Locking mechanism for fall protection

Abstract

A locking mechanism for fall protection. A flip door assembly, including a flip door and an interlocking device that controls whether the flip door can be opened. A worker safety system in one embodiment includes a workbench, a safety barrier, and a flip door assembly. The flip door assembly selectively engages with a key portion of the safety barrier to prevent workers from accessing a limited area. The flip door assembly includes a flip door having a top surface that is substantially flush with the top surface of the workbench when closed and substantially not flush with the top surface of the workbench when opened. The flip door assembly also includes an interlocking device that prevents the flip door from opening when the key portion of the safety barrier is separated from the interlocking device, and allows the flip door to open when the key portion of the safety barrier is engaged with the interlocking device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of manufacturing, and more particularly to reducing the risk of falls during various manufacturing processes. Background Art

[0002] During the assembly of an aircraft fuselage, temporary workbenches are often placed near the exterior of the fuselage to allow personnel to work on the fuselage. In some cases, it is desirable to work on an area of ​​the fuselage that is partially obscured by the workbench (e.g., when the end of the workbench terminates near the exterior of the fuselage). To enable this activity, a flip door is included in the workbench floor near the fuselage that can open a portion of the workbench floor and allow personnel below the platform to access the fuselage, or allow equipment to pass through an opening in the workbench floor.

[0003] However, problems may arise when a worker on the platform accidentally falls from the opened flip door and is injured. It is therefore desirable to reduce the risk of a worker falling when the flip door is opened without using complex safety equipment, portable barriers, etc. Summary of the invention

[0004] A flip door assembly includes a flip door and an interlock device that controls whether the flip door can be opened. The flip door assembly can be integrated into a workbench so that when the workbench is located close to an aircraft fuselage during a manufacturing process, the flip door is opened to allow access to a portion of the fuselage that would be obstructed by the flip door when the flip door is closed. When a key portion of a safety barrier engages the interlock device, the flip door can be opened to allow access to the fuselage. When engaged with the interlock device, the safety barrier isolates a defined area from a worker, thereby preventing the worker from accidentally falling through the opened flip door.

[0005] One embodiment includes a worker safety system including a workbench, a safety barrier, and a flip door assembly. The safety barrier has a key portion. The flip door assembly selectively engages with the key portion of the safety barrier to prevent workers from accessing a defined area. The flip door assembly includes a flip door having a top surface that is substantially flush with the top surface of the workbench when the flip door is closed and substantially non-flush with the top surface of the workbench when the flip door is open. The flip door also includes an interlock that prevents the flip door from opening when the key portion of the safety barrier is disengaged from the interlock, and allows the flip door to open when the key portion of the safety barrier is engaged with the interlock.

[0006] Another embodiment includes a method of operating a worker safety system in a manufacturing environment. The method includes providing a workstation including a flip door and an interlock device that controls opening and closing of the flip door based on whether a key portion of a safety barrier is engaged or disengaged with the interlock device. The method also includes preventing the flip door from opening in response to the key portion of the safety barrier not being engaged with the interlock device. The method also includes engaging the key portion of the safety barrier with the interlock device to prevent the worker from accessing the defined area and opening the flip door.

[0007] Another embodiment includes a worker safety system for use in a manufacturing environment. The worker safety system includes a workbench having a flip door and an interlock for the flip door and a safety barrier. The safety barrier has a key portion that prevents access to a defined area when the key portion is engaged with the interlock. The interlock allows the flip door to open when the key portion is engaged with the interlock, and prevents the flip door from opening when the key portion is not engaged with the interlock.

[0008] The discussed features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Some embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the corresponding drawings. The same reference number represents the same element or the same type of element in all drawings.

[0010] Figures 1-3 describe a manufacturing environment in the prior art;

[0011] Figure 4-9 A manufacturing environment in an illustrative embodiment is described;

[0012] Fig. 10A is an isometric view of a safety barrier in an illustrative embodiment;

[0013] Fig. 10B is an isometric view of a flip door assembly in an illustrative embodiment;

[0014] Fig. 10C In the illustrative embodiment Fig. 10A Safety barriers and Fig. 10B An isometric view of both flip door assemblies;

[0015] Figure 11-14 In the illustrative embodiment Fig. 10A An isometric view of a portion of a flip door assembly;

[0016] Fig.15 is a flow chart of a method of operating a flip door assembly in an illustrative embodiment;

[0017] Figure 16-17 is described in an illustrative embodiment Fig.15 A flowchart of additional details of the method;

[0018] Fig.18 is a block diagram of a manufacturing environment in an illustrative embodiment;

[0019] Fig.19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing and using an aircraft in an illustrative embodiment;

[0020] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of an aircraft in an illustrative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The accompanying drawings and the following description illustrate specific exemplary embodiments. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to design various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles described herein and are included within the intended scope of the appended claims. In addition, any examples described herein are intended to aid in understanding the principles of the present disclosure and are to be interpreted as not limiting. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments or examples described below, but is provided by the claims and their equivalents.

[0022] 1-3 depict a manufacturing environment 100 of the prior art. In some embodiments, the environment 100 may include an aircraft manufacturing environment. However, in different embodiments, the environment 100 may include other types of environments. The environment 100 includes a lift platform 102 for assembling and / or performing assembly processes on a fuselage 104. In FIGS. 1-3 , the fuselage 104 is supported by a fixture 106 on a shop floor 108 during the assembly process, and the lift platform 102 is located near an outer surface 110 of the fuselage 104 to allow workers to perform assembly and / or manufacturing processes on the fuselage 104. The lift platform 102 is raised and supported above the shop floor 108 using one or more vertical supports 112. In order to access a portion 114 of the fuselage 104, the lift platform 102 includes a door 116 rotatably connected to the lift platform 102 using one or more hinges 118. When the door 116 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1 , the top surface 120 of the door 116 substantially coincides with the walking surface 122 of the lifting platform 102 , thereby allowing a worker to walk on both the walking surface 122 and the top surface 120 of the door 116 to access the fuselage 104 .

[0023] When the door 116 is rotated to an open position in the direction of arrow 202 (see FIG. 2 ), the top surface 120 of the door 116 forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the walking surface 122 of the lifting platform 102 , thereby exposing an opening 204 between the outer surface 110 of the fuselage 104 and the end 206 of the lifting platform 102 adjacent to the fuselage 104 .

[0024] The door 116 in the open position may allow a worker 302 to work below the riser platform 102 and access the portion 114 of the fuselage 104 during an assembly and / or manufacturing process performed on the fuselage 104 (see FIG. 3 ). For example, the mobile platform 304 may be moved to a position below the door 116, and the worker 302 utilizes the mobile platform 304 to access the door 116 and lift the door 116 to the open position shown in FIG. 3 . This may pose a risk of falling to the worker 306 who is working on the riser platform 102, particularly when the height 308 of the door 116 between the walking surface 122 of the riser platform 102 and the end 310 of the door 116 is low. In particular, the height 308 of the door 116 may be below the minimum safety standards for appropriate locations within the environment 100, or the structural integrity of the door 116 may be insufficient to act as a barrier.

[0025] In the embodiments described herein, a flip door assembly is described that uses an interlock device to prevent its flip door from opening unless a safety barrier is engaged with the interlock device. With the safety barrier in place and engaged with the interlock device, the flip door can be opened. The safety barrier so engaged prevents workers from accessing a defined area, and once the flip door has been opened, the safety barrier cannot be removed from the interlock device, thereby preventing accidental removal of the safety barrier while the flip door remains open. Once the flip door is closed, the safety barrier can be removed from the safety device to allow workers to access the defined area. This will reduce the potential risk of falling for workers operating on a workbench using the flip door.

[0026] Figure 4-9 A manufacturing environment 400 in an illustrative embodiment is depicted. In some embodiments, environment 400 may include an aircraft manufacturing environment. However, in different embodiments, environment 400 may include other types of environments.

[0027] In this embodiment, environment 400 includes worker safety system 401 proximate fuselage 104 and used by workers to assemble and / or perform assembly processes on fuselage 104. Worker safety system 401 in this embodiment includes work station 402, flip door assembly 406, and safety barrier 418.

[0028] The workbench 402 is located near the outer surface 110 of the fuselage 104 to allow a worker to perform assembly and / or manufacturing processes on a portion 114 of the fuselage 104 near the end 403 of the workbench 402. The workbench 402 is raised and supported above the workshop floor 108 using one or more vertical brackets 112. In order to access the portion 114 of the fuselage 104, the workbench 402 includes a flip door assembly 406. The flip door assembly 406 includes a flip door 408 and an interlock 410, which in some embodiments is completely mechanical in design and does not rely on electromechanical components, thereby simplifying its design and use. In such embodiments, the flip door assembly 406 is near the end 403 of the workbench 402, although in other embodiments, the flip door assembly 406 may be located at different locations along the workbench 402.

[0029] In this embodiment, the flip door assembly 406 includes one or more rotating members 412 that allow the flip door 402 to rotate in the direction of arrow 414 when certain conditions are met. In particular, the interlock 410 of the flip door assembly 406 prevents the flip door 408 from pivoting in the direction of arrow 414 at the rotating members 412 to an open position unless a key portion 416 on the safety barrier 418 engages the interlock 410 of the flip door assembly 406.

[0030] When the flip door 408 is in Figure 4 In the closed position shown, the top surface 420 of the flip door 408 is substantially aligned with the top surface 422 of the workbench 402 , thereby allowing a worker to walk on both the top surface 422 of the workbench 402 and the top surface 420 of the flip door 408 to access the fuselage 104 . Figure 4 Also illustrated is a bottom surface 424 of the workbench 402 opposite the top surface 422 of the workbench 402 .

[0031] To open the flip door 408, the safety barrier 418 is moved along the direction of arrow 502 (see Figure 5 ) to allow the key portion 416 ( Figure 5 (not shown) engages with the interlocking device 410 of the flip door assembly 406. Figure 5 As shown, when the safety barrier 418 is in place, personnel at the workstation 402 are prevented from accessing the defined area 504 that exists around the flip door 408. In this embodiment, the defined area 504 is located between the safety barrier 418 and the fuselage 104. With the safety barrier 418 in place and the key portion 416 engaged with the interlock 410, the flip door 408 is no longer locked in place. Figure 5 The closed position shown in FIG. 4 is released by the interlock device so as to rotate in the direction of arrow 414 to the position shown in FIG. Figure 6When the flip door 408 is open, an opening 612 is formed between the flip door 408 and the outer surface 110 of the fuselage 104 .

[0032] In the flip door 408 Figure 6 In the open position shown, it is apparent that the height 602 between the top surface 422 of the workbench 402 and the end 604 of the safety barrier 418 in this embodiment is greater than the height 606 between the top surface 422 of the workbench 402 and the end 610 of the flip door 408. This provides a greater safety measure for the worker than if only the height 606 of the flip door 408 existed, thereby reducing the risk of a worker on the workbench 402 falling when the flip door 408 is open.

[0033] In the safety barrier 418 Figure 5-6 In the in-place position shown, the flip door 408 is in the Figure 5 The closed position shown and Figure 6 Although the flip door 408 has been shown in the open position with the end 610 of the flip door 408 above the top surface 422 of the workbench 402, other embodiments may allow the flip door 408 to be opened in the opposite direction, with the end 610 of the flip door 408 below the bottom surface 424 of the workbench 402. Therefore, the open position of the flip door 408 is not limited to being in the open position. Figure 6 Specific orientation in the description.

[0034] When the flip door 408 is in Figure 7 In the open position shown, the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 is locked to the interlock device 410 and cannot be removed from its current position (e.g., preventing the safety barrier 418 from moving in the direction of arrow 702). Specifically, the interlock device 410 engages with the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 and locks it in place, thereby preventing the safety barrier 418 from being removed from the workbench 402. This ensures that the safety barrier remains in place to prevent a worker from accidentally falling through the flip door 408 when the flip door 408 is open.

[0035] To remove the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 from the interlock 410, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the flip door 408 is first closed (eg, the flip door 408 moves in the direction of arrow 802), and the interlock 410 releases the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418, thereby allowing the safety barrier 418 to move away from its position adjacent to the flip door 408, as shown. Fig. 9 As shown (for example, the safety barrier 418 can move in the direction of arrow 702, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9408). With the safety barrier 418 removed and the flip door 408 closed, the previously inaccessible defined area 504 blocked by the safety barrier 418 is now accessible to a worker operating on the workbench 402. For example, with the safety barrier 418 removed, a worker can freely operate on both the top surface 422 of the workbench 402 and the top surface 420 of the flip door 408. In general, the safety barrier 418 can have any shape desired to prevent a worker on the workbench 402 from falling through the opening 612 formed when the flip door 408 is opened (see FIG. 40). Figure 6 ). Thus, depending on the location of the flip door 408 on the workbench 402, the safety barrier 418 can have a complex shape. If the flip door 408 is close to the end 403 of the workbench 402, the safety barrier 418 can be a simple flat door that isolates the workers on the workbench 402 from the defined area 504. If the flip door 408 is more centrally located on the workbench 402, the safety barrier 418 can include multiple sides that form a volume-defined area around the flip door 408 that is inaccessible to the workers on the workbench 402 as long as the safety barrier 418 is in place.

[0036] Fig. 10A 4 is an isometric view of an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the safety barrier 418 has a bottom 1002 having legs 1003, each leg including a key portion 416, and a top 1004 extending from the interlock 410 when the key portion 416 is inserted into the interlock 410 of the flip door assembly 406. Fig. 10A The specific structure of the safety barrier 418 in FIG. 4 is shown for discussion purposes only. In this view, the leg 1003 - 1 includes a key portion 416 - 1 close to the bottom 1002 , and the leg 1003 - 2 includes a key portion 416 - 2 close to the bottom 1002 of the safety barrier 418 .

[0037] Fig. 10B 4 is an isometric view of an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the flip door 408 of the flip door assembly 406 has a particular size and shape, although the flip door may have other dimensions in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the flip door assembly 406 includes two sockets 1006, and the sockets 1006 include openings 1008, and the openings 1008 are sized to receive the key portion 416-1 and the key portion 416-2 of the safety barrier 418 (see Fig. 10A ). Specifically, the socket 1006-1 includes an opening 1008-1, and the socket 1006-2 includes an opening 1008-2.

[0038] Fig. 10BIt is also illustrated that the flip door 408 is rotatably mounted to the member 1010 using a rotating member 412-1 and a rotating member 412-2. In this embodiment, the rotating member 412-1 and the rotating member 412-2 are illustrated as hinges. The rotating member 412-1 is adjacent to the socket 1006-1, and the rotating member 412-2 is adjacent to the socket 1006-2.

[0039] In some embodiments, member 1010 may be part of workbench 402 proximate end 403 , while in other embodiments, member 1010 is attached to workbench 402 at end 403 .

[0040] Although two receptacles 1006 and openings 1008 are shown in this embodiment of the flip door assembly 406, other embodiments may include additional receptacles and openings as a design choice based on the design of the safety barrier 418. In some embodiments, each receptacle 1006 may include its own interlock 410, while in other embodiments, a subset of the total number of receptacles 1006 may include an interlock 410. Fig. 10B In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the receptacle 1006-1 includes an interlock 410 (not shown), while the receptacle 1006-2 does not include an interlock 410. However, which receptacle 1006 includes its own interlock 410 is a matter of design choice.

[0041] In this embodiment, the opening 1008 is sized to allow the key portion 416-1 and the key portion 416-2 of the security barrier 418 to engage with the socket 1006. Specifically, the key portion 416-1 of the security barrier 418 engages with the socket 1006-1, and the key portion 416-2 of the security barrier 418 engages with the socket 1006-2. FIG. 10C is an illustrative embodiment of Fig. 10A The safety barrier 418 and Fig. 10B An isometric view of the receptacle 1006 of the flip door assembly 406 is depicted as being engaged. Fig. 10C As shown, when the safety barrier 418 is engaged with the flip door assembly 406, the legs 1003 extend from the member 1010, thereby allowing the safety barrier 418 to prevent personnel from Fig. 10C Enter from the left side to reach the flip door 408.

[0042] Figure 11-14 In the illustrative embodiment, Fig. 10C An isometric view of a portion of the flip door assembly 406 taken along section line 11-11. Specifically, Figure 11-14 Component 1010 is not included and has been removed to allow easier viewing of interlock 410 .

[0043] exist Figure 11-14In the illustrated embodiment, the interlock device 410 includes a first member 1102 proximate to the socket 1106-1, a second member 1104 proximate to the first member 1102, a third member 1106 secured to the flip door 408, and a fourth member 1108 connecting the second member 1104 and the third member 1106 together. The first member 1102 in this view includes a cutout 1110 in an outer edge 1120 of the first member 1102 proximate to the socket 1006-1. The cutout 1110 engages with the key portion 416-1 of the leg 1003-1 of the safety barrier 418, and the fourth member 1108 is connected to the flip door 408. Fig.11 , the key portion 416-1 is not engaged with the socket 1006-1. When the key portion 416-1 is not engaged with the socket 1006-1 (e.g., the key portion 416-1 is not inserted into the opening 1008-1 of the socket 1006-1), the flip door 408 is prevented from opening in the direction of arrow 1116 due to the selective interference between the first member 1102 and the second member 1104. Specifically, in an attempt to open the flip door 408 to allow the fourth member 1108 to transfer the rotation of the third member 1106 to the second member 1104, the second member 1104 is prevented from rotating when the outer edge 1120 of the first member 1102 is positioned in the cutout 1114 of the outer edge 1122 of the second member 1104. Fig.11 In the embodiment, the first member 1102 selectively interferes with the rotation of the second member 1104. The first member 1102 can be biased to Fig.11 In some embodiments, this may be referred to as being positioned in the first position. Fig.11 In the closed position shown, the second member 1104 can also be considered to be disposed in the first position. Fig.11 The structure depicted in FIG. 1 is represented as a first position of both the first member 1102 and the second member 1104. In this structure, the first member 1102 prevents the second member 1104 from rotating in the direction of arrow 1118, which prevents the flip door 408 from opening in the direction of arrow 1116.

[0044] exist Fig.12 1, key portion 416-1 is inserted into opening 1008-1 of socket 1006-1 in the direction of arrow 1202, which causes first member 1102 to rotate along arrow 1204 because cutout 1110 of first member 1102 engages key portion 416-1 of leg 1003-1 of safety barrier 418. Fig.12 When the first member 1102 is in the position shown, it can be said that the first member 1102 is disposed in the second position. Fig.11 The first member 1102 is described as being placed in a first position, and Fig.12The first member 1102 is depicted as being disposed in a second position, wherein the first position and the second position of the first member differ in whether the key portion 416-1 of the safety barrier 418 engages with the cutout 1110 of the first member 1102. For example, if the leg 1003-1 of the safety barrier 418 is moved in the direction of arrow 1206, the key portion 416-1 engages with the cutout 1110 of the first member 1102 and rotates the first member 1102 in the direction of arrow 1208, thereby moving the outer edge 1120 of the first member 1102 into the cutout 1114 of the second member 1104.

[0045] In the first component 1102 Fig.12 In the second position shown, when the outer edge 1122 of the second member 1104 rotates into the cutout 1112 of the first member 1102, the second member 1104 moves in the direction of arrow 1116 to open or in the direction of arrow 1210 to close, depending on whether the flip door 408 moves in the direction of arrow 1116 to open or in the direction of arrow 1210 to close. Fig.12 The first member 1102 is free to rotate in the direction of arrows 1118 and 1119 as shown. Therefore, the first member 1102 no longer selectively interferes with the second member. Fig.13 As shown in the open state, the third member 1106 uses the fourth member 1108 to pivot the second member 1104 in the direction of arrow 1118. Fig.13 , the second member 1104 is considered to be in the second position. Therefore, Fig.12 The second member 1104 is described as being in a first position, and Fig.13 The second member 1104 is depicted in the second position. Fig.13 The open position described in the Fig.12 When in the closed position described in , the second member 1104 rotates in the direction of arrow 1119.

[0046] In the first component 1102 and the second component 1104 are Fig.14 In the second position shown, the key portion 416-1 of the leg 1003-1 of the safety barrier 418 cannot be removed from the opening 1008-1 of the socket 1006-1 because the cutout 1110 of the first member 1102 engages with the key portion 416-1, and if the leg 1003-1 of the safety barrier 418 moves in the direction of arrow 1206, the first member 1102 and the second member 1104 interfere with each other. Specifically, the cutout 1112 of the first member 1102 engages with the outer edge 1122 of the second member 1104 and cannot rotate in the direction of arrow 1208. This prevents the key portion 416-1 of the safety barrier 418 from being removed from the interlock device 410 when the flip door 408 is opened. Fig.12Flip door 408 is shown closed allowing key portion 416-1 of security barrier 418 to be removed from receptacle 1006-1 (eg, key portion 416-1 of leg 1003-1 of security barrier 418 is removed from opening 1008-1 of receptacle 1006-1 as security barrier 418 moves in the direction of arrow 1206).

[0047] Although Figure 11-14 The specific sizes, orientations, and relationships between the first member 1102, the second member 1104, the third member 1106, and the fourth member 1108 of the interlocking device 410 are described, but the interlocking device is not limited to such specific sizes, orientations, and relationships of the components. Those skilled in the art or ordinary skill will recognize that the functions described herein for the interlocking device 410 can be implemented in a variety of different ways.

[0048] Fig.15 FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a method 1500 of operating a flip door assembly in an illustrative embodiment, and FIGS. 16-17 describe additional details of the method 1500 in an illustrative embodiment. Figure 4-14 Method 1500 is described with reference to the flip door assembly 406, but method 1500 may be performed by other systems not shown. Method 1500 may include other steps, not shown. Further, the steps of method 1500 may be performed in an alternative order.

[0049] Step 1502 (see Fig.15 ) includes providing a workbench 402, the workbench 402 including a flip table and a key portion 416 based on a safety barrier 418 is connected to an interlocking device 410 (see Figure 4 ) is engaged or disengaged to control the interlock device 410 of the flip door 408 to open and close. Step 1504 includes preventing the flip door 408 from opening in response to the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 not being engaged with the interlock device 410 (see Figure 4 , preventing the flip door 408 from opening in the direction of arrow 414). Fig.11 For example, when the key portion 416-1 is not engaged with the interlock 410, the first member 1102 and the second member 1104 are both in the first position. When both are in the first position, the selective interference between the cutout 1114 of the second member 1104 and the outer edge 1120 of the first member 1102 prevents the second member 1104 from rotating in the direction of arrow 1118, thereby preventing the flip door 408 from opening.

[0050] Step 1506 includes engaging the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 with the interlock 410 to prevent personnel from accessing the defined area 504 (see FIG. Figure 5 ).about Fig.12For example, when the key portion 416 - 1 engages with the cutout 1110 of the first member 1102 , the first member 1102 rotates in the direction of arrow 1204 to eliminate interference previously generated between the cutout 1114 of the second member 1104 and the outer edge 1120 of the first member 1102 .

[0051] Step 1508 includes opening the flip door 408, such as Figure 6 When the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 is engaged with the interlock device 410, the flip door 408 is free to open in the direction of arrow 414. Fig.13 For example, opening the flip door 408 causes the third member 1106 to pivot, and the third member 1106 uses the fourth member 1108 to rotate the second member 1104 in the direction of arrow 1118. The outer edge 1122 of the second member 1104 rotates freely into the cutout 1112 of the first member 1102.

[0052] Step 1602 includes preventing the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 from separating from the interlock 410 in response to the flip door 408 opening. Figure 7 , which illustrates that the safety barrier 418 cannot move in the direction of arrow 702 while the flip door 408 is open. Fig.14 For example, when the flip door 408 is open, attempting to remove the safety barrier 418 from the flip door assembly 406 will cause the key portion 416-1 of the leg 1003-1 to attempt to rotate the first member 1102 in the direction of arrow 1208, which will be prevented by the interference between the first member 1102 and the second member 1104. Specifically, the cutout 1112 of the first member 1102 engages the outer edge 1122 of the second member 1104, thereby preventing the first member 1102 from rotating in the direction of arrow 1208. This will ensure that the leg 1003-1 of the safety barrier 418 cannot be removed from the interlock device 410 when the flip door 408 is open.

[0053] Step 1702 includes closing the flip door, such as Figure 8 Allowing the flip door 408 to move in the direction of arrow 802 Figure 8 The closed position is shown because the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 remains engaged with the interlock 410. Fig.12, for example, closing the flip door 408 in the direction of arrow 1210 causes the third member 1106 to pivot, which is converted by the fourth member 1108 into a rotation of the second member 1104 in the direction of arrow 1119. When the second member 1104 rotates in the direction of arrow 1119, the interference between the cutout 1112 of the first member 1102 and the outer edge 1122 of the second member 1104 is eliminated. Step 1704 includes removing the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 from the interlock device 410 to allow personnel to access the defined area 504. Fig. 9 The safety barrier 418 is depicted as being moved in the direction of arrow 702 while the flip door 408 is closed to separate the key portion 416 from the interlock 410. Fig.12 For example, moving the leg 1003-1 of the safety barrier 418 in the direction of arrow 1206 causes the first member 1102 to rotate in the direction of arrow 1208, causing the outer edge 1120 of the first member 1102 to pivot into the cutout 1114 of the second member 1104 to become Fig.11 In the described orientation, this will prevent the flip door 408 from being opened.

[0054] Fig.18 1 is a block diagram of a manufacturing environment 400 in an illustrative embodiment. In this embodiment, the environment 400 includes a worker safety system 401 and a fuselage 104 of an aircraft 1802. The worker safety system 401 includes a work station 402, which includes a flip door 408 and an interlock 410 for the flip door 408. The worker safety system 401 also includes a safety barrier 418 having a key portion 416 that prevents access to a defined area 504 of the worker safety system 401 when the key portion 416 is engaged with the interlock 410. The interlock 410 allows the flip door 408 to move to the open position 1804 when the key portion 416 is engaged with the interlock 410, and prevents the flip door 408 from moving to the open position 1804 when the key portion 416 is not engaged with the interlock 410.

[0055] In some embodiments, the flip door 408 is proximate to the end 403 of the workbench 402. When the flip door 408 is in the open position 1804 and the key portion 416 is engaged with the interlock 410, the interlock 410 prevents the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 from being separated from the interlock 410.

[0056] In some embodiments, the end 403 of the workbench 402 is close to the fuselage 104. Specifically, the end 403 may be close to the portion 114 of the fuselage 104.

[0057] In some embodiments, the interlock device 410 includes a socket 1006 that selectively engages with the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 and a first member 1102. The first member 1102 is proximate to the socket 1006 and is oriented in a first position 1808 when the key portion 416 of the safety barrier 418 is not engaged with the socket 1006, and is oriented in a second position 1810 when the key portion 416 is engaged with the socket 1006. In such embodiments, the interlock device 410 includes a second member 1104 proximate to the first member 1102. The second member 1104 is oriented in a first position 1812 when the flip door 408 is in the closed position 1806, and the second member 1104 is oriented in a second position 1814 when the flip door 408 is in the open position 1804.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the first member 1102 is oriented in the second position 1810, the selective interference between the first member 1102 and the second member 1104 allows the second member 1104 to transition between the first position 1812 and the second position 1814, and when the first member 1102 is oriented in the first position 1808, the selective interference prevents the second member 1104 from transitioning between the first position 1812 and the second position 1814.

[0059] In one embodiment, the interlock device 410 further includes a third member 1106 fixed to the flip door 408 and a fourth member 1108 coupling the third member 1106 to the second member 1104. When the flip door 408 moves from the closed position 1806 to the open position 1804, the fourth member 1108 transitions the second member 1104 from the first position 1812 to the second position 1814, and when the flip door 408 moves from the open position 1804 to the closed position 1806, the fourth member 1108 transitions the second member 1104 from the second position 1814 to the first position 1812.

[0060] In one embodiment, selective interference between the first member 1102 and the second member 1104 prevents the key portion 416 of the security barrier 418 from being removed from the socket 1006 when the second member 1104 is oriented in the second position 1814 .

[0061] In one embodiment, the first member 1102 includes a cutout 1110 proximate the receptacle 1006. The cutout 1110 engages with the key portion 416 of the security barrier 418 to transition the first member 1102 between the first position 1808 and the second position 1810.

[0062] In some embodiments, the flip door 408 in the open position 1804 allows access to the portion 114 of the fuselage 104 of the aircraft 1802 that was obstructed by the flip door 408 when the flip door 408 was in the closed position 1806 .

[0063] In one embodiment, the interlock device 410 and the flip door 408 may be collectively referred to as a flip door assembly 406 .

[0064] In such Fig.19 Aircraft manufacturing and use method 1900 and as shown Fig. 20 Embodiments of the present disclosure can be described in the context of the illustrated aircraft 2000. During pre-production, exemplary method 1900 may include specification and design 1902 of aircraft 2000, and material procurement 1904. During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 1906 and system integration 1908 of aircraft 2000 occurs. Thereafter, aircraft 2000 is certified and delivered 1910 for entry into service 1912. While in service with a customer, aircraft 2000 is scheduled for routine maintenance and repair 1914 (which may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc.).

[0065] Each process of method 1900 may be performed or completed by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the convenience of this description, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of sellers, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, and the like.

[0066] like Fig. 20 As shown, an aircraft 2000 produced by exemplary method 1900 may include an airframe 2002 having a plurality of systems 2004 and an interior 2006. Examples of high-level systems 2004 include one or more propulsion systems 2008, electrical systems 2010, hydraulic systems 2012, and environmental systems 2014. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles described in this specification may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

[0067] Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be applied between any one or more stages of production and use method 1900. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to process 1906 may be assembled or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft 2000 is in service. In addition, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be used between component and subassembly manufacturing 1906 and system integration 1908, for example, by substantially speeding up assembly of aircraft 2000 or reducing the cost of aircraft 2000. Similarly, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be used while aircraft 2000 is in service, such as, but not limited to, maintenance and repair 1914.

[0068] Any of the various elements shown in the figure or described herein can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware or some combination of these.For example, an element can be implemented as special hardware.Special hardware elements can be referred to as "processor", "controller" or some similar terms.When provided by a processor, the function can be provided by a single special processor, a single shared processor or a plurality of separate processors, some of which can be shared.In addition, the explicit use of the term "processor" or "controller" should not be interpreted as referring only to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include but is not limited to digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other circuits, field programmable gate array (FPGA), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory, logic or other physical hardware components or modules for storing software.

[0069] In addition, the elements can be implemented as instructions that can be executed by a processor or computer to perform the functions of the elements. Some examples of instructions are software, program code, and firmware. When the processor executes the instructions to instruct the processor to perform the functions of the elements, these instructions are operable. The instructions can be stored on a storage device readable by the processor. Some examples of storage devices are digital or solid-state memory, magnetic storage media such as disks and tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media.

[0070] Clause 1. A worker safety system, comprising: a workbench; a safety barrier having a key portion; and a flip door assembly configured to selectively engage with the key portion of the safety barrier to prevent workers from accessing a defined area, the flip door assembly comprising: a flip door having a top surface that is substantially flush with the top surface of the workbench when closed and substantially not flush with the top surface of the workbench when open; and an interlock device configured to prevent the flip door from opening when the key portion of the safety barrier is separated from the interlock device and to allow the flip door to open when the key portion of the safety barrier is engaged with the interlock device.

[0071] Clause 2. The worker safety system of clause 1, wherein the defined area is proximate one end of the workbench.

[0072] Clause 3. The worker safety system of clause 1, wherein the interlock is configured to prevent the key portion of the safety barrier from separating from the interlock when the flip door is opened.

[0073] Clause 4. A staff safety system according to Clause 1, wherein the interlock device includes: a socket configured to selectively engage with a key portion of a safety barrier; a first member proximate to the socket and configured to be disposed in a first position in response to the key portion of the safety barrier not engaging with the socket and to be disposed in a second position in response to the key portion of the safety barrier engaging with the socket; and a second member proximate to the first member and configured to be disposed in a first position in response to the flip door being closed and to be disposed in a second position in response to the flip door being opened, wherein in response to the first member being disposed in the second position, selective interference between the first member and the second member allows the second member to transition between the first position and the second position, and in response to the first member returning to the first position, selective interference between the first member and the second member prevents the second member from transitioning between the first position and the second position.

[0074] Clause 5. A staff safety system according to Clause 4, wherein the interlock device includes: a third component fixed to the flip door; and a fourth component connecting the third component to the second component, wherein the fourth component is configured to change the second component from a first position to a second position in response to the flip door changing from closed to open, and to change the second component from the second position to the first position in response to the flip door changing from open to closed.

[0075] Clause 6. The worker safety system of clause 4, wherein: in response to the second member being positioned in the second position, selective interference between the first member and the second member prevents the key portion of the safety barrier from being removed from the socket.

[0076] Clause 7. The worker safety system of clause 6, wherein the first member includes a cutout proximate the socket that engages a key portion of the safety barrier to transition the first member between the first position and the second position.

[0077] Clause 8. A method for operating a worker safety system in a manufacturing environment, the method comprising: providing a workbench, the workbench including a flip door and an interlock device, the interlock device controlling the opening and closing of the flip door based on whether a key portion of a safety barrier is engaged or disengaged with the interlock device; preventing the flip door from opening in response to the key portion of the safety barrier not being engaged with the interlock device; engaging the key portion of the safety barrier with the interlock device to prevent workers from accessing a defined area; and opening the flip door.

[0078] Clause 9. The method of clause 8, further comprising: in response to the flip door opening, preventing the key portion of the security barrier from separating from the interlock device.

[0079] Clause 10. The method of clause 8, further comprising closing the flip door; and removing a key portion of the safety barrier from the interlock device to allow personnel to access the defined area.

[0080] Clause 11. The method of clause 8, wherein the defined area is proximate an end of a workbench.

[0081] Clause 12. The method of Clause 11, wherein the manufacturing environment comprises an aircraft manufacturing environment, and opening the flip door allows access to a portion of an aircraft fuselage that is obscured by the flip door when the flip door is closed.

[0082] Item 13. A worker safety system for a manufacturing environment, the worker safety system comprising a workbench, the workbench including a flip door and an interlock device for the flip door; and a safety barrier, the safety barrier having a key portion, which prevents access to a defined area when the key portion is engaged with the interlock device, wherein the interlock device allows the flip door to open when the key portion is engaged with the interlock device, and the interlock device prevents the flip door from opening when the key portion is not engaged with the interlock device.

[0083] Clause 14. The worker safety system of Clause 13, wherein the flip door is proximate an end of the workbench.

[0084] Clause 15. The worker safety system of Clause 13, wherein the interlock prevents the key portion of the security barrier from separating from the interlock when the flap door is opened.

[0085] Clause 16. A staff safety system according to Clause 13, wherein the interlock device includes: a socket that selectively engages with a key portion of the safety barrier; a first member proximate to the socket, the first member being oriented in a first position when the key portion of the safety barrier is not engaged with the socket, and the first member being oriented in a second position when the key portion of the safety barrier is engaged with the socket; and a second member, which is proximate to the first member and is oriented in a first position when the flip door is closed and in a second position when the flip door is open, wherein selective interference between the first member and the second member allows the second member to transition between the first position and the second position when the first member is oriented in the second position, and the selective interference prevents the second member from transitioning between the first position and the second position when the first member is oriented in the first position.

[0086] Clause 17. A worker safety system according to Clause 16, wherein the interlock device includes a third member fixed to the flip door; and a fourth member connecting the third member to the second member, which causes the second member to transition from a first position to a second position when the flip door is opened and transitions the second member from the second position to the first position when the flip door is closed.

[0087] Clause 18. The worker safety system of Clause 16, wherein selective interference between the first member and the second member prevents removal of the key portion of the safety barrier from the socket when the second member is oriented in the second position.

[0088] Clause 19. The worker safety system of Clause 18, wherein the first member includes a cutout proximate the socket that engages a keyed portion of the safety barrier to transition the first member between the first position and the second position.

[0089] Clause 20. The worker safety system of Clause 18, wherein the manufacturing environment comprises an aircraft manufacturing environment, and opening the flap allows access to a portion of an aircraft fuselage that is obscured by the flap when the flap is closed.

[0090] Although specific embodiments are described herein, the scope is not limited to those specific embodiments. Rather, the scope is defined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A worker safety system comprising: Workbench; A security barrier having a key portion; as well as A flip door assembly configured to selectively engage with the key portion of the safety barrier to prevent personnel from accessing a defined area, the flip door assembly comprising: a flip door having a top surface that is flush with the top surface of the workbench when closed and is not flush with the top surface of the workbench when opened; and an interlock device configured to prevent the flip door from opening when the key portion of the safety barrier is disengaged from the interlock device and to allow the flip door to open when the key portion of the safety barrier is engaged with the interlock device, wherein the interlock device comprises: a socket configured to selectively engage the key portion of the security barrier; a first member proximate the socket and configured to be disposed in a first position in response to the key portion of the security barrier not being engaged with the socket and to be disposed in a second position in response to the key portion of the security barrier being engaged with the socket; and a second member proximate to the first member and configured to be disposed in a first position in response to the flip door being closed and in a second position in response to the flip door being opened, wherein, in response to the first member being positioned in the second position, selective interference between the first member and the second member allows the second member to transition between the first position and the second position, and in response to the first member being positioned in the first position, selective interference between the first member and the second member prevents the second member from transitioning between the first position and the second position.

2. The worker safety system of claim 1, wherein: The defined area is adjacent to an end of the workbench.

3. The worker safety system of claim 1, wherein: The interlock is configured to prevent the key portion of the security barrier from being separated from the interlock when the flip door is opened.

4. The worker safety system of claim 1, wherein the interlock device comprises: a third member fixed to the flip door; as well as A fourth member couples the third member to the second member, the fourth member being configured to transition the second member from the first position to the second position in response to transitioning the flip door from closed to open, and to transition the second member from the second position to the first position in response to transitioning the flip door from open to closed.

5. The worker safety system of claim 1, wherein: The selective interference between the first member and the second member prevents the key portion of the security barrier from being removed from the socket in response to the second member being disposed in the second position.

6. The worker safety system of claim 5, wherein: The first member includes a cutout proximate the socket that engages the key portion of the safety barrier to transition the first member between the first position and the second position.

7. A method of operating a worker safety system in a manufacturing environment, the method comprising: providing a workbench including a flip door and an interlock device that controls opening and closing of the flip door based on whether a key portion of a safety barrier is engaged with or disengaged from the interlock device; preventing the flip door from opening in response to the key portion of the security barrier not being engaged with the interlock; engaging the key portion of the safety barrier with the interlock device to prevent personnel from accessing a defined area; as well as Opening the flip door; The interlocking device comprises: a socket configured to selectively engage the key portion of the security barrier; a first member proximate the socket and configured to be disposed in a first position in response to the key portion of the security barrier not being engaged with the socket and to be disposed in a second position in response to the key portion of the security barrier being engaged with the socket; and a second member proximate to the first member and configured to be disposed in a first position in response to the flip door being closed and in a second position in response to the flip door being opened, wherein, in response to the first member being positioned in the second position, selective interference between the first member and the second member allows the second member to transition between the first position and the second position, and in response to the first member being positioned in the first position, selective interference between the first member and the second member prevents the second member from transitioning between the first position and the second position.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: In response to the flip door opening, the key portion of the safety barrier is prevented from being separated from the interlock device.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Closing the flip door; as well as The key portion of the safety barrier is removed from the interlock device to allow the worker to access the defined area.

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