The Boeing Company
SINGLE RELEASE LATCHING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE INDEPENDENTLY LATCHING LATCH ASSEMBLIES

Abstract:

A latching system includes a guide body, and a latch rod slidably retained by the guide body. Latch assemblies fixed to the latch rod, are spaced apart from one another, and independently biased to a latched position. A first rod-biasing spring is coaxial with the latch rod and disposed between the guide body and a first latch assembly. The first rod-biasing spring biases the latch rod to a rest position corresponding with a latched position of the latch assemblies. Multiple catches are secured at a spacing equal to a spacing of the latch assemblies on the latch rod such that the latch assemblies latch to the catches independently of one another. A force on the latch rod against the first rod-biasing spring moves the latch rod along the longitudinal axis of the latch rod from a rest position to an actuated position and unlatches the latch assemblies simultaneously.