AeroCatch - Industrial: Installation & Operating Instructions
Operating and Installation
Top & Side Mounting Applications
120 Flush Series & 125 Plus Flush Series
Thank you for selecting the AeroCatch. The following instructions are to help you successfully install and use this unique product. The kit contains 2 AeroCatches and stud strikes, all installation fasteners, rubber bump stops and bonnet cut-out template.
Before starting please familiarise yourself with the AeroCatch. If you have the locking version make sure that it is unlocked – this is when the key opening is in line with the main axis of the AeroCatch. Depress the crescent shaped secondary lock button and the handle will pop open by about 10° (the latch mechanism is still securely locked at this point), this is called free travel and allows you to get hold of the handle and open the latch – this action pulls the shear pin clear of the stud strike. To close the latch push the handle down until it engages the secondary lock button.
The preferred AeroCatch mounting is noted below with the narrow end towards the front of the car and either into, or at a slight angle to the airflow.
Top Mounting with the 120 Plus Flush Series and 125 Flush Series AeroCatch
Once you have unpacked your AeroCatch kit you have two options in marking out the panel cut-out. Either use the packaging cut-outs that the latches sit in as a template, or use the dimensions shown on the installation drawings enclosed.
Please note that the cut-outs are different for the two styles. The packaging cut-outs are sized for the 120 Plus Flush Series, if you are using the 125 Flush Series then you will need to draw a line that sits inside the cut-out by 0.4 mm.
Lay the cardboard packaging sheet out flat, you will see two sets of cross hairs on the perimeter of the cut out, these determine the centre of the stud strike for the AeroCatch.
Check that there is sufficient room below the bonnet line and that it is not in an area with an excessive radius (sometimes the effect of the radius can be reduced by angling the AeroCatch relative to the axis of the car). Place the template onto the bonnet with the narrow end facing towards the front of the car. Using a straight edge or similar line up the cross hairs onto the centre of the proposed stud strike position on the bonnet, this will give you the correct position of the AeroCatch cut-out.
Now mark around the cut-out, remove the template and cut as required, if you are fitting the 125 Flush Series remember to draw a line 0.4 mm inside the template. Place the AeroCatch in position and mark the fixing holes. Alternatively use the dimensions on the installation drawings using the position of the stud strike as the datum point.
When setting up the AeroCatch aim to have the stud at right angles to the housing however there is a ± 5° tolerance to allow for any misalignment.
AeroCatch will take up a small radius on the bonnet but you may wish to fare around it with silicone in tighter radius areas. Do not distort the housing when fixing, as this will adversely affect its operation and performance.
The 125 Flush Series is designed to give a flush finish in panels up to 2.5 mm in thickness. When using thinner panels it will be necessary to pack it out accordingly. It is not recommended fixing the latch with countersunk bolts, as the pull through resistance will be low, flange head button screws are provided which have a small protrusion on the bonnet. Alternatively the AeroCatch can be fastened from below the bonnet either with weld studs or by laying up with a suitable composite material for the application.
Side Mounting
This mounting method is unique to the AeroCatch.
The same stud is used as for top mounting but it enters the side of the latch enabling panels to be slid onto the mating structure. The same method is used for marking out as for the top mounted system.
It is important that the stud and AeroCatch axis are at right angles to ensure smooth operation.
Setting up and operation is the same as for top mounting.
Optional Sight Window
The underside of the handle is marked with a suggested cut-out for a sight window that enables you to see that the AeroCatch has engaged the strike stud. This can be drilled and filed out.
Setting up and Operation of AeroCatch
It is important when setting up the AeroCatch to ensure it sits firmly on the rubber bump stops supplied. These are cut to length and slid over the stud strikes. You should install the stud strike to a position such that you need to put a little pressure on the bonnet when closing it so that the load is kept on the bump stops. When setting up the AeroCatch the shear pin needs to engage the slot in the stud, adjust the stud so that the shear pin engages at the top of the slot and slightly compresses the bump stops to ensure a snug fit. The bump stops are supplied 40 mm long and can be cut down as required. Any existing panel stops should be adjusted accordingly.
When adjusting the studs to get the correct fit you can see the engagement of the shear pin in the stud by opening the latch to the free travel position.
Once set up operation of the AeroCatch is simple, push the crescent shaped button, the handle pops up, pull the handle back and the latch opens. The open handle gives a visual indication that the AeroCatch is undone and in many cases can be seen by the driver. To close the latch just push the handle down until it engages with the secondary lock button, an audible click can be heard as it locks.
Retrofit
AeroCatch can be retrofitted onto existing stud strikes, providing they fit into the aperture.
The stud strike that protrudes through the bonnet will need to be lowered approximately 20 mm from its front position. With conventional bonnet pins, and you need to check that there is sufficient clearance below the bonnet line to accommodate the housing. If the existing position does not allow this or is on a radius move the mounting position accordingly. When setting up the AeroCatch aim to have the stud at right angles to the housing however there is a ± 5° tolerance to allow for any misalignment.
Technical Support
We hope these instructions will enable you to successfully install and use AeroCatch.
Should you encounter problems or wish to use it in a different application area please call our technical support on +44 (0)1803 868677 or email us at sales@specialty-fasteners.co.uk
Panel Cut-Out Preparation
AeroCatch 120 Series Plus Flush Dimensions and Panel Cut-Out Preparation
Not to scale
AeroCatch 125 Series Flush Dimensions and Panel Cut-out Preparation
Not to scale
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