Pressure responsive blowout latch
View Patent ↗An apparatus, system and method including a latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame. The latching device includes at least a bolt which is carried on the latching device and is operatively associated with the panel to prevent disengagement of the panel. The latching device includes at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt to retain the bolt in a desired position and release the bolt when a predetermined pressure differential occurs relative to two, generally opposite, sides of the panel or when a pressure decrease occurs on one side of the panel.
1. A latching device for controllably retaining a panel relative to a frame, the latching device comprising:
a latch body attachable to at least one of a panel and a frame;
a controllable bolt displaceably carried on the latch body;
a portion of the bolt abutting a portion of the other of a panel and a frame for preventing displacement of a panel from a frame;
at least one pressure responsive device for detecting a pressure differential on at least one side of a panel, the pressure responsive device communicating with the controllable bolt for controllably disengaging the bolt to allow movement of the panel relative to the frame upon the at least one pressure responsive device detecting a pressure differential on at least one side of a panel.
2. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes a first device for detecting a first pressure and a second device for detecting a second pressure, the pressure responsive device operating in response to a differential between the first pressure and the second pressure.
3. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes a pressure responsive diaphragm operatively retained in a pressure responsive chamber the chamber including a first opening communicating with a first volume and a second opening communicating with a second volume, a pressure differential between the first volume and second volume acting on the pressure responsive diaphragm in the chamber.
4. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes a pneumatic piston, operatively retained in a piston chamber, the chamber including a first opening communicating with a first volume and a second opening communicating with a second volume, a pressure differential between the first volume and second volume operating the piston in the chamber.
5. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes an electrical pressure sensing device and a moving device coupled to the electrical pressure sensing device, the electrical pressure sensing device communicating with a first volume having a first pressure and a second volume having a second pressure.
6. A method for controllably retaining a panel relative to a frame, the latching method being responsive to a pressure differential detected on at least one side of a panel, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a latching device operatively associated with a panel;
providing a controllable bolt displaceably carried on at least a portion of the latching device, the bolt being operatively associated with at least one of a panel and a frame;
providing at least one a pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt;
engaging the bolt with a panel;
retaining the bolt in engagement with the pressure responsive device;
detecting pressure on at least one side of a panel;
operating the pressure responsive device in response to the detected pressure;
disengaging the bolt from a panel upon development of a pressure of a predetermined degree or pressure; and
displacing a panel relative to a frame upon disengagement of the bolt.
7. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes a diaphragm operatively retained in engagement with said bolt, the diaphragm including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface in communication with a first atmosphere defining a first volume and the second surface in communication with a second atmosphere defining a second volume generally separate from the first atmosphere, the diaphragm operatively movable under a pressure difference between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere acting on the diaphragm, the diaphragm operating in response to the pressure difference to operatively release the bolt.
8. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the bolt is pivotably associated with the at least one of a panel and a frame, the latching device further including a biasing member adapted to operatively retain the bolt in a desired position prior to a required pressure differential being detected by the pressure responsive device.
9. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the pressure responsive device is coupled to a bolt engaging stop, the bolt engaging stop being adapted to operatively retain the bolt in a position abutting the at least one of a panel and a frame until a sufficient pressure difference is achieved.
10. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the pressure responsive device is coupled to a bolt engaging stop, the bolt engaging stop being adapted to operatively contact and retain the bolt in a position abutting the at least one of a panel and a frame until a sufficient pressure difference is achieved, the bolt engaging stop being movably displaceable from contact with the bolt upon operation of the pressure responsive device, and wherein the bolt includes a receiving formation, the receiving formation being adapted to receive the bolt engaging stop.
11. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the bolt is rotatably coupled to the latch body, the bolt having a rotation axis parallel to a plane defined by the portion of the other of a panel and a frame against which the portion of the bolt abuts.
12. The latching device of claim 1 , further including a bolt engaging pin controllably connected with at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device and adapted to prevent movement of the bolt out of abutment with the portion of the other of the panel and the frame, the pin being movable upon initiation of action by the at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device to a position not engaging the bolt to permit the bolt to release from abutment with the portion of the other of the panel and the frame.
13. The latching device of claim 1 , further including a biasing element urging the bolt into a desired position relative to the other of the panel and the frame for preventing displacement of the panel from the frame prior to a sufficient load on the panel.
14. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the pressure responsive device includes a dampening element resisting operation of the pressure responsive device prior to a minimal pressure differential being achieved.
15. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the bolt is rotatably mounted and the latching device further includes a biasing member generating a biasing force to urge the bolt into abutment with the other of the panel and the frame, the biasing force being adapted to be overcome by a force generated by a pressure differential to release the biasing force from urging the bolt into abutment with the other of the panel and the frame.
16. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the bolt is rotatably mounted, the latching device further including a biasing member generating a biasing force to urge the bolt into abutment with the other of the panel and the frame, the biasing force being adapted to be overcome by a force generated by a pressure differential to release the biasing force from urging the bolt into abutment with the other of the panel and the frame, a receiving structure on the bolt for engaging the biasing member.
17. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the bolt is rotatably mounted, the latching device further including a biasing member generating a biasing force to urge the bolt into abutment with the other of the panel and the frame, the biasing force being adapted to be overcome by a force generated by a pressure differential to release the biasing force from urging the bolt into abutment with the other of the panel and the frame, a receiving structure on the bolt for mechanically engaging at least a portion of the biasing member, and wherein the at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device including a moveable element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface in communication with a first atmosphere defining a first volume and the second surface in communication with a second atmosphere defining a second volume generally separate from the first atmosphere, a pressure difference between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere acting on the moveable element to mechanically disengaging the bolt to allow movement of the panel.
18. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the bolt is rotatably mounted, the latching device further including a bolt limiting member coupled to the at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device to contact and maintain the bolt in abutment with the other of the panel and the frame, the bolt including a receiving formation for mechanically engaging the bolt engaging member, the at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device including a moveable element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface in communication with a first atmosphere defining a first volume and the second surface in communication with a second atmosphere defining a second volume substantially separate from said first atmosphere, a pressure difference between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere causing movement of the moveable element to controllably disengaging the bolt limiting member from engagement with the bolt to allow movement of the panel.
19. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the bolt is rotatably mounted, the latching device further including a bolt engaging member coupled to at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device, the bolt engaging member movable upon action initiated by a pressure detected by the at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device, the bolt engaging member being movable between a first position in mechanical engagement with the bolt to maintain the bolt in abutment with the other of the panel and the frame and a second position removed from engagement with the bolt allowing the bolt to rotate and release from abutment with the other of the panel and the frame, the bolt engaging member and the pressure responsive device being inaccessible form at least one side of the panel, the bolt including a receiving formation for mechanically engaging the bolt engaging member.
20. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein the bolt is rotatably carried on the latch body, the latching device further including a bolt engaging member movable upon action initiated by a pressure detected by at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device, the bolt engaging member being movable between a first position in engagement with the bolt and a second position removed from engagement with the bolt, the bolt adapted for mechanical engagement with the bolt engaging member, at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device including an electrical pressure sensing device, the electrical pressure sensing device communicating with a first volume having a first pressure and a second volume having a second pressure, the electrical pressure sensing device operable to detect a pressure difference between the first volume and the second volume.
21. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes an electrical pressure sensing device communicating with a first volume having a first pressure and a second volume having a second pressure, the electrical pressure sensing device operable to generate an electrical signal upon detection of a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, the latching device further including a movable device operable to produce mechanical movement initiated by the electrical signal.
22. The latching device of claim 21 , including a controller operable to receive the electrical signal generated by the electrical pressure responsive device and operate the movable device.
23. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes an electrical pressure sensing device operable to generate an electrical signal upon detection of the pressure differential, the latching device further including a pin moveable from a first position limiting movement of the bolt and a second position allowing movement of the bolt, the pin being moveable in response to a signal generated by the electrical pressure sensing.
24. The latching device of claim 23 , wherein the bolt is rotatably mounted and includes a rotational axis, the pin including a longitudinal axis, the rotational axis of the bolt being parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pin.
25. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes an electrical pressure sensing device operable to generate an electrical signal upon detection of the pressure differential, the latching device further including a pin moveable from a first position limiting movement of the bolt and a second position allowing movement of the bolt, the pin being moveable in response to a signal generated by the electrical pressure sensing, the latching device further including a biasing member urging rotation of the bolt to a desired position.
26. The latching device of claim 25 , wherein the pin is axially moveable along a pin axis parallel to the rotational axis of the bolt.
27. The latching device of claim 25 including a movable element for axially moving the pin between the first position and the second position, the moveable element moving in response to initiation by the electrical pressure sensing device.
28. The latching device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes an electrical pressure sensing device operable to generate an electrical signal upon detection of the pressure differential, the latching device further including a pin moveable from a first position limiting movement of the bolt and a second position allowing movement of the bolt, the pin being moveable in response to a signal generated by the electrical pressure sensing, and a biasing member urging the bolt into a position abutting the other of the panel and the frame.
29. The latching device of claim 28 , wherein the biasing member is a spring.
30. A latch mechanism for releasably retaining a first structure relative to a second structure, the first and second structures defining a baffler, the latch mechanism comprising:
a bolt releasably carried on at least one of the first structure and the second structure;
a portion of the bolt abutting a portion of the other of the first structure and the second structure for preventing displacement of the first structure from the second structure;
at least one pressure responsive device for detecting a pressure differential on at least one side of the barrier;
a bolt engaging member operatively connected to the pressure responsive device and moveably displaceable relative to the bolt in response to operation of the pressure responsive device; and
a receiving formation on the bolt for mechanically engaging at least a portion of the bolt engaging device to prevent displaceable movement of the bolt prior to operation of the pressure responsive device.
31. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , wherein the bolt is pivotably mounted.
32. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes a moveable element having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface communicating with a first atmosphere defining a first volume and the second surface communicating with a second atmosphere defining a second volume substantially separate from the first atmosphere, the moveable element being displaceable by a pressure difference between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere causing movement of the moveable element to controllably disengaging the bolt engaging device to allow movement of the panel.
33. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes a pressure responsive diaphragm operatively retained in a pressure responsive chamber, the pressure responsive chamber including a first opening communicating with a first volume and a second opening communicating with a second volume, a pressure difference between the first volume and the second volume acting on the pressure responsive diaphragm.
34. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes an electrical pressure sensing device operable to generate an electrical signal upon detection of the pressure differential, the latching mechanism further including a pin moveable from a first position limiting movement of the bolt and a second position allowing movement of the bolt, the pin being moveable in response to a signal generated by the electrical pressure sensing device.
35. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , wherein the bolt is pivotably mounted, the bolt having a pivot axis parallel to a plane defined by the portion of the other of the first structure and the second structure abutted by the bolt.
36. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , wherein the bolt engaging device includes a pin moveable between a first position preventing releasing movement of the bolt and a second position permitting releasing movement of the bolt, the pin acting in response to the pressure responsive device.
37. The latch mechanism of claim 30 including a biasing device urging the bolt into a desired position.
38. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , where at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device includes a pneumatic piston operatively retained in a pressure responsive chamber, the pressure responsive chamber including a first opening communicating with a first volume having a first pressure and a second opening communicating with a second volume having a second pressure, a pressure differential between the first volume and second volume operating the piston in the chamber.
39. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , wherein the pressure responsive device includes an electrical pressure sensing device and a moving device coupled to the electrical pressure sensing device, the electrical pressure sensing device communicating with a first volume having a first pressure and a second volume having a second pressure.
40. The latch mechanism of claim 30 , further comprising a retaining mechanism providing a retaining force to retain the bolt in a latched positioned prior to exceeding a predetermined retaining force.
41. A latch mechanism for releasably retaining a panel relative to a frame, the latch mechanism comprising:
a bolt pivotably carried on at least one of the panel and the frame;
a portion of the bolt extending from the at least one of the panel and the frame for butting a portion of the other of the panel and the frame to prevent displacement of the panel relative to the frame;
a bolt limiting member, the bolt limiting member being moveable from a first position of engagement with the bolt and a second position removed from engagement with the bolt;
a mating element on the bolt for mating engagement with the bolt limiting member when the bolt limiting members is in the first position;
at least one pressure responsive device responsive operative to detect a pressure differential on at least one side of the panel; and
a biasing member urging the bolt to a desired position;
wherein the bolt limiting member is operable by only a pressure differential and from a secure side of the panel.
42. The latch mechanism of claim 41 , wherein the panel separates an aircraft cockpit from an aircraft passenger compartment.
43. A method for controllably latching a panel relative to a frame, the latching method being responsive to a pressure differential detected on at least one side of a panel to which a latch mechanism is attached, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a latch assembly operatively associated with a panel, the latch assembly including a pivotable bolt operatively associated with at least one of the panel and an associated frame;
providing at least one pressure responsive device operatively coupled to the bolt, the pressure responsive device communicating with a first volume and a second volume, the pressure responsive device adapted to detect a pressure differential between the first volume and the second volume, the pressure responsive device including a dampening mechanism adapted to prevent the operation of the pressure responsive device prior to predetermined pressure differential levels;
engaging the at least one of the panel and the frame with the bolt;
retaining the bolt in operative engagement with the at least one of the panel and the frame, and preventing displacement of the panel from the frame under mechanical forces on a surface of the panel;
urging the bolt into engagement with the at least one of the panel and the frame;
detecting a pressure differential between the first volume and second volume;
operating the pressure responsive device in response to the detected pressure differential;
disengaging the retention of the bolt upon development of a predetermined degree or pressure; and
displacing the panel relative to the frame upon disengagement of the bolt.
44. The method of claim 43 , wherein the step of detecting a pressure differential comprises electrically sensing the pressure differential.
45. The method of claim 43 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device comprises a pressure responsive diaphragm.
46. The method of claim 43 , wherein at least one of the at least one pressure responsive device comprises a pneumatic piston.
47. The method of claim 43 , wherein the step of retaining the bolt in operative engagement with the at least one of the panel and the frame, and preventing displacement of the panel from the frame under mechanical forces on a surface of the panel includes positioning a bolt engaging pin in a first position preventing pivotable movement of the bolt, the bolt engaging pin being operatively movable in response to operation of the pressure responsive device.
48. A latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame, the latching device comprising:
a latch body attachable to at least one of a panel and a frame;
a bolt displaceably carried on the latch body, the bolt rotatable about a pivot axis generally parallel to a side edge of the at least one of a panel and a frame to which the latch body is positioned adjacent;
a portion of the bolt abutting a portion of the other of a panel and a frame for controllably retaining
a panel relative to a frame;
a biasing element urging the bolt into an engaged position to displaceably retain a panel relative to a frame;
a pressure responsive device operable upon detection of a change in pressure;
a bolt engaging pin coupled to the pressure responsive device and moveably displaceable in response to the pressure responsive device, the bolt engaging pin moveable between a first position for preventing rotational movement of the bolt and a second position allowing rotational movement of the bolt about the rotational axis;
a structure on the bolt for contacting at least a portion of the bolt engaging pin to prevent rotational movement of the bolt prior to operation of the pressure responsive device to move the bolt engaging pin to the second position; and
an upstanding portion of the latch body and a passage through the upstanding portion, the bolt engaging pin extending from the pressure responsive device through the passage to the structure on the bolt for contacting at least a portion of the bolt engaging pin prior to operation of the pressure responsive device to move the bolt engaging pin to the second position.
49. The latching device of claim 48 wherein the pressure responsive device comprises an electrical device that operates on an electrical signal to movably displace the bolt engaging pin.
50. The latching device of claim 48 wherein the pressure responsive device comprises an electrical device that operates on an electrical signal generated from an electrical detection of pressure to movably displace the bolt engaging pin.
51. The latching device of claim 48 wherein the pressure responsive device comprises an electrical device operated by a controller that receives an electrical signal in response to an electrical detection of pressure to generally axially displace the bolt engaging pin.
52. The latching device of claim 48 wherein the electrical detection of pressure is made on one side of a panel.
53. The latching device of claim 48 wherein the latching device further includes a controller and a pressure sensor operable to detect pressure and generate an electrical signal, the pressure responsive device being operable by the controller in response to the electrical signal.
54. The latching device of claim 48 wherein the latch body includes a mounting flange for attaching the latching device to the at least one of a panel and a frame.
55. A latching device for displaceably retaining a panel relative to a frame, the latching device comprising:
a latch housing attachable to at least one of a panel and a frame;
a bolt pivotably carried on the latch housing;
a portion of the bolt extending from the latch housing for abutting a portion of the other of a panel and a frame to prevent displacement of a panel from a frame;
a mechanical biasing element providing a biasing force to retain the bolt in a desired position until the biasing force is overcome;
an electrical pressure responsive device operable in responsive to a detection of pressure;
a bolt engaging pin connected to the pressure responsive device, the bolt engaging pin being axially displaceable in response to the pressure responsive device between a first position preventing pivotable movement of the bolt and a second position allowing pivotable movement of the bolt;
a portion of the housing defining a passage, the bolt engaging pin extending axially through the passage; and
a structure on the bolt adapted to mechanically contact at least a portion of the bolt engaging pin to restrict pivotable movement of the bolt when the bolt engaging pin is in the first position.
56. The latching device of claim 55 wherein the electrical pressure responsive device is operable by a controller receiving an electrical signal from an electrical detection of pressure.
57. The latching device of claim 55 wherein the mechanical biasing element comprises a spring and the desired position is a position of abutting engagement of the bolt with the portion of the other of the panel and the frame to prevent displacement of the panel from the frame.
58. A pressure responsive latching system for releasably retaining a panel relative to a frame, the latching system comprising:
a latch body attachable to at least one of a panel and a frame, the latch body including an upstanding portion having a passage defined therein;
a rotatable bolt retained on the latch body, the rotatable bolt having a pivot point generally defining a pivot axis, the bolt having a leading edge spaced from the pivot point for abutting contact with the other of a panel and a frame for preventing displacement of a panel relative to a frame, the leading edge being generally parallel to the pivot axis;
a biasing element providing a biasing force to the bolt to urge the bolt towards a desired position;
an electrical pressure responsive device retained on the housing, the pressure responsive device being operable on an electrical signal in response to a detection of a pressure to cause mechanical movement;
a pin connected to the pressure responsive device and extending through the upstanding portion, the pin being displaceable in response to the pressure responsive device between a first position mechanically restricting rotation of the bolt and a second position allowing rotation of the bolt;
a pin-engaging structure on the bolt for mechanically abutting the pin when the pin is located in the first position to prevent rotation of the bolt;
an electrical pressure detector coupled to the electrical pressure responsive device that generates the electrical signal.
59. The pressure responsive latching system of claim 58 including a controller operable to receive the electrical signal from the electrical pressure detector and control the electrical pressure responsive device.
60. The pressure responsive latching system of claim 58 wherein the biasing element comprises a spring.
61. A pressure responsive panel assembly comprising:
a frame structure having a first portion and a second portion;
a panel having a first side and an opposed second side, the panel including a free end and a movably retained second end;
a retaining structure that attaches the movably retained second end to the second portion of the frame structure;
a latching device attachable to at least one of the panel and the frame structure for displaceably retaining the panel relative to the frame structure, the latching device including a latch housing, a bolt pivotably carried on the latch housing, a portion of the bolt extending from the latch housing for abutting a portion of the other of the panel and the frame structure to prevent displacement of the panel from the frame, a resistance mechanism providing a resistance force that resists separation of the panel relative to the frame structure until the resistance force is overcome, and a portion of the housing defining a passage, a bolt engaging pin extending generally axially through the passage; and
a pressure responsive device operable in responsive to a detection of pressure; the pressure responsive device being connected to the bolt engaging pin, the bolt engaging pin being axially displaceable by the pressure responsive device in response to the detection of pressure, the bolt engaging pin being displaceable between a first position preventing pivotable movement of the bolt and a second position allowing pivotable movement of the bolt.
62. The pressure responsive door assembly of claim 61 wherein the pressure responsive device comprises an electrical device that operates on an electrical signal generated from an electrical detection of pressure to movably displace the bolt engaging pin.
63. The pressure responsive door assembly of claim 61 wherein the pressure responsive device comprises an electrical device operated by a controller that receives an electrical signal in response to an electrical detection of pressure to generally axially displace the bolt engaging pin.
64. The latching device of claim 63 wherein the electrical detection of pressure is made on one side of the panel.
65. The latching device of claim 63 wherein the electrical detection of pressure is made on both sides of the panel.
66. A latching system operable in response to a pressure comprising:
a frame structure having a first portion and a second portion;
a panel having a first side and an opposed second side, the panel including a free end and a movably retained second end;
a retaining structure that attaches the movably retained second end to the second portion of the frame structure;
a latching mechanism to retain the panel in a closed position relative to the frame structure, the latching mechanism including a latch body attachable to one of the panel and the frame structure, a portion of the latch body defining a passage;
a bolt carried on the latch body and pivotable about a pivot axis, a portion of the bolt for abutting a portion of the other of the panel and the frame structure;
a resistance mechanism carried on the latch body providing a resistance force to resist separation of the panel relative to the frame structure;
a pressure sensing device operable to detect a pressure and generate a signal;
a pressure responsive device operable upon a detection of pressure;
a controller to receive the signal and operate the pressure responsive device; and
a bolt engaging pin coupled to the pressure responsive device and positioned to extend through the passage of the latching mechanism, the bolt engaging pin being displaceable upon operation of the pressure responsive device between a first position limiting pivotable motion of the bolt and a second position allowing pivotable motion of the bolt.
67. A latching system operable in response to detection of a pressure comprising:
a frame structure having a first portion and a second portion;
a panel having a first side and an opposed second side, the panel including a free end and a movably retained second end;
a retaining structure that attaches the movably retained second end to the second portion of the frame structure;
a latching mechanism to retain the panel in a closed position relative to the frame structure, the latching mechanism including a latch body attachable to one of the panel and the frame structure, a portion of the latch body defining a passage;
a bolt carried on the latch body and pivotable about a pivot axis, a portion of the bolt for abutting a portion of the other of the panel and the frame structure;
a resistance mechanism carried on the latch body providing a resistance force to resist separation of the panel relative to the frame structure;
a pressure sensing device operable to detect a pressure and generate a signal;
a pressure responsive device operable upon a detection of pressure;
a controller to receive the signal and operate the pressure responsive device; and
a bolt engaging pin coupled to the pressure responsive device and positioned to extend through the passage of the latching mechanism, the bolt engaging pin being displaceable upon operation of the pressure responsive device between a first position limiting pivotable motion of the bolt and a second position allowing pivotable motion of the bolt.
68. The latching system of claim 67 including a resistance mechanism providing a resistance force to the bolt to resist separation of the panel relative to the frame structure.