Patent Description:
Modern aircraft are equipped with a large number of external access panels and pressure relief doors that are flush mounted so as to provide an aerodynamic, low drag surface when airborne. These external access panels and non-access panels for some pressure relief door applications conventionally allow access to, for example, hydraulic, electronic, and engine systems, among others. In order to maintain a panel in the closed position, and in some applications while still providing quick access to the area behind the panel while the aircraft is parked on the ground, low-profile flush mounted latches typically are incorporated into the design of the panel for securing the panel to the aircraft frame.

<CIT> discloses a prior art lock for securing a supply container to a vehicle, a method for securing a supply container and the vehicle thus equipped.

<CIT> discloses a prior art toggle latch for aircraft doors,.

From a first aspect, there is provided a door panel arrangement as recited in claim <NUM>.

There is also provided a shear load carrying method as recited in claim <NUM>.

Features of embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

The foregoing features, elements, steps, or methods may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated herein otherwise. These features, elements, steps, or methods as well as the operation of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings.

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration and their best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, material, and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to "without contact" (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.

Door panels may be mounted to a structure which carries loads that cause the door panel to move with respect to the structure. These loads may be high frequency (e.g., vibratory) or low frequency loads. In particular, shear (lateral) loading may be transferred between the door panel and the structure which may cause the door panel to move generally along the plane of the door panel with respect to the structure. Shear loading may cause undesirable wear and/or loading on the door panel latch and/or the door panel hinge(s). Shear loading may cause undesirable wear between the door panel latch and the mating surface.

The latch arrangement, as disclosed herein, may comprise a shear feature which minimizes door panel movement with respect to the structure to which the door panel is mounted. The latch arrangement, as disclosed herein, may minimize undesirable wear and/or loading on the door panel latch(es) and/or door panel hinge(s). The latch arrangement, as disclosed herein, may tend to minimize wear between the door panel latch and the mating surface.

In various embodiments, a latch arrangement as disclosed herein may be particularly useful for turbine engine nacelle access panels (e.g., fan cowl access panels). However, it is contemplated that the latch arrangement may be suitable for any door panel where minimization of in-plane movement of the door panel with respect to the mounting structure is desired, including door panels for air vehicles, land vehicles, water vehicles, space vehicles, and industrial machinery, among others. The latch arrangement of the present disclosure may be particularly useful for vibratory environments.

In various embodiments, a latch arrangement as disclosed herein may be particularly useful for latches attached to the interior of a panel door, where an aerodynamic, or otherwise smooth, surface is desired at the exterior of the panel door. Stated differently, a latch arrangement of the present disclosure may be disposed entirely inward from, or flush with, the exterior surface of the panel door.

A latch arrangement may comprise a latch bolt and a striker plate, wherein the latch bolt is actuated by a latch handle located on an outer surface (e.g., a flow surface) of the door panel. Accordingly, in response to the handle being operated, the latch bolt disengages from the striker plate, allowing access to the interior of the door panel.

With reference to <FIG>, an inward view of a door panel arrangement <NUM> in a closed position is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may include a door panel <NUM> and at least one latch arrangement <NUM>. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> to which door panel <NUM> is mounted. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may include at least one hinge <NUM> by which door panel <NUM> is mounted to frame <NUM>. Door panel <NUM> may be configured to rotate outward in a first rotational direction to an open position and rotate inward in a second rotational direction to a closed position as illustrated in <FIG>. Door panel <NUM> may rotate about hinge <NUM>. Latch arrangement <NUM> may secure door panel <NUM> in the closed position and may be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position.

With reference to <FIG>, a section view of a door panel arrangement <NUM>, is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may include a door panel <NUM> and a latch arrangement <NUM>. The illustrated embodiment shows door panel <NUM> in a closed position and latch arrangement <NUM> in a locked position. Door panel <NUM> is pivotally coupled to frame <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. Door panel <NUM> may rotate about a pivot <NUM> of hinge <NUM>. In the locked position, latch arrangement <NUM> secures door panel <NUM> in the closed position with respect to frame <NUM>. In the closed position, door panel <NUM> may rest against a landing plate <NUM>. In various embodiments, latch arrangement <NUM> secures door panel <NUM> in compression against landing plate <NUM>. In the closed position, door panel <NUM> may be flush with frame <NUM>.

Door panel <NUM> may comprise an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. Latch arrangement <NUM> may include a latch bolt <NUM> pivotally coupled to the inner surface <NUM> of door panel <NUM>. Latch bolt <NUM> may rotate about a pivot <NUM>. Latch arrangement <NUM> may comprise a contacting member <NUM> extending from latch bolt <NUM>. In various embodiments, contacting member <NUM> and latch bolt <NUM> are two separate pieces. In various embodiments, contacting member <NUM> and latch bolt <NUM> comprise a single, monolithic piece. Contacting member <NUM> may comprise a contacting surface (also referred to herein as a first contacting surface) <NUM> and a pin (also referred to herein as a shear pin) <NUM> extending from the contacting surface <NUM>.

Contacting member <NUM> may be configured to contact a striker plate <NUM> via contacting surface <NUM> and pin <NUM>. Striker plate <NUM> may comprise a contacting surface (also referred to herein as a second contacting surface) <NUM> and a counterbore <NUM> disposed in the contacting surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, striker plate <NUM> and landing plate <NUM> are two separate pieces. In various embodiments, striker plate <NUM> and landing plate <NUM> comprise a single, monolithic piece. In various embodiments, landing plate <NUM> is coupled between striker plate <NUM> and frame <NUM>. In various embodiments, landing plate <NUM> is coupled between latch bolt <NUM> and door panel <NUM> in response to door panel <NUM> being in the closed position. In response to door panel <NUM> moving to the closed position, as illustrated in <FIG>, contacting surface <NUM> of contacting member <NUM> may contact contacting surface <NUM> of striker plate <NUM> and counterbore <NUM> may receive pin <NUM>. Stated differently, pin <NUM> may extend into counterbore <NUM>. Longitudinal loads may be transferred between contacting surface <NUM> and contacting surface <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, door panel arrangement <NUM> is illustrated with latch arrangement <NUM> in an unlocked position with latch bolt <NUM> rotated about pivot <NUM> away from striker plate <NUM>. With latch arrangement <NUM> in the unlocked position and rotated away from striker plate <NUM>, door panel <NUM> is free to rotate to an open position. In various embodiments, latch bolt <NUM> rotates in a first rotational direction (i.e., counterclockwise in <FIG>) about pivot <NUM> to allow door panel <NUM> to rotate towards an open position.

With reference to <FIG>, door panel arrangement <NUM> is illustrated with door panel <NUM> rotated towards an open position. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may rotate about pivot <NUM> towards the open position. In various embodiments, door panel <NUM> rotates in a second rotational direction (i.e., clockwise in <FIG>) about pivot <NUM> towards the open position.

In this regard, latch arrangement <NUM> of the present disclosure includes pin <NUM> extending from contacting surface <NUM> of latch bolt <NUM>, wherein the pin <NUM> is received by counterbore <NUM> disposed in contacting surface <NUM> in response to latch arrangement <NUM> moving to a locked position (see <FIG>). Pin <NUM> may engage counterbore <NUM> to minimize in-plane movement of door panel <NUM> with respect to frame <NUM>. In this regard, shear forces may be transmitted between striker plate <NUM> and pin <NUM>. Stated differently, a lateral load may be transmitted between the striker plate <NUM> and pin <NUM>. In various embodiments, contacting surface <NUM> and inner surface <NUM> face the same direction in response to door panel <NUM> being in the closed position.

With reference to <FIG>, a section view of a door panel arrangement <NUM> including an over-center latch arrangement (latch arrangement) <NUM>, is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may be similar to door panel arrangement <NUM> of <FIG>. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may include a door panel <NUM> and latch arrangement <NUM>. The illustrated embodiment shows door panel <NUM> in a closed position and latch arrangement <NUM> in a locked position. Door panel <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to frame <NUM> via a hinge, similar to door panel <NUM> of <FIG>. In the locked position, latch arrangement <NUM> secures door panel <NUM> in the closed position with respect to frame <NUM>. In the closed position, door panel <NUM> may rest against a landing plate <NUM>. In various embodiments, latch arrangement <NUM> secures door panel <NUM> in compression against landing plate <NUM>. In this regard, a pre-load may be applied between landing plate <NUM> and inner surface <NUM> of door panel <NUM> in response to latch assembly being moved to the locked position. In the closed position, door panel <NUM> may be flush with frame <NUM>.

Door panel <NUM> may comprise an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. Latch arrangement <NUM> may include a latch bolt <NUM> pivotally coupled to the inner surface <NUM> of door panel <NUM>. Latch bolt <NUM> may rotate about a pivot <NUM>. Latch arrangement <NUM> may comprise a contacting member <NUM> extending from latch bolt <NUM>. In various embodiments, contacting member <NUM> and latch bolt <NUM> are two separate pieces. In various embodiments, contacting member <NUM> and latch bolt <NUM> comprise a single, monolithic component. Contacting member <NUM> may comprise a contacting surface (also referred to herein as a first contacting surface) <NUM> and a pin (also referred to herein as a shear pin) <NUM> extending from the contacting surface <NUM>.

Contacting member <NUM> may be configured to contact a striker plate <NUM> via contacting surface <NUM> and pin <NUM>. Striker plate <NUM> may comprise a contacting surface (also referred to herein as a second contacting surface) <NUM> and a counterbore <NUM> disposed in the contacting surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, striker plate <NUM> and landing plate <NUM> are two separate pieces. In various embodiments, striker plate <NUM> and landing plate <NUM> comprise a single, monolithic component. In various embodiments, landing plate <NUM> is coupled between striker plate <NUM> and frame <NUM>. In various embodiments, landing plate <NUM> is coupled between latch bolt <NUM> and door panel <NUM> in response to door panel <NUM> being in the closed position. In response to door panel <NUM> moving to the closed position, as illustrated in <FIG>, contacting surface <NUM> of contacting member <NUM> may contact contacting surface <NUM> of striker plate <NUM> and counterbore <NUM> may receive pin <NUM>. Stated differently, pin <NUM> may extend into counterbore <NUM>.

Latch bolt <NUM> may be operably coupled to a handle <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to door panel <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to door panel <NUM> via a pivot <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may rotate about pivot <NUM>. A link <NUM> may be pivotally coupled between latch bolt <NUM> and handle <NUM>. Link <NUM> and latch bolt <NUM> may be pivotally coupled by a pivot <NUM> whereby link <NUM> and latch bolt <NUM> are free to rotate with respect to each other. Link <NUM> and handle <NUM> may be pivotally coupled by a pivot <NUM> whereby link <NUM> and handle <NUM> are free to rotate with respect to each other.

In the locked position, handle <NUM> may be in an over-center position and link <NUM> may transmit a force into latch bolt <NUM> to hold latch bolt <NUM> in compression against striker plate <NUM>. Latch bolt <NUM> may be released from striker plate <NUM> by prying an end <NUM> of handle <NUM> (e.g., via a tool or by hand) to rotate handle <NUM> about pivot <NUM> in a second rotational direction (see <FIG>). Latch bolt <NUM> may rotate in a first rotational direction about pivot <NUM>, via link <NUM>, in response to handle <NUM> being rotated in the second rotational direction. The first rotational direction may be opposite the second rotational direction. In various embodiments, a spring <NUM> may bias latch bolt <NUM> to rotate in the first rotational direction.

With reference to <FIG>, door panel arrangement <NUM> is illustrated with latch arrangement <NUM> in an unlocked position with latch bolt <NUM> rotated about pivot <NUM> away from striker plate <NUM>. With latch arrangement <NUM> in the unlocked position and rotated away from striker plate <NUM>, door panel <NUM> is free to rotate to an open position. In various embodiments, latch bolt <NUM> rotates in a first rotational direction (i.e., counterclockwise in <FIG>) about pivot <NUM> to allow door panel <NUM> to rotate towards an open position. In various embodiments, door panel <NUM> rotates in a second rotational direction (i.e., clockwise in <FIG>) towards the open position.

In various embodiments, contacting member <NUM> may comprise an adjustable threaded stud <NUM> rotatably coupled to latch bolt <NUM> whereby the position of contacting surface <NUM> relative to latch bolt <NUM> may be adjusted. In this manner, a pre-load of the latch bolt <NUM> against striker plate <NUM> may be adjusted. In various embodiments, latch bolt <NUM> is pre-loaded in response to the latch bolt <NUM> moving to the locked position. In various embodiments, latch bolt <NUM> is not pre-loaded in response to the latch bolt <NUM> moving to the locked position.

With reference to <FIG>, a section view of a door panel arrangement <NUM> including a non-over-centering latch arrangement (latch arrangement) <NUM>, is illustrated in accordance with various embodiments. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may be similar to door panel arrangement <NUM> of <FIG>. Door panel arrangement <NUM> may include a door panel <NUM> and latch arrangement <NUM>. The illustrated embodiment shows door panel <NUM> in a closed position and latch arrangement <NUM> in a locked position. Door panel <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to frame <NUM> via a hinge, similar to door panel <NUM> of <FIG>. In the locked position, latch arrangement <NUM> secures door panel <NUM> in the closed position with respect to frame <NUM>. In the closed position, door panel <NUM> may rest against a landing plate <NUM>. In various embodiments, latch arrangement <NUM> secures door panel <NUM> in compression against landing plate <NUM>. In this regard, a pre-load may be applied between landing plate <NUM> and inner surface <NUM> of door panel <NUM> in response to latch assembly being moved to the locked position. However, latch arrangement <NUM> may merely secure door panel <NUM> relative to landing plate <NUM> without a pre-load. In the closed position, door panel <NUM> may be flush with frame <NUM>.

Contacting member <NUM> may be configured to contact a striker plate <NUM> via contacting surface <NUM> and pin <NUM>. Striker plate <NUM> may comprise a contacting surface (also referred to herein as a second contacting surface) <NUM> and a counterbore <NUM> disposed in the contacting surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, striker plate <NUM> and landing plate <NUM> are two separate pieces. In various embodiments, striker plate <NUM> and landing plate <NUM> comprise a single, monolithic piece. In various embodiments, landing plate <NUM> is coupled between striker plate <NUM> and frame <NUM>. In various embodiments, landing plate <NUM> is coupled between latch bolt <NUM> and door panel <NUM> in response to door panel <NUM> being in the closed position. In response to door panel <NUM> moving to the closed position, as illustrated in <FIG>, contacting surface <NUM> of contacting member <NUM> may contact contacting surface <NUM> of striker plate <NUM> and counterbore <NUM> may receive pin <NUM>. Stated differently, pin <NUM> may extend into counterbore <NUM>.

Latch bolt <NUM> may be operably coupled to a handle <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to door panel <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to door panel <NUM> via a pivot <NUM>. Handle <NUM> may rotate about pivot <NUM>. In the locked position, handle <NUM> may engage latch bolt <NUM> to prevent latch bolt <NUM> from rotating about pivot <NUM> (in the counterclockwise direction in <FIG>) away from striker plate <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, handle <NUM> may be rotated (e.g., by hand or using a tool) about pivot <NUM> (in the clockwise direction in <FIG>). Handle <NUM> may disengage latch bolt <NUM> in response to being rotated about pivot <NUM>, thereby allowing latch bolt <NUM> to freely rotate about pivot <NUM>. In various embodiments, handle <NUM> is rotated in a second rotational direction. Latch bolt <NUM> may rotate in a first rotational direction about pivot <NUM> in response to handle <NUM> being rotated in the second rotational direction. The first rotational direction may be opposite the second rotational direction. In various embodiments, a spring <NUM> may bias latch bolt <NUM> to rotate in the first rotational direction.

<FIG> illustrates door panel arrangement <NUM> with latch arrangement <NUM> in an unlocked position with latch bolt <NUM> rotated about pivot <NUM> away from striker plate <NUM>. With latch arrangement <NUM> in the unlocked position and rotated away from striker plate <NUM>, door panel <NUM> is free to rotate to an open position. In various embodiments, latch bolt <NUM> rotates in the first rotational direction (i.e., counterclockwise in <FIG>) about pivot <NUM> to allow door panel <NUM> to rotate towards an open position. In various embodiments, door panel <NUM> rotates in the second rotational direction (i.e., clockwise in <FIG>) towards the open position.

With reference to <FIG>, an isolated, perspective view of an adjustable threaded contacting member <NUM> with respect to an associated striker plate <NUM>, landing plate <NUM>, and door panel <NUM>, is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments. Adjustable threaded contacting member <NUM> may comprise a contacting surface (also referred to herein as a first contacting surface) <NUM> and a pin (also referred to herein as a shear pin) <NUM> extending from the contacting surface <NUM>.

Adjustable threaded contacting member <NUM> may be configured to contact a striker plate <NUM> via contacting surface <NUM> and pin <NUM>. Striker plate <NUM> may comprise a contacting surface (also referred to herein as a second contacting surface) <NUM> and a counterbore <NUM> disposed in the contacting surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, striker plate <NUM> and landing plate <NUM> are two separate pieces. In various embodiments, striker plate <NUM> and landing plate <NUM> comprise a single, monolithic piece. In various embodiments, landing plate <NUM> is coupled between striker plate <NUM> and frame <NUM>. In various embodiments, the geometry of counterbore <NUM> is complimentary to the geometry of pin <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, a method <NUM> for shear load carrying is illustrated, in accordance with various embodiments Method <NUM> includes rotating a latch bolt about a pivot (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes receiving, by a counterbore, a shear pin (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes transferring a shear load between the shear pin and a striker plate (step <NUM>).

With combined reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, step <NUM> may include rotating latch bolt <NUM> about pivot <NUM> in the first rotational direction. Step <NUM> may include receiving, by counterbore <NUM>, pin <NUM> in response to latch bolt <NUM> rotating about pivot <NUM> in the first rotational direction. Step <NUM> may include transferring a lateral load - or lateral force - between pin <NUM> and striker plate <NUM>. In various embodiments, the lateral load may be generated in response to door panel <NUM> moving laterally (i.e., in the plane of door panel <NUM>) with respect to frame <NUM>.

However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the claimed embodiments is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more.

In the detailed description herein, references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

Claim 1:
A door panel arrangement (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), comprising:
a frame (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>);
a door panel (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) pivotally coupled to the frame (<NUM>..<NUM>); and
a latch arrangement (<NUM>...<NUM>), comprising:
a latch bolt (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) pivotally coupled to the door panel (<NUM>...<NUM>);
a contacting member (<NUM>...<NUM>) extending from the latch bolt (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), the contacting member (<NUM>...<NUM>) comprising a first contacting surface (<NUM>... <NUM>); the arrangement characterized in that it further comprises:
a shear pin (<NUM>...<NUM>) extending from the first contacting surface (<NUM>...<NUM>);
a striker plate (<NUM>... <NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>...<NUM>), the striker plate (<NUM>...<NUM>) comprising a second contacting surface (<NUM>...<NUM>); and
a counterbore (<NUM>...<NUM>) disposed in the second contacting surface (<NUM>... <NUM>);
wherein the counterbore (<NUM>... <NUM>) is configured to receive the shear pin (<NUM>...<NUM>).