Cowling latch interlock mechanism

US12172766B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Michael A. Fleming · Kansas City, US
• Dale G. Frolander · Everett, US
• Lauren Peter Yoshiba · Long Beach, US
• Andrew R. Croskey · Summerville, US
• Albert P. Go · Cambridge, US
• Rohith R. Birjay · Bengaluru, IN
• Jeremiah D. Langston · Summerville, US
• Declan Foley · Summerville, US
• Ignacio J. Carrillo · Ladson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 4, 2023
• Grant date: Dec 24, 2024
• Expiry date: May 8, 2043

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F02K1/766
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An aircraft engine cowling comprises a first cowling portion and a second cowling portion moveable relative to each other. A cowling latch secures the first cowling portion and the second cowling portion in a closed position. The aircraft engine cowling further comprises a deflection limiter band and a deflection limiter latch moveable between an engaged state and a disengaged state for the deflection limiter band. An interlock mechanism prevents disengagement of the cowling latch while the deflection limiter latch is in the engaged state. The interlock mechanism includes a lock element moveable between a first position that prevents disengagement of the cowling latch and a second position that enables disengagement of the cowling latch. The interlock mechanism also includes an indicator paddle movable to contact the deflection limiter latch. A linkage assembly coordinates movement of the lock element with movement of the indicator paddle.