM> between the outer pin first end <NUM> and the outer pin second end <NUM>. Of course, in other embodiments, the inner pin length <NUM> may be (e.g., slightly) longer than or shorter than the outer pin length <NUM>.

The inner pin <NUM> may be constructed from a structural material such as, but not limited to, metal or composite material. The metal may be or otherwise include, but is not limited to, steel, nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al) and/or an alloy thereof. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary inner pin materials. In some embodiments, the inner pin material may be the same as the outer pin material. In other embodiments, the inner pin material may be different than the outer pin material.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first collar 42A is configured as an annular body; e.g., a sleeve / washer like member. The first collar 42A extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> between opposing ends. The first collar 42A extends radially relative to the axial centerline <NUM> between an inner side 78A and an outer side 80A.

The first collar 42A is configured with one or more first collar apertures 82A and 82B (generally referred to as "<NUM>"); e.g., fastener apertures. The first collar apertures <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> are arranged coaxial with one another along the first fastener axis 60A. With this arrangement, the first collar apertures <NUM> are diametrically opposed about the axial centerline <NUM>. Each of the first collar apertures <NUM> extends along the first fastener axis 60A (e.g., radially relative to the axial centerline <NUM>) through a portion of a tubular sidewall of the first collar 42A.

The first collar 42A may be constructed from a structural material such as, but not limited to, metal or composite material. The metal may be or otherwise include, but is not limited to, steel, nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al) and/or an alloy thereof. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary first collar materials. In some embodiments, the first collar material may be the same as the inner pin and/or the outer pin materials. In other embodiments, the first collar material may be different than the inner pin and/or the outer pin materials.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second collar 42B is configured as an annular body; e.g., a sleeve / washer like member. The second collar 42B extends axially along the axial centerline <NUM> between opposing ends. The second collar 42B extends radially relative to the axial centerline <NUM> between an inner side 78B and an outer side 80B.

The second collar 42B is configured with one or more second collar apertures 84A and 84B (generally referred to as "<NUM>"); e.g., fastener apertures. The second collar apertures <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> are arranged coaxial with one another along the second fastener axis 60B. With this arrangement, the second collar apertures <NUM> are diametrically opposed about the axial centerline <NUM>. Each of the second collar apertures <NUM> extends along the second fastener axis 60B (e.g., radially relative to the axial centerline <NUM>) through a portion of a tubular sidewall of the second collar 42B.

The second collar 42B may be constructed from a structural material such as, but not limited to, metal or composite material. The metal may be or otherwise include, but is not limited to, steel, nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al) and/or an alloy thereof. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to the foregoing exemplary second collar materials. In some embodiments, the second collar material may be the same as the first collar, the inner pin and/or the outer pin materials. In other embodiments, the first collar material may be different than the first collar, the inner pin and/or the outer pin materials.

The first fastener 44A of <FIG> and <FIG> includes a first bolt 86A and a first nut 88A. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such an exemplary first fastener configuration. For example, in other embodiments, the first fastener 44A may alternatively be configured as a rivet, a set screw, a cotter pin, an interference fit pin or any other suitable fastener.

The second fastener 44B of <FIG> and <FIG> includes a second bolt 86B and a second nut 88B. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such an exemplary second fastener configuration. For example, in other embodiments, the second fastener 44B may alternatively be configured as a rivet, a set screw, a cotter pin, an interference fit pin or any other suitable fastener.

During installation of the hinge pin assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, the second component mount <NUM> is arranged axially between the first component mounts <NUM>. The second component mount aperture <NUM> is aligned with the first component mount apertures <NUM> such that those apertures <NUM> and <NUM> are coaxial with the axial centerline <NUM>. The outer pin <NUM> is mated with the first component mounts <NUM> and the second component mount <NUM> such that the outer pin <NUM> projects axially along the axial centerline <NUM> sequentially through the component mount apertures 24A, <NUM> and 24B. With this arrangement, an exterior surface of the outer pin <NUM> may radially engage (e.g., contact) interior surfaces of the mounts <NUM>. The inner pin <NUM> is mated with the outer pin <NUM> such that the inner pin <NUM> projects axially along the axial centerline <NUM> within / through the outer pin <NUM> and its bore <NUM>. With this arrangement, an exterior surface of the inner pin <NUM> may radially engage (e.g., contact) an interior surface of the outer pin <NUM>.

The first collar 42A is mounted to the outer pin <NUM> at its first end <NUM> and thereby circumscribes (e.g., extends circumferentially around) the outer pin <NUM>. An interior surface of the first collar 42A may radially engage (e.g., contact) the exterior surface of the outer pin <NUM>.

The first fastener 44A is mated with the first collar 42A, the outer pin <NUM> and the inner pin <NUM> so as to secure / fasten the first collar 42A to both the outer pin <NUM> and the inner pin <NUM>. In particular, a shank 90A of the first bolt 86A projects along the first fastener axis 60A sequentially through the apertures 82A, 56A, <NUM>, 56B and 82B to a distal shank end. The first nut 88A is threaded onto the shank 90A at the distal shank end so as to secure the first bolt 86A with the hinge pin assembly <NUM>. With this arrangement, a head 92A of the first bolt 86A is adjacent and/or abutted against a first side of the first collar 42A and the first nut 88A is adjacent and/or abutted against a second side of the first collar 42A, where the second side is diametrically opposite the first side relative to the axial centerline <NUM>.

Once secured to the outer pin <NUM> and the inner pin <NUM>, the first collar 42A is located adjacent a respective one of the first component mounts; e.g., 22A. The first collar 42A may also axially abut and/or engage (e.g., contact) the respective first component mount 22A. However, the first collar 42A need not press axially against (e.g., may be axially unloaded against) the respective first component mount 22A. In other words, the first collar 42A may be configured axially loosely against / next to the respective first component mount 22A. The first collar 42A thereby does not push the respective first component mount 22A axially towards the other first component mount 22B.

The second collar 42B is mounted to the outer pin <NUM> at its second end <NUM> and thereby circumscribes (e.g., extends circumferentially around) the outer pin <NUM>. An interior surface of the second collar 42B may radially engage (e.g., contact) the exterior surface of the outer pin <NUM>.

The second fastener 44B is mated with the second collar 42B, the outer pin <NUM> and the inner pin <NUM> so as to secure / fasten the second collar 42B to both the outer pin <NUM> and the inner pin <NUM>. In particular, a shank 90B of the second bolt 86B projects along the second fastener axis 60B sequentially through the apertures 84A, 58A, <NUM>, 58B and 84B to a distal shank end. The second nut 88B is threaded onto the shank 90B at the distal shank end so as to secure the second bolt 86B with the hinge pin assembly <NUM>. With this arrangement, a head 92B of the second bolt 86B is adjacent and/or abutted against a first side of the second collar 42B and the second nut 88B is adjacent and/or abutted against a second side of the second collar 42B, where the second side is diametrically opposite the first side relative to the axial centerline <NUM>.

Once secured to the outer pin <NUM> and the inner pin <NUM>, the second collar 42B is located adjacent a respective one of the first component mounts; e.g., 22B. The second collar 42B may also axially abut and/or engage (e.g., contact) the respective first component mount 22B. However, the second collar 42B need not press axially against (e.g., may be axially unloaded against) the respective first component mount 22B. In other words, the second collar 42B may be configured axially loosely against / next to the respective first component mount 22B. The second collar 42B thereby does not push the respective first component mount 22B axially towards the other first component mount 22A.

Under normal operating conditions, the outer pin <NUM> structurally connects and transfers loads between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>. However, referring to <FIG>, severe and/or repeated thermally and/or vibratory induced movements between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> may fatigue the outer pin <NUM> and cause a fracture <NUM> (e.g., a crack or a break) to form therein. In such a circumstance, the inner pin <NUM> provides a fail-safe for the outer pin <NUM> and structurally connects and transfers loads between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>. Furthermore, because the inner pin <NUM> may be loosely fit within and/or not interference fit with the outer pin <NUM>, the fracture <NUM> in the outer pin <NUM> typically will not propagate into the inner pin <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as described above, the first collar 42A and the second collar 42B are formed as discrete bodies from the outer pin <NUM> and then mounted to the outer pin <NUM>. However, referring to <FIG>, one of the collars <NUM> may alternatively be formed integral with the outer pin <NUM> as a unitary body.

The hinge pin assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure has various advantages over a traditional bolt hinge pin assembly. For example, as described above, the hinge pin assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure need not axially squeeze the first component mounts <NUM> together as compared to a traditional threaded hinge pin. The hinge pin assembly <NUM> may be installed where there is restricted tool access since large wrenches are not required. Furthermore, since the fasteners <NUM> project radially through the elements <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, the rotation of the hinge pin assembly <NUM> about its axial centerline <NUM> will not cause the assembly <NUM> to loosen. Thus, the hinge pin assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure does not require additional anti-rotation features.

Claim 1:
A hinged assembly comprising a first component, a second component and a hinge pin assembly, the hinge pin assembly having an axial centerline (<NUM>) and comprising:
an outer pin (<NUM>) extending axially along the axial centerline (<NUM>) between an outer pin first end (<NUM>) and an outer pin second end (<NUM>);
an inner pin (<NUM>) extending axially along the axial centerline (<NUM>) within a bore (<NUM>) of the outer pin (<NUM>);
a first collar (42A) circumscribing the outer pin (<NUM>), the first collar (42A) connected to the outer pin (<NUM>) and the inner pin (<NUM>) at the outer pin first end (<NUM>);
a second collar (42B) circumscribing the outer pin (<NUM>), the second collar (42B) connected to the outer pin (<NUM>) and the inner pin (<NUM>) at the outer pin second end (<NUM>); and
a first fastener (44A) connecting the first collar (42A) to the outer pin (<NUM>) and the inner pin (<NUM>);
wherein the hinge pin assembly pivotally connects the first component (<NUM>) to the second component (<NUM>) about the axial centerline (<NUM>), characterised in that the first component (<NUM>) is a fixed structure of an aircraft propulsion system, preferably the second component (<NUM>) is a nacelle door of the aircraft propulsion system;
wherein:
the first fastener (44A) projects from a sidewall of the first collar (42A), through a sidewall of the outer pin (<NUM>) and into the inner pin (<NUM>); and/or
the first fastener (44A) projects sequentially through at least a first aperture (82A) in the first collar (42A), a first aperture (56A) in the outer pin (<NUM>), an aperture (<NUM>) in the inner pin (<NUM>), a second aperture (56B) in the outer pin (<NUM>) and a second aperture (82A) in the first collar (42A).