Dual operating emergency aisle exit system

Abstract

To provide a door assembly including a dual action slide device for a slide type privacy door associated with a seat unit.SOLUTION: A door assembly includes a sliding door movably mounted to a door support member of a seat unit. The door slides laterally between a retracted position and a deployed or partially deployed position. A dual operation slide device includes a trigger and release mechanism for switching the door assembly from a primary track system used during a normal operation mode to a secondary track system used during a backup operation mode if primary activation becomes jammed or otherwise malfunctions based on manual activation of a release lever or force applied activation. The dual operation slide device enables a user to return the sliding door to the retracted position after a failure of primary slide units to operate in the normal operational mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Background Art

[0001]

[0001] Slide-type privacy doors may sometimes be provided in seats within a vehicle, such as passenger seats within the cabin of an aircraft or other types of passenger transport vehicles. These slide-type privacy doors may include a screen and / or a slide partition that divides one passenger seat from other passenger seats and / or closes the seat access point adjacent to the aisle of the vehicle cabin. These types of privacy doors can typically slide from an open or retracted position to a deployed (closed) position that provides privacy to a passenger sitting in the passenger seat.

Summary of the Invention

[0002]

[0002] The disclosed embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings listed below. The following summary is provided to explain the multiple embodiments disclosed herein. However, it is not intended that all embodiments be limited to any specific configuration or sequence of operations. This summary is not intended to identify the main or essential features of the subject matter of the claims, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in defining the scope of the subject matter of the claims.

[0003]

[0003] Some aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a dual-action slide door assembly for emergency egress. The seat unit includes a door support member and a main track attached to the slide door. The slide door is movable along the main track between a retracted position and at least one deployed position in a normal operating mode via a carriage device at least partially disposed within the main track.

[0004]

[0004] A dual-acting slide device is at least partially located within the door support member. In backup operation mode, the dual-acting slide device automatically releases the carriage device from the immovable carriage station onto a secondary track. The released carriage device is movable along the secondary track to return from the deployed position to the retracted position. The dual-acting slide device includes a carriage release mechanism that triggers the release of the carriage device from the carriage station when a release lever is actuated. The dual-acting slide device also includes an automatic release mechanism that releases the carriage device from the carriage station in response to a force applied to a mechanical fuse assembly. In response to a threshold amount of force applied to the sliding door in the direction of the door support member, the mechanical fuse assembly triggers the release of the carriage device from the carriage station.

[0005]

[0005] The features, functions, and advantages described above may be realized individually in various embodiments or incorporated into yet another embodiment, and further details of such yet another embodiment will be understood by referring to the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1]

[0006] This is an exemplary block diagram showing a seating unit having a dual-acting sliding door assembly. [Figure 2]

[0007] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a top view of the passenger seating arrangement. [Figure 3]

[0008] This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a side view of a passenger seating arrangement, including a seating unit with a sliding door in a fully extended position. [Figure 4]

[0009] This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a side view of a passenger seating arrangement, including a seating unit with a sliding door in a retracted position. [Figure 5]

[0010] This is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a passenger seating arrangement, including a seating unit with a sliding door in a fully retracted position. [Figure 6]

[0011] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a door support member including a dual-acting sliding device. [Figure 7]

[0012] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a door support member including a dual-acting sliding device having a secondary track. [Figure 8]

[0013] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a release lever on a door support member in a non-operating state. [Figure 9]

[0014] This block diagram shows a dual-acting slide device 120, including a mechanical fuse assembly and a carriage lock assembly. [Figure 10]

[0015] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a release lever associated with a dual-action slide device in the operating state. [Figure 11]

[0016] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a dual-action slide device in normal operating mode. [Figure 12]

[0017] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a dual-acting slide device having a release lever that is activated to induce a backup operating mode. [Figure 13]

[0018] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a dual-acting slide device with an unfolded slide ejection assembly. [Figure 14]

[0019] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a mechanical fuse assembly for a dual-acting slide device in normal operating mode. [Figure 15]

[0020] This is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a mechanical fuse assembly that releases the carriage device to the backup operating mode of a dual-acting slide device. [Figure 16]

[0021] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the activation with force applied in the backup operation mode of a double-acting slide device. [Figure 17]

[0022] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a double-acting slide device having a lock-up failure in the main track. [Figure 18]

[0023] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a double-acting slide device switching from the normal operation mode to the backup operation mode. [Figure 19]

[0024] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a double-acting slide device including a mechanical fuse assembly having a tapered housing. [Figure 20]

[0025] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a carriage device having a set of T-sliders. [Figure 21]

[0026] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a mechanical fuse assembly associated with a double-acting slide device. [Figure 22]

[0027] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a set of tracks associated with a double-acting slide device. [Figure 23]

[0028] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a secondary track engaging a T-slider in the backup operation mode. [Figure 24]

[0029] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a bottom view of a T-slider engaging a secondary track. [Figure 25]

[0030] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a part of a secondary track. [Figure 26]

[0031] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a carriage lock assembly having a pivot roller sub-assembly. [Figure 27]

[0032] It is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a bottom view of a carriage lock assembly induced through a release lever. [Figure 28]

[0033] This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating the operation of a dual-acting sliding device for switching a sliding door from its normal operating mode to its backup operating mode. [Figure 29]

[0034] This is a schematic perspective view of a specific flight module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007]

[0035] Corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts throughout the drawing.

[0008]

[0036] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. References to specific embodiments made throughout this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit all embodiments unless the opposite is suggested.

[0009]

[0037] The above summary, as well as the following detailed descriptions of specific embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the singular elements or steps following “a” or “an” as used herein do not necessarily exclude multiple such elements or steps. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of further embodiments that also incorporate the features mentioned. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, multiple embodiments that “include” or “have” one or more elements having a particular property may include further elements that do not have that property.

[0010]

[0038] Door assemblies associated with seating units used within the cabin of a vehicle, including privacy doors or other types of sliding screens or partitions within the cabin of an aircraft or other vehicle, may become inoperable due to damage, improper use, maintenance issues, track blockage, or other problems. If a door becomes inoperable in the extended position, the user may be unable to move the door back to its retracted position. Such an immobile door may obstruct the passenger's path, hinder the movement of passengers and crew, or otherwise obstruct their escape from the vehicle. While it may be possible to manually remove a blocked door or, if the privacy door is not very high, to step over it, these solutions are cumbersome, inconvenient, and potentially an obstacle for the user. Furthermore, manually disassembling or forcibly moving a door may further damage the seating unit and / or cause the door to fall into the aisle or other space between seats, hindering the free movement of passengers within the vehicle's cabin.

[0011]

[0039] In some cases, flexible panels or removable doors may be used. However, if the backup operating mode is accidentally activated in such a system, passenger privacy features may be lost during the journey, requiring extensive and time-consuming maintenance for a reset, and / or becoming difficult to fix by crew members under high stress. In such situations, the user's instinctive physical effort would be to use greater force to move the stuck door rather than attempting to find, read, and follow potentially complex instructions associated with removing or otherwise detaching the door from the seat unit's equipment. Furthermore, such measures may negatively impact passenger and crew movement, as well as evacuation from the suite.

[0012]

[0040] Accordingly, several aspects of this disclosure provide improved door assemblies for seating units located within the cabins of vehicles, such as aircraft cabins. In the event of an emergency, malfunction, or door jamming (immobilization) in the deployed or partially deployed position, the sliding door can be easily opened and closed by operating a release lever to switch the jammed primary trajectory from a backup secondary trajectory, thereby allowing the jammed door to move from the deployed position to the retracted position. In this case, the passenger access area is safe and unobstructed. This can be done without repair, without removing the door from the door support member, and without using any tools.

[0013]

[0041] In several other embodiments, a dual-acting sliding device allows the sliding door to switch from a primary to a secondary trajectory via the operation of a latch. The latch is located inside the door support member and is easily accessible to passengers seated in seats associated with the seating unit. This allows for a quick and efficient switch from the normal operating mode to a backup operating mode in which the sliding door slides along the secondary trajectory.

[0014]

[0042] In several other embodiments, the dual-acting slide device automatically switches from a primary to a secondary track in response to the applied force of the dual-acting slide device. In other words, if the primary track becomes jammed, such as when a user is attempting to open (retract) the door, and a threshold force is applied to the handle of the sliding door (either applied to the back of the sliding door or to any other part of the sliding door in a direction toward the door support member), the automatic release mechanism releases the sliding carriage device from the immobile carriage station onto the secondary track, allowing the door to slide in backup operation mode without a latch. In several of these embodiments, the dual-acting slide device operates with or without a release lever. In some embodiments, the range of retraction of the door while in backup operation mode depends on the door's position between the fully open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the length of the secondary track provides a minimum opening of 15 inches when the failure occurs with the door in the fully closed position.

[0015]

[0043] Referring to the drawings, several embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dual-acting sliding device. The dual-acting sliding device allows a sliding door to be released from the carriage station on the door support member of the seating unit and switched to a secondary track when the primary track becomes jammed or otherwise inoperable. The door is then moved from a fully extended or partially extended position to a retracted position via the secondary track. This enables a quick and efficient disengagement mechanism for returning the sliding door to the retracted position without completely removing the sliding door from the door support member. This allows the user to move the door to a desired open position and access the cabin aisle or other areas outside the seating unit.

[0016]

[0044] In several other embodiments, a reset is provided that allows the carriage device to be reset and returned to the carriage station. This returns the sliding door to slide along the primary track rather than the secondary track. This automatic reset restores the sliding door to its normal operating mode without any tools, disassembly, or repair, improving user safety and convenience.

[0017]

[0045] In several other embodiments, a set of guides that engage with channels on a door support member are provided on the sliding door. When the sliding door is removed from the sliding unit, an auxiliary sliding device including at least one guide and at least one guide profile supports the weight of the sliding door and maintains the door in an upright configuration relative to the aisle and passenger seating area. This enhances user safety and ensures smooth operation of the sliding door in backup operation mode.

[0018]

[0046] Referring more closely to the drawings, Figure 1 provides an exemplary block diagram showing a passenger seating unit 100 for passengers. In some embodiments, the seating unit 100 includes a door assembly 102, which includes a sliding door 104.

[0019]

[0047] In some embodiments, the sliding door 104 is any type of door element in the cabin 108 of the vehicle 106, such as a door, screen, partition, or other panel, that slides from an open (retracted) position to a closed (extended) position, to provide privacy to passengers, such as during flight on an aircraft, to protect passengers from the lighting inside the cabin 108, to reduce noise from other passengers and / or crew, or otherwise allow passengers to relax while traveling. The sliding door 104 may also be called a door, door unit, door element, or privacy door.

[0020]

[0048] For example, in the retracted position, the sliding door 104 is both retracted and open. This makes the seats adjacent to the door assembly accessible to passengers and visible to the crew. In this embodiment, the sliding door 104 can optionally be locked in the retracted position, such as during aircraft taxiing, takeoff, and landing, or in the event of an emergency. The retracted position includes a fully retracted position, as well as a partially or substantially retracted position. In this case, the door is retracted to a distance sufficient to allow users to enter and exit the seating area.

[0021]

[0049] During flight, the sliding door 104 is not locked. This allows passengers to move the sliding door 104 from a fully or partially retracted position to any extended or partially extended position. In any extended or partially extended position, the view of a portion of the passenger's seating area is covered or partially blocked, improving privacy and convenience. For example, the sliding door 104 is extended forward to provide passenger privacy when the passenger desires privacy, such as while sleeping, eating, reading, or at any other time. The sliding door is extended or partially extended when it is partially or fully extended so that the door is away from the door support member. The extended position may also be described as the closed position or the extended position.

[0022]

[0050] Vehicle 106 is a vehicle for transporting one or more users from a first location to a second location. Vehicle 106 may, in no particular way, include any type of vehicle, such as an aircraft, boat, ship, space carrier, bus, or any other type of vehicle. In this in no particular way, the vehicle is an aircraft. An aircraft may include a commercial aircraft, private aircraft, hovercraft, seaplane, or any other type of aircraft.

[0023]

[0051] In some embodiments, the door assembly 102 of the seating unit 100 within the vehicle 106 also includes a door support member 110, and the sliding door 104 is movably attached to the door support member 110. The door support member is part of the furnishings that make up the seating unit.

[0024]

[0052] The sliding door 104 is movable between a fully retracted position 112 and one or more extended positions 114. The fully retracted position 112 is the open state of the door, where the sliding door overlaps the door support member. This ensures that passengers are not prevented from accessing the area inside and around the passenger seat 118, and from exiting the seat area to the aisle 116. The one or more extended positions 114 include the fully extended position or various partially extended positions. For example, the sliding door 104 may be extended to a half point, extended to three-quarters of the way to the fully extended (door closed) position, and extended to one-quarter of the way from the retracted position.

[0025]

[0053] In this embodiment, the dual-acting slide device 120 is positioned on or within the door support member 110 to movably support the sliding door 104 on the door support member 110. In some embodiments, a main track 122 is mounted on the sliding door 104. In this embodiment, the main track is mounted on the inside of the sliding door. Thereafter, the main track is not visible from the outside of the sliding door facing the passage 116 of the vehicle 106. In this embodiment, the main track 122 is mounted in the upper area of ​​the inner surface of the door, near the upper edge of the door. The carriage device 124 includes a pair of rollers or sliders that fit within or are slidably connected to the main track, allowing the sliding door to slide laterally along the carriage device in normal operating mode.

[0026]

[0054] The lower side of the carriage device is detachably attached to or otherwise locked to the carriage station 126. The carriage station is immovably attached to the door support member 110. The carriage device is positioned at least partially within the main track. In normal operating mode 134, as the door moves from side to side between the retracted and extended positions, the main track on the sliding door slides over the rollers on the carriage device, or otherwise slides on the rollers. The carriage device remains locked in place in the stationary position by the carriage lock assembly 128.

[0027]

[0055] If the main track becomes jammed or otherwise ceases to operate normally, preventing the sliding door 104 from returning to its retracted position, the dual-acting sliding device 120 automatically releases the carriage device 124 from the carriage station onto the secondary track 130 in backup operation mode 132. The released carriage device 124 is movable along the secondary track 130 from at least one deployed position 114 to a retracted position 112.

[0028]

[0056] In some embodiments, the dual-acting slide device 120 includes a release lever 136. The release lever 136 is actuated by the user to trigger a carriage lock assembly 128 to release the carriage device 124 from the carriage station 126. When released, the carriage device 124 slides along a secondary track 130. The secondary track 130 is mounted on the inner surface of the door support member 110 or within a portion of the interior of the door support member 110. Thereafter, the secondary track is not visible to passengers seated in the seat 118 associated with the seat unit 100.

[0029]

[0057] In several other embodiments, the user induces the system to automatically switch from normal operation mode 134 to backup operation mode 132 by applying a threshold amount of force to the rear of the sliding door 104 and pushing the door toward a retracted position. In other words, when the primary track is jammed and the door is in a fully or partially extended position, the user pushes the door toward the door support member 110, and the mechanical fuse assembly 138 is automatically induced to release the carriage device from the carriage station. The sliding door then slides toward a retracted position 112 along the secondary track.

[0030]

[0058] When the carriage device is locked to the carriage station, the sliding door slides along the main track in a lateral motion from a retracted position to a fully extended position in normal operation mode 134. When the carriage device is disengaged from the carriage station, the carriage device slides along the secondary track 130 in a lateral motion from a fully or partially extended position back to a retracted position in backup operation mode 132.

[0031]

[0059] When used herein, seat unit 100 refers to furnishings, structures, fixtures, bases, and / or other support members associated with a passenger seat 118. The seat unit 100 may, for example, not limitingly include a seat 118 for a single passenger, a console, a rear wall panel, side wall panels, a sliding door, an access space / pathway allowing a passenger to move in and out of the seat and / or the seating area around the seat, a cup holder, a tray table, a display screen / video screen, a footrest, a backrest, a headrest, or any other seat-related devices. In this embodiment, the seat unit 100 includes a door assembly 102, a passenger seat such as the seat 118, a base member, a back member, a console, and / or an access area allowing a passenger to move from the aisle 116 of the vehicle's cabin 108 to the seating area associated with the seat unit 100. The passenger seat may optionally be a stationary seat, a reclining seat, or any other type of seat.

[0032]

[0060] In some embodiments, the door is substantially adjacent to the door support member when fully extended. The door support member is substantially covered by the door when the door is in the retracted position. Similarly, when the door is in the partially extended position, the door partially overlaps with the door support member and partially protrudes beyond the door support member into the access space of the seat unit.

[0033]

[0061] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the dual-acting slide device includes both a release lever 136 and a force-activated actuation 140 via a mechanical fuse assembly 138. However, in several other embodiments, the door assembly 102 does not include a release lever 136. In these embodiments, the dual-acting slide device switches from a primary to a secondary track in response to a threshold force being applied to the rear of the door in the direction of the door support member. In yet another embodiment, the door assembly includes a release lever 136 used to activate a carriage lock assembly to release the carriage device from the carriage station when the primary track is jammed but does not include a force-activated actuation in backup operation mode 132.

[0034]

[0062] In several other embodiments, the system can be reset 142 by applying a threshold amount of force to pull the door back towards the fully extended position 114 after the activation of the backup operating mode via the operation of the release lever 136. When the user pushes the door, the carriage device slides back into the carriage station, the carriage release mechanism is reset 142, and the carriage device locks into the carriage station. Once reset, the sliding door returns to operating in the normal operating mode 134.

[0035]

[0063] The sliding door 104 optionally includes a secondary indicator 144 that indicates the sliding door 104 is in backup operation mode 132. In some embodiments, the release lever 136 remains in an activated / pulled state, indicating that the door is in backup operation mode. The secondary indicator 144 provides a further indicator on the exterior (aisle-facing) side of the sliding door to inform the user that the sliding door is in backup operation mode. In several other embodiments, the system does not include a release lever. In these embodiments, the secondary indicator 144 provides the sole visual, tactile, or auditory indication that the door is operating in backup mode using a secondary track. The secondary indicator 144 may be implemented as a pop-out button on the exterior (aisle-facing) side of the door, a light indicator, an audible indicator that emits sound, a digital indicator having a display screen that displays a text or graphic indicator indicating that the door is in backup operation mode, or any other type of indicator. In this embodiment, the dependent indicator 144 is a pop-out button that remains flush with or recessed into the door while the door is operating in normal mode. When the door is operating in backup mode, the button pops out to provide a visible indication that the door is operating in backup mode.

[0036]

[0064] In some embodiments, the carriage station 126 and the auxiliary track 130 are two separate components. They are joined together, non-limitingly, via mounting means such as screws, welds, bolts, or other mounting devices. In several other embodiments, the carriage station 126 and the auxiliary track 130 are implemented as a single (one-piece) device rather than as two separate pieces. In these embodiments, mounting devices are not required to attach the ends of the auxiliary device to the carriage station.

[0037]

[0065] In one embodiment shown in Figure 1, the main track is attached to a sliding door, and the secondary track is attached to a door support member. In several other embodiments, the main track is attached to a door support member, and the secondary track is attached to a sliding door.

[0038]

[0066] Figure 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a top view of a passenger seating arrangement 200, which includes, but is not limited to, a seating unit having a sliding door, such as the seating unit 100 of Figure 1 described above. In this embodiment, the passenger seating arrangement (SA) 200 is located within the cabin 108 of a vehicle, particularly within the cabin of an aircraft or other passenger transport vehicle. The passenger SA 200 includes, for example, a plurality of seating units located within the cabin of the vehicle, such as seating unit 202, seating unit 204, seating unit 206, and / or seating unit 208. Seating unit 202, seating unit 204, seating unit 206, and / or seating unit 208 are, but is not limited to, a unit for supporting a passenger seat, a door support member, and a sliding door, such as the seating unit 100 of Figure 1.

[0039]

[0067] In this embodiment, the seating unit is arranged in multiple rows of two seats per row. In this case, each row is positioned one behind the others along the longitudinal extension of the vehicle's cabin. However, the multiple embodiments are not limited to seating units arranged in linear rows having only two seats per row. In other multiple embodiments, multiple seats may be placed in multiple rows having three or more seats. Similarly, seating units may be placed in other arrangements not shown in Figure 2.

[0040]

[0068] Each seating unit includes a seat, a door support member, and, not limited to, a sliding door such as the sliding door 104 in Figure 1. For example, seating unit 202 includes a seat 210 and a door support member 212, seating unit 204 includes a seat 214, seating unit 206 includes a seat 216 and a door support member 218, and seating unit 208 includes a seat 220. Each sliding door is configured to at least partially block or close off passenger access to the corresponding seat, providing greater privacy to the corresponding passenger. In some embodiments, when the sliding door is in an extended or partially extended position, the sliding door 222 associated with seating unit 208 at least partially blocks the access area between the seat 220 and the cabin aisle 116.

[0041]

[0069] In some non-limiting embodiments, a door assembly for a given seat unit is located on the side of the seat unit facing the cabin aisle 116. For example, in a fully or partially retracted position, a sliding door for seat unit 204 is retracted and open. This provides passenger access to exit from or enter seat unit 208. In an extended position (not shown), more privacy is provided to a passenger seated in seat 220, as seat 220 is at least partially covered from view by the extended door. However, several embodiments are not limited to sliding doors located on the side of the seat unit adjacent to the aisle. In several other embodiments, the door is attached to a door support member on the side of the seat unit facing or adjacent to another passenger seat. In several even more embodiments, the sliding door is attached to the side of the seat unit closer to an aisle or any other aisle, doorway, staircase, exit door (point of entry or exit), or other passage area.

[0042]

[0070] Referring now to Figure 3, an exemplary schematic diagram is shown showing a side view of a passenger seating arrangement 300, including a seating unit having a sliding door in a fully extended position. The passenger seating arrangement 300 includes, but is not limited to, one or more seating units having a sliding door, such as the passenger SA200 in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the passenger SA300 is located inside the cabin of an aircraft or the cabin of a vehicle, such as another passenger transport vehicle. In this embodiment, the SA300 is located inside a vehicle, such as the vehicle 106 in Figure 1 shown above.

[0043]

[0071] The passenger SA300 includes, for example, a plurality of seating units arranged within the vehicle's cabin, such as seating unit 302 and seating unit 304. Not limited to, seating units 302 and 304, such as seating unit 100 in Figure 1, may support passenger seats, door support members, and sliding doors.

[0044]

[0072] The sliding door optionally includes a secondary indicator, such as a secondary indicator 318 on the sliding door 310. The secondary indicator 318 is a device that automatically activates when the sliding door is in backup operation mode. The secondary indicator 318 is an indicator such as, but not limited to, the secondary indicator 144 in Figure 1 above.

[0045]

[0073] In this embodiment, the seating units are arranged one behind each other along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle's cabin. However, multiple embodiments are not limited to seating units arranged in a linear row. In other embodiments, the seating units may be placed in other arrangements not shown in Figure 3.

[0046]

[0074] Each seating unit includes, but is not limited to, a passenger seat such as seat 118 in Figure 1. In several other embodiments, seating unit 302 includes a door support member 306 and / or a base member 308. The door support member 306 may include a double-acting sliding device and a secondary track. These may be coupled to the fittings portion of seating unit 302. In this embodiment, a sliding door 310 is mounted on the door support member 306 above the base member 308. In this embodiment, the sliding door 310 does not contact the cabin floor.

[0047]

[0075] The sliding door 310 is a door associated with a door assembly such as the door assembly 102 in Figure 2, but is not limited thereto. The sliding door 310 is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position. The extended position of the sliding door 310 may include a fully extended position or a partially extended position. In the partially extended position, the door has not moved to the terminal stop point of the main track. At the terminal stop point, the door is maximally extended (fully extended). In this embodiment, the door 310 associated with the seat unit 302 is shown in the fully extended (closed) position. The sliding door 312 associated with the seat unit 304 is also shown in the fully extended position, substantially adjacent to the door support member 314. In the fully extended position, the door 312 may partially overlap with a portion of the door support member 314, but most of the door support member 314 is separated from the door 312.

[0048]

[0076] The sliding doors 310 and / or 314 are configured to move laterally to any position between the retracted position and the extended position. In some embodiments, the sliding doors 310 and / or 312 are locked in their retracted position by the user. When the sliding doors 310 and / or 312 are locked, they optionally remain latched in the retracted position until the door 312 is extended forward by a passenger in the seating unit 302. In the extended position, the sliding doors 310 and / or 312 remain unlatched. The sliding doors 310 are configured to block access to the seat associated with the seating unit 302 at least partially, physically, visually, or both physically and visually, providing greater privacy to the corresponding passenger in the seating unit 302.

[0049]

[0077] In this embodiment, the backup operation mode can be engaged by manually pulling a release lever located on the inside of the door support member (the back side of the sliding door). The backup operation mode, in which the sliding door slides along a secondary track, can also be engaged by the user applying a threshold force by pushing the back of the sliding door 316 in a direction directed toward the door support member 314. In other words, if the door gets stuck on the primary track, the user can engage the backup operation mode by pushing the back of the door 316 in the direction in which the door will slide when returning to its retracted position, causing the dual-acting sliding device to automatically switch from the primary track to the secondary track. This can be done without pulling any levers, without using any tools, or without disassembling any parts of the sliding door assembly.

[0050]

[0078] Figure 4 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a side view of a passenger seating arrangement (SA) 400, including a seating unit with a retracted sliding door. The seating units within the passenger SA 400 are shown from the user's perspective within the cabin aisle area outside the passenger seating unit, viewed from the outside of the door or from the side facing the cabin.

[0051]

[0079] The passenger SA400 includes, but is not limited to, one or more seating units having a sliding door, such as the passenger SA200 in Figure 2 and / or the passenger SA300 in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the passenger SA400 is located inside the cabin of an aircraft or the cabin of a vehicle, such as another passenger transport vehicle. In this embodiment, the SA400 is located inside a vehicle, such as the vehicle 106 in Figure 1 shown above.

[0052]

[0080] The passenger SA400 includes, for example, a plurality of seating units arranged within the vehicle's cabin, such as seating unit 342 and seating unit 404. Non-limitingly, seating units 402 and 404, such as seating unit 100 in Figure 1, may support passenger seats, door support members, and sliding doors. In this embodiment, the seating units are arranged one behind each other along the longitudinal extension of the vehicle's cabin. However, the plurality of embodiments are not limited to seating units arranged in a linear row. In other embodiments, seating units may be placed in other arrangements not shown in Figure 4.

[0053]

[0081] Each seating unit includes a passenger seat, such as seating unit 406 associated with seating unit 402. Seat 406 is a passenger seat, such as seat 118 in Figure 1, but is not limited to this. Seats may include static seats that do not move and / or reclining seats. Seat 406 may optionally include a reclining backrest, footrest, and / or armrests.

[0054]

[0082] In several other embodiments, the seating unit 402 includes a door support member 408. The seating unit 402 optionally includes a base member 410. The door support member 408 may include a main track, carriage station contacts, main track terminations, and / or walls or (one or more) other support structures. They may be coupled to fixtures, seats 406, and / or cabin floor structures. In this embodiment, a sliding door 412 detachably engages with a main track attached to the door support member 408. In some embodiments, the sliding door 412 is suspended above the base member 410 and does not contact the cabin floor.

[0055]

[0083] The sliding door 412 is a door associated with a door assembly such as the door assembly 102 in Figure 2, but is not limited thereto. The sliding door 412 is movable between a retracted position and at least one extended position. In this embodiment, both the door 412 associated with seat unit 402 and the door 414 associated with seat unit 404 are shown in the retracted position. In this embodiment, the outside 418 of the sliding door 414 is shown. The outside of the sliding door is the side of the sliding door that faces the aisle. It is visible to a user in the aisle of the vehicle outside the seating area.

[0056]

[0084] The retracted door 412 overlaps the door support member 408. As a result, the door 412 almost completely overlaps the door support member 408. Similarly, the door 414 in this embodiment largely overlaps the outer surface of the door support member 416. As a result, the door 414 covers most of the outer surface of the door support member.

[0057]

[0085] The sliding door 412 in this embodiment is a privacy door or screen element. It extends forward and retracts backward by a dual-acting sliding device, such as the dual-acting sliding device 120 in Figure 1. The sliding door 412 may be implemented as a rigid door, a mesh door, a screen door, or any other type of sliding door.

[0058]

[0086] For example, if the primary track malfunctions or jams during an emergency or accidental damage to the sliding door, the sliding door 412 may become immobile in one of its deployed positions. This prevents the sliding door from moving relative to the door support member. In such a case, the dual-acting sliding device switches the sliding door's carriage device from sliding along the primary track to sliding along the secondary track. This is achieved by disengaging the carriage device from the carriage station. By disengaging the carriage device from the carriage station, the sliding door can move from its deployed position to a retracted position, providing an escape route for passengers when the primary sliding unit is inoperable or unable to operate as intended.

[0059]

[0087] In this embodiment, the retracted position is the maximum possible retracted position of the sliding door 412. During normal operation, the user pulls the door along a lateral line that moves it from the fully retracted position to a partially or fully extended position. By extending the sliding door 412, at least partial privacy is provided to the user using the seat 406 associated with the seat unit 402.

[0060]

[0088] In several other embodiments, the sliding door 412 is attached to the door support member 408 and suspended at a predetermined distance above the base member 410 without contacting the floor of the vehicle's cabin.

[0061]

[0089] The seat unit 402 optionally includes, but is not limited to, an amenity structure such as a console, partition, tray table device, passenger utility device, storage device, or any other amenity structure. In this embodiment, one or more optional amenity structures are arranged such that the amenity surrounds the seat 406 at least partially.

[0062]

[0090] The sliding door 412 may also be used inside the aircraft for the convenience of passengers. In some embodiments, the sliding door 412 is retracted (fully retracted) and locked during takeoff and / or landing to prevent the sliding door from being extended or partially extended during takeoff and / or landing.

[0063]

[0091] Figure 5 is an exemplary perspective view of a passenger seating arrangement 500, including a seating unit with a sliding door in a fully retracted position. In this embodiment, the sliding door 502 is retracted. In the seating arrangement 500, there is an opening or gap 504 between the sliding door 502 and the door support member 506 of the next seating unit 508, which is positioned in front of seating unit 510. In this embodiment, the door support member 506 is partially obscured behind the sliding door 507, which is shown in the retracted position in Figure 5. The main track is attached to the inside 512 of the sliding door. The inside 512 is the side facing the passengers. It faces the passenger seating area when the sliding door is in the fully extended position. When in the retracted position, the inside 512 faces the outside of the door support member.

[0064]

[0092] In some embodiments, the system does not include a release lever. If a release lever is not included, the system switches from the primary to a secondary track by using a force-activated trigger. In such cases, a secondary indicator 514 may be included on the (outside) surface facing the door passage to indicate that the backup operating mode is in use. In this embodiment, the secondary indicator 514 is a pop-up button, switch, light, or other indicator that is activated when the system is in the backup operating mode. The secondary indicator 514 is an indicator such as the secondary indicator 144 in Figure 1 above, but is not limited to this.

[0065]

[0093] Referring now to Figure 6, an exemplary schematic diagram is shown showing a door support member 602 including a dual-acting slide device 604 having a secondary track 606. A door (shown by a dashed line) having a primary track positioned on the inner surface of the door engages with a carriage device locked to the carriage station of the dual-acting slide device 604. If the primary track becomes jammed while the door is in a fully or partially extended position, the dual-acting slide device 604 releases the carriage device from the carriage station and releases the door to slide along the secondary track 606. The carriage device slides along the secondary track and returns to its retracted position.

[0066]

[0094] Figure 7 is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a door support member 602 including a dual-acting slide device 604 having a secondary track 606. When the door, shown by the dashed line, returns to position 702 retracted along either the primary or secondary track, the door partially overlaps the door support member 602.

[0067]

[0095] Figure 8 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a release lever 802 on a door support member 804 in a non-operating state. In this embodiment, the release lever 802 is positioned on the inner surface of the door support member facing a passenger seated in a seat associated with a seating unit of the door assembly, which includes the door support member 804. The user pulls the release lever to switch the dual-acting sliding device from the normal operating mode in which the door slides on a primary track (not shown) positioned on the upper portion 806 of the sliding door.

[0068]

[0096] In this embodiment, the main track is positioned behind the upper portion 806 of the door 808. The door 808 is curved to cover part of the main track, making the main track difficult to see from passengers in the passenger seating area. In other words, the release lever 802 on the door support member faces the passengers. Thus, the release lever 802 is visible to passengers seated in seats associated with the sliding door, but not from the aisle. The upper portion 806 of the door 808 overlaps the door support member on the aisle side of the door support member. In this embodiment, only the upper portion 806 of the door 808, which is curved to cover the upper edge of the door support member, is visible from the passenger-facing (inside) side of the door support member.

[0069]

[0097] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing a dual-acting slide device 120, including a mechanical fuse assembly 138 and a carriage lock assembly 128. In some embodiments, the carriage device 124 includes a pair of one or more T-slides 902 coupled to the lower portion of the carriage device 124. The (one or more) T-slides 902 are housed within a portion of the housing of the carriage station 126.

[0070]

[0098] The carriage lock assembly 128 is a mechanism for locking the T-slides of the carriage device 124 to the carriage station 126 and / or releasing (one or more) T-slides from the carriage device 124 in response to the activation of the release mechanism and / or the application of a threshold amount of force to the rear of the door while the main track is malfunctioning.

[0071]

[0099] In some embodiments, when the user activates the release lever on the sliding door support member, the trigger pin 904 is pushed up from a first position to a second position through the pin guide 906 in the trigger pin slide 908. When the trigger pin moves to the second position, the trigger pin engages with the rotary latch 910 and pushes the rotary latch. The pivot roller 912 of the rotary latch advances the striker and raises the tapered housing 916 of the mechanical fuse assembly 138. This causes the carriage lock assembly to drop and release (one or more) T-slides 902 from the carriage station. Once the T-slides are free, the carriage device 124 can slide onto a secondary track in backup operation mode.

[0072]

[0100] In another embodiment, the dual-acting slide device 120 switches from normal operation mode to backup operation mode in response to force applied to the sliding door. When the primary track is jammed, the force applied to the door presses against the fuse slider 918. The force applied to the fuse slider 918 compresses a spring, causing the fuse slider to move forward. This frees (one or more) T-slides from the carriage station.

[0073]

[0101] Figure 10 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a release lever associated with a dual-acting slide device 1000 in the operating state. In this embodiment, the main track 1002 is coupled to a sliding door, indicated by a dashed line. The main track 1002 is mounted on the inside of the sliding door. The sliding door faces the door support member when the sliding door is fully retracted or partially retracted. In this embodiment, the upper portion of the sliding door, indicated by a dashed line, curves or bends slightly over the main track, forming a small ledge, lip, cover, or short canopy over the main track.

[0074]

[0102] The carriage device 1004 engages with the main track 1002. In this embodiment, the carriage device 1004 includes a set of rollers, wheels, bearings, or other track engagement units. They are located within at least a portion of the main track and allow the main track of the door to slide smoothly over the stationary carriage device 1004 as the door moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The carriage device 1004 remains stationary in a fixed position on the door support member 1016 while locked to the carriage station in the normal operating mode.

[0075]

[0103] In some embodiments, when the release lever 1014 is activated, the trigger pin 1018 is moved from a first position to a second position. This triggers the rotary latch 1010 to move the carriage lock assembly forward and downward, releasing (one or more) T-slides 1008 from the carriage station 1006. Once free, the carriage device 1004 may slide along the secondary track 1020 toward a retracted position in backup operation mode.

[0076]

[0104] In this embodiment, a dual-acting slide device, operated by a release lever, triggers the release of the carriage device. The release lever, as shown in Figure 10, locks in a pulled position and visually provides feedback of the backup operating mode engaged by a pulled latch. This carriage lock release mechanism allows the sliding door to open and be held on the seat unit structure by a secondary (redundant) slide.

[0077]

[0105] Figure 11 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a dual-acting slide device 1100 in normal operating mode. In this embodiment, the release lever 1102 is in the deactivated state. This indicates that the release lever is not manually operated by the user. The trigger pin 1105 is in the first position within the pin guide 1104 of the trigger pin slide 1106. The spring 1108 of the mechanical fuse assembly is in the uncompressed state. The carriage device 1116 is locked to the carriage station 1118.

[0078]

[0106] Referring now to Figure 12, an exemplary schematic diagram is shown showing a dual-acting slide device 1100 having a release lever that is actuated to induce a backup operating mode. In this embodiment, the release lever 1102 is actuated manually. The release lever 1102 remains in the “pulled” configuration. In this case, the release lever 1202 extends outward. This indicates that the release lever has been actuated. When the release lever 1102 is pulled, the trigger pin 1105 is pushed into a second position within the pin guide 1104. The carriage lock assembly 1012 slides forward. The carriage device 1116 begins to slide forward when the (one or more) T-sliders 1204 are released from the carriage housing 1118.

[0079]

[0107] Figure 13 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a dual-acting slide device 1100 having an unfolded slide ejection assembly 1302. In this embodiment, the release latch 1202 of the release lever 1102 is actuated. The release lever remains open as a visual indication of unfolding. The fuse slider 1304 drops, releasing one or more T-sliders of the carriage device 1116 from the carriage station. The trigger pin remains in a second position within the pin guide.

[0080]

[0108] Figure 14 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the mechanical fuse assembly of a dual-acting slide device 1400 in normal operating mode. In this embodiment, the mechanical fuse assembly 1402 includes a fuse slider 1404 that pushes or locks the T-slide 1406 into place within the carriage station 1408. The trigger pin 1410 is in a first position in the lower portion of the trigger pin slide 1412 within the pin guide 1414. The carriage device 1416 is locked within the carriage station and engaged with the main track 1418. In this embodiment, the sliding door slides along the main track in normal operating mode. In this embodiment, the backup operating mode is not induced.

[0081]

[0109] The dual-acting sliding device in this embodiment does not include a release lever. Instead, the carriage lock assembly is induced to release the carriage device from the carriage station by applying a threshold minimum force to the sliding door in a direction directed toward the door support member. The applied force induces the deformation pin guide 1414 to move from a first position (shown in Figure 14) to a second position, inducing the operation of the backup operating mode. In this non-limiting embodiment, the force applied to activate the backup operating mode is a 25-pound pushing force applied to the door in the direction of the retracted position. However, multiple embodiments are not limited to that amount of force. The threshold force applied to activate the backup mode may include any appropriate amount of force to induce the release of the carriage device from the stationary carriage station.

[0082]

[0110] Figure 15 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a mechanical fuse assembly that releases the carriage device to the backup operating mode of the dual-acting slide device 1400. In this embodiment, a portion of the carriage station is cut off to show a cross-sectional view of the T-slider within the carriage station. In this embodiment, the dual-acting slide device is still in the normal operating mode. In this case, the carriage device is locked in the carriage station. The fuse slider 1404 pushes or holds the T-slide 1406 in the normal operating mode position within the carriage station 1408.

[0083]

[0111] Figure 16 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the force-activated backup operation mode of the dual-acting slide device 1400. In this embodiment, the backup operation mode is activated by a force-activated trigger. The trigger pin 1410 is moved upward to a second position within the trigger pin slide 1412. The movement toward the second position within the trigger pin slide activates the rotary latch. This disengages the carriage lock 1012, allowing the fuse slider to fall freely.

[0084]

[0112] The fuse slider 1404 drops, releasing the T-slider 1406. The carriage device 1416 slides out of the carriage housing and enters or into the secondary track 1604. While the carriage device slides on the secondary track, it remains detachably coupled to the primary track 1418. When a user applies a pushing or pulling force on the sliding door and pushes the door toward the retracted position, the primary track 1418, engaged with the carriage device, moves together with the T-slider of the carriage device. This is when the carriage device moves toward the retracted position along the secondary track.

[0085]

[0113] Figure 17 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a dual-acting slide device 1700 with a primary track lock-up failure. In this embodiment, the primary track lock-up failure requires a sweet door pulling force not exceeding 25 pounds per half-inch of door movement to activate the backup operating mode. In other embodiments, the activation of the backup operating mode is performed by manually operating a release lever to release the carriage device from the carriage station 1712.

[0086]

[0114] In this embodiment, the dual-acting slide device remains in normal operating mode. The trigger pin 1702 is in a first position within the pin guide 1704. The fuse slider 1706 holds the T-slide 1708 of the carriage device 1710 in a locked configuration within the carriage station.

[0087]

[0115] Figure 18 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a dual-acting slide device 1700 switching from normal operation mode to backup operation mode. In this embodiment, the trigger pin 1702 is in a second position within the pin guide 1704. The T-slide 1708 is free, and the carriage device 1710 is moving along the secondary track 1802. While the carriage device 1710 slides along the secondary track, the carriage device remains attached to the primary track mounted on the sliding door. Meanwhile, the carriage station 1712 and the carriage lock assembly remain stationary on the door support member 1804.

[0088]

[0116] Figure 19 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a dual-acting slide device 1900 including a mechanical fuse assembly 1902 having a tapered housing 1904. A pair of one or more T-sliders 1908 of a carriage device 1912 are locked within the carriage station by one or more fuse sliders 1910.

[0089]

[0117] Figure 20 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a carriage device 1912 having a pair of T-sliders 1906. In this embodiment, the pair of T-sliders includes a first T-slider 2002 and a second T-slider 2004. The T-sliders are molded and sized to engage with a secondary track. In this embodiment, a pair of rollers 2006 are sized to engage with the interior portion of the main track 2008.

[0090]

[0118] Figure 21 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a mechanical fuse assembly 1902 associated with a dual-acting slide device. In this embodiment, when the dual-acting slide device is in normal operating mode, the first end 2106 of the fuse slider engages with the first T-slider 2002, and the second end 2104 of the fuse slider engages with the second T-slider 2004.

[0091]

[0119] Figure 22 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a set of tracks 2200 associated with a dual-acting slide device. In this embodiment, the primary track 2202 engages with the carriage device 2204. The carriage device 2204 is detachably coupled with the secondary track 2206 in backup operation mode. One or more T-slides 2208 are configured to slide on or within the range of the secondary track.

[0092]

[0120] Figure 23 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a secondary track 2306 that engages with the T-slide in backup operation mode. In this embodiment, the upper portion 2302 of the T-slide is located above the secondary track. The lower portion 2304 is located within the cavity or space formed by the secondary track. The T-slide slides along the secondary track when the door is pushed from a fully extended position or a partially extended position to a substantially fully retracted position.

[0093]

[0121] Figure 24 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a T-slide 2402 engaged with a secondary raceway 2404. A portion of the T-slide 2402 can be seen through the T-slide opening 2406. A portion of the T-slide 2408 can be seen through the T-slide opening 2410. Figure 25 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a portion of a secondary raceway 2500. In this non-limiting embodiment, the secondary raceway is a "C" raceway. The T-slide includes a C-raceway fitting sized to slide within the raceway without rubbing or dragging.

[0094]

[0122] Figure 26 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a carriage lock assembly 2600 having a pivot roller subassembly 2602. The pivot roller subassembly includes a pair of rollers, such as roller 2604 and roller 2606. The pivot roller subassembly is attached to the slider arm 2614 via one or more fasteners, such as a self-locking nut 2608, one or more screws 2610, and a shouldered screw 2612.

[0095]

[0123] Figure 27 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing the carriage lock assembly 2700 triggered via the release lever 2702. In this embodiment, the release lever 2702 is pulled. The trigger pin 2704 moves into a second position in the pin guide. This pushes the carriage lock assembly 2706 upward along the tapered edge of the mechanical fuse assembly, lowering the fuse slider and releasing the carriage device. In some embodiments, a spring retainer is released during resetting to return the door to the primary trajectory. In the event of an accidental activation of the backup operating mode, the pivot roller / taper lock mechanism of the reset system locks the primary linear trajectory (slide) / carriage station and re-latch in a simplified process that can be performed by a single flight crew.

[0096]

[0124] Figure 28 is an illustrative flowchart showing the operation of a dual-acting sliding device for switching a sliding door, such as the sliding door 104 in Figure 4, from its normal operating mode to its backup operating mode.

[0097]

[0125] In normal operation mode, the carriage device is locked to the carriage station at 2802. In normal operation mode, the door slides along the primary track at 2804. If the release lever is operated at 2806, the carriage device is released from the carriage station at 2810. In backup operation mode, the door slides along the secondary track.

[0098]

[0126] If the latch is not actuated at 2806, the carriage device may also be released from the carriage station if a threshold force is applied to the dual-acting slide device at 2808. After the carriage device is released from the carriage station 2810, the door slides along the secondary track at 2812. The user may reset the dual-acting slide device by pushing the door back towards the deployed position. If the dual-acting slide device is reset at 2814, the carriage device locks back into the carriage station at 2802, and the door slides along the primary track at 2804.

[0099]

[0127] In some embodiments, the door automatically locks when it returns to its fully retracted position. In other embodiments, the door is locked by activating a locking device to hold the door in the retracted position. In other embodiments, when the door is fully retracted, an internal locking device clicks into place to hold the sliding door in position. In yet another embodiment, the door is locked by moving it toward the retracted position without engaging any lock or other locking device. In this embodiment, the door remains in the partially or fully retracted position due to inertia.

[0100]

[0128] Referring now to Figure 29, a more specific diagram of a flying device 2901 in which one embodiment of the present disclosure is preferably employed is shown. In this embodiment, the flying device 2901 includes an airframe 2903 having a plurality of systems 2904 and interior 2906. In some embodiments, the flying device 2901 is a vehicle such as vehicle 106 in Figure 1, but is not limited thereto.

[0101]

[0129] Multiple embodiments of the multiple systems 2904 include one or more of the propulsion system 2908, the electrical system 2910, the hydraulic system 2912, and the environmental system 2914. This system may be implemented in the cabin of an aircraft. Several other systems not shown are also candidates. Although examples from the aerospace industry have been given, various preferred embodiments can be applied to other industries such as the automotive industry.

[0102] Further Examples

[0130] In some embodiments, the system includes a linear sliding system mounted on a carriage station. The carriage station integrates a primary track [PES] and a secondary track [EPF] system, but allows for independent movement along the same axis. When locked, it restrains the primary linear carriage, provides isolation from the EPF sliding system, and allows priority to the primary slide for the normal operation of the door. In the event of a primary track failure, an interlocking trigger and release mechanism allows the EPF to be deployed by the action of a pull lever or by a pulling force applied to the sweet door not exceeding 25 pounds.

[0103]

[0131] By integrating the EPF pull lever system in backup operation mode with the induction of a preset pulling force on the door, the same result is achieved regardless of how the EPF interacts with the user. Furthermore, in stressful situations or while operating unfamiliar equipment, the user's first instinct may not be to look for a physical lever. Instead, the user may simply pull hard on the immobile door. The dual-action sliding device further simplifies EPF resetting, especially in the event of accidental deployment. It also provides a fail-safe solution via force induction [mechanical fuse] if the primary sliding performance degrades to the range set for deployment in backup operation mode.

[0104]

[0132] In several other embodiments, the disengagement lever is designed to lock the EPF in the "open" position after the deployment of the EPF's secondary (backup operating mode) slide, either by pulling the EPF lever or by inducing a force pulling the door, providing a visual indication of EPF activation. The coaxial linear PES / EPF trajectory system, carriage return station, tapered lock, and EPF latch design allow the dual-operation slide system to be easily reset by a single user in the event of accidental activation by the suite occupant. As the suite door is moved from the "EPF deployed open" position toward the "closed" position, the linear slide carriage re-engages and "locks home" to the carriage station. The EPF lever is then unlocked and closed, resetting the EPF system. To reset the EPF, it is considered appropriate for a single flight crew member to apply a pushing force not exceeding 40 pounds [tbc] in the direction toward the closed position of the door.

[0105]

[0133] In one exemplary scenario, escape from the suite is prevented when the door becomes stuck in the closed position. The user has the option to locate and follow instructions in order to evacuate the suite in an emergency. In some cases, a warning placard detailing the procedure for clearing the door jam may be available in the suite adjacent to the door. In one embodiment, the instructions may include pulling a lever adjacent to a [*Warning] decay placard to deploy the EPF backup operating mode. The door opens, allowing for emergency escape from the suite. The lever locks in the pulled position, providing visual feedback that the EPF has been deployed.

[0106]

[0134] In several other examples, when a door is stuck, the user can pull it forcefully. By applying force that does not exceed the maximum upper limit threshold, the EPF backup operating mode can be activated. In this way, the user can return the door to its retracted position.

[0107]

[0135] In another embodiment, if the sliding door locks in the fully open position during boarding, the crew can unlock the suite door. After unlocking, the passenger has complete positional control to move the door between the open and closed positions. The suite door sliding motion, assisted by the door handle, requires minimal force from the user to position the door between the open and closed movement stations. The door typically functions with a magnetic catch to provide tactile feedback for contactless end movement.

[0108]

[0136] Furthermore, in several other embodiments, a pull lever allows for maintenance testing of the EPF system. Degradation of the primary linear track can result in an increase in the normal operating load required by the door during normal use. When the door's pulling force reaches a preset value for EPF deployment, the design provides a mechanical "fuse" in which a break reports a system failure. In this way, the dual-acting slide device activates a backup operating mode (emergency passage function) by combining the EPF lever with a moderate pulling force. The dual-acting slider system includes primary and secondary backup linear systems, providing isolation / isolation of the EPF slide components from misuse loads on the suite door. Furthermore, redundancy is provided while simplifying the system used by passengers and crew by allowing the combination of inducing the EPF lever and / or moderate pulling force to activate the backup operating mode. In several other embodiments, the system allows the user to easily reset the system back to the primary track system by using the backup operating mode to unlock a jammed door and then using a pushing or pulling force applied to the door.

[0109]

[0137] The following paragraphs describe further aspects of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the paragraphs described below may be further combined in any subcombination without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 1A. A dual-acting sliding door assembly, A sliding door associated with a seat unit, the sliding door being attached to a door support member of the seat unit, A dual-acting sliding device is at least partially disposed within the door support member of the aforementioned seat unit, A main track of the sliding door that engages with the dual-acting sliding device, wherein the sliding door is movable along the main track between a retracted position and at least one extended position in a normal operating mode, The aforementioned dual-acting slide device further, An immovable carriage station, at least partially disposed within the door support member, wherein the carriage device is locked to the immovable carriage station, and the main track slides over the carriage device in the normal operating mode. A secondary track associated with the door support member, wherein the carriage device is unlocked from the immovable carriage station in backup operation mode, and the carriage device slides along the secondary track between the at least one deployed position and the retracted position. The carriage device includes a release lever that induces the carriage device to be released from the immobile carriage station when in operation, and A door assembly comprising a mechanical fuse assembly that triggers the automatic release of the carriage device from the carriage station in response to a threshold force being applied to the back surface of the sliding door in the direction of the door support member. 2A. The door assembly according to 1A, further comprising a reset mechanism for relocking the carriage device to return it to the carriage station. 3A. The door assembly according to 1A, further comprising an interlocked trigger and release mechanism that enables the activation of the backup operating mode at the same time as releasing the carriage device from the carriage station. 4A. The door assembly according to 1A, further comprising a pair of rollers associated with the carriage device, the pair of rollers engaging with the main track. 5A. The door assembly according to 1A, further comprising a trigger pin located within a pin guide, wherein the trigger pin is located in a first position within the pin guide during the normal operating mode, and the trigger pin moves from the first position to a second position to release the carriage device from the carriage station and induce the backup operating mode. 6A. The door assembly according to 1A, further comprising a fuse slider associated with the mechanical fuse assembly, the fuse slider locking a set of T-slides associated with the carriage device in a locked position within the carriage station during the normal operating mode. 7A. The door assembly according to 6A, further comprising a release latch for the release lever, the release latch remaining in a pulled-out position after manual operation of the release lever, and providing a visual indication that the dual-acting slide device has switched from the normal operating mode to the backup operating mode. 8A. A method for disengaging a sliding door of a door assembly, Locking a carriage device to a carriage station via a carriage lock assembly of a dual-acting sliding device associated with a sliding door movably mounted on a main track, wherein the sliding door is movable along the main track between a fully retracted position and at least one extended position in a normal operating mode via the carriage device, which is at least partially positioned within the main track. To detect activation when a threshold force is applied to the mechanical fuse assembly in the direction of the release lever or door support member, A method comprising, in response to the operation of the release lever or the application of the threshold force, releasing the carriage device from the carriage station to a secondary track via a dual-acting slide device located within the door support member in a backup operation mode, wherein the released carriage device is movable along the secondary track from the at least one deployed position to the fully retracted position. 9A. To detect when a threshold force is applied to the sliding door in a direction away from the door support member, and The method according to 8A, further comprising resetting the carriage device to return it to the carriage station and returning the dual-acting slide device to the normal operating mode associated with the principal orbit. 10A. The operation of the release lever is as follows: The method of 8A, further comprising the action of the release lever triggering a carriage release mechanism to release the carriage device from the carriage station. 11A. The startup to which the aforementioned threshold force is applied is The method according to 8A, further comprising applying the threshold force applied to a slider fuse associated with a mechanical fuse assembly of an automatic release mechanism, wherein the slider fuse descends to release at least one T-slider from the carriage station, allowing the carriage device to slide along the subordinate track. 12A. The method according to 8A, wherein a pair of rollers associated with the carriage device engages with the main track. 13A. A system for a double-acting sliding door assembly, Door support member of seat unit, A main track system comprising a first track that engages with a set of rollers associated with a carriage device, A sliding door associated with the first track, which is movable along the first track between a retracted position and at least one extended position in a normal operating mode. A carriage device at least partially positioned within the first orbit, A carriage lock assembly that locks the carriage device to the carriage station attached to the door support member, A secondary orbital system comprising a second orbit that engages with a set of T-slides associated with the carriage device during backup operation mode, and A dual-acting slide device disposed within a door support member for automatically releasing the carriage device from the carriage station onto the second track in the backup operating mode, wherein the carriage device comprises the dual-acting slide device, which is movable along the second track from at least one deployed position to the retracted position in the backup operating mode. 14A. The system according to 13A, further comprising a reset mechanism for relocking the carriage device to return it to the carriage station. 15A. The system according to 13A, further comprising an interlocked trigger and release mechanism that enables the activation of the backup operation mode at the same time as releasing the carriage device from the carriage station. 16A. The aforementioned dual-acting slide device is The system according to 13A, further comprising a release lever that, in response to the operation of the release lever, induces the release of the carriage device from the carriage station. 17A. The system according to 13A, further comprising a mechanical fuse assembly that induces the release of the carriage device from the carriage station in response to a threshold force being applied to the back surface of the sliding door in the direction of the door support member. 18A. The system according to 13A, further comprising a trigger pin located within a pin guide, wherein the trigger pin is located in a first position within the pin guide during the normal operating mode, and the trigger pin moves from the first position to a second position to release the carriage device from the carriage station and induce the backup operating mode. 19A. The system according to 13A, further comprising a fuse slider associated with a mechanical fuse assembly, the fuse slider locking a set of T-slides associated with the carriage device in a locked position within the carriage station during the normal operating mode. 20A. The system according to 13A, further comprising a release latch for the release lever, the release latch remaining in a pulled-out configuration after manual operation of the release lever, and providing a visual indication that the dual-acting slide device has switched from the normal operating mode to the backup operating mode.

[0110]

[0138] While the aspects of this disclosure have been described in detail, it will be clear that modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the aspects of this disclosure as defined in the attached claims. Since various modifications can be made to the above-described structures, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the aspects of this disclosure, all matters included in the above description and illustrated in the attached drawings are intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

[0111]

[0139] As used herein and in the claims, the articles “a” and “an” should be understood to mean “at least one” unless explicitly intended otherwise. As used herein and in the claims, the phrase “and / or” should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements thus combined, i.e., the multiple elements that exist together in some cases and separately in other cases. The multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., as “one or more” of the multiple elements thus combined. Other elements may optionally exist, whether related to or unrelated to the multiple elements specifically identified in the phrase “and / or”. Therefore, in non-restrictive embodiments, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising," a reference to "A and / or B" may refer to A only (optionally including entities other than B) in one embodiment, B only (optionally including entities other than A) in another embodiment, and both A and B (optionally including other entities) in yet another embodiment.

[0112]

[0140] When used herein and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as set forth above. For example, when dividing items in a list, “or” or “and / or” is interpreted as inclusive, that is, as including at least one, but also as including more than one, some or a list of elements, and optionally any further unlisted items. Only the terms “just one of” or “exactly that one of” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” which are clearly opposite, refer to including exactly one element from some or a list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used is interpreted to indicate an exclusive choice (i.e., “one or the other, but not both”) only when preceded by an exclusive term such as “either,” “one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Essentially consisting of” shall, when used in the claims, have its usual meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0113]

[0141] When used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one” referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and all of the elements specifically listed in the list of elements, nor does it exclude combinations of elements in the list of elements. This provision also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements. Therefore, in a non-limiting embodiment, "at least one of A and B" (or similarly, "at least one of A or B") could refer to, in one embodiment, at least one A that optionally includes two or more A's and does not include B (optionally includes elements other than B); in another embodiment, at least one B that optionally includes two or more B's and does not include A (optionally includes elements other than A); and in yet another embodiment, at least one A that optionally includes two or more A's and at least one B that optionally includes two or more B's (optionally includes other elements).

[0114]

[0142] The use of “includes,” “equips,” “possesses,” “contains,” “involves,” and variations thereof means to encompass the items and further items listed thereafter.

[0115]

[0143] The use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” within the claims to modify claim elements does not, in itself, imply a temporal order in which any priority, significance, order, or method of action of one claim element over another is performed. Ordinal terms are used solely as labels to distinguish claim elements, to differentiate one claim element with a particular name from another element with the same name (if no ordinal terms are used).

[0116]

[0144] While the aspects of this disclosure have been described in detail, it will be clear that modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the aspects of this disclosure as defined in the attached claims. Since various modifications can be made to the above-described structures, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the aspects of this disclosure, all matters included in the above description and illustrated in the attached drawings are intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

Claims

1. A dual-acting sliding door assembly, A sliding door associated with a seat unit, the sliding door being attached to a door support member of the seat unit, A dual-acting sliding device is at least partially disposed within the door support member of the aforementioned seat unit, A main track that engages with the dual-acting sliding device, wherein the sliding door is movable along the main track between a retracted position and at least one extended position in the normal operating mode, The aforementioned dual-acting slide device further, An immovable carriage station, at least partially disposed within the door support member, wherein the carriage device is locked to the immovable carriage station, and the main track slides over the carriage device in the normal operating mode. A secondary track associated with the door support member, wherein the carriage device is unlocked from the immovable carriage station in backup operation mode, and the carriage device slides along the secondary track between the at least one deployed position and the retracted position. The carriage device includes a release lever that induces the carriage device to be released from the immobile carriage station when in operation, and A door assembly comprising a mechanical fuse assembly that triggers the automatic release of the carriage device from the immovable carriage station in response to a threshold force being applied to the back surface of the sliding door in the direction of the door support member.

2. The door assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a reset mechanism for relocking the carriage device to return it to the immovable carriage station.

3. The door assembly according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an interlocked trigger and release mechanism that enables the activation of the backup operating mode at the same time as releasing the carriage device from the immobile carriage station.

4. The door assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of rollers associated with the carriage device, the pair of rollers engaging with the main track.

5. The door assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a trigger pin located within a pin guide, wherein the trigger pin is located in a first position within the pin guide during the normal operating mode, and the trigger pin moves from the first position to a second position to release the carriage device from the immovable carriage station and to induce the backup operating mode.

6. The door assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fuse slider associated with the mechanical fuse assembly, the fuse slider locks a set of T-slides associated with the carriage device in a locked position within the immovable carriage station during the normal operating mode.

7. The door assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a release latch for the release lever, the release latch remaining in the pulled-back position after manual operation of the release lever, thereby providing a visual indication that the dual-acting slide device has switched from the normal operating mode to the backup operating mode.

8. A method for disengaging a sliding door of a door assembly, Locking a carriage device to a carriage station via a carriage lock assembly of a dual-acting sliding device associated with a sliding door movably mounted on a main track, wherein the sliding door is movable along the main track between a retracted position and at least one extended position in a normal operating mode via the carriage device, which is at least partially positioned within the main track. Detecting activation due to the operation of the release lever or a threshold force applied to the mechanical fuse assembly in the direction of the door support member, and A method comprising, in response to the operation of the release lever or activation by the applied threshold force, releasing the carriage device from the carriage station to a secondary track via a dual-acting slide device located within the door support member in a backup operation mode, wherein the released carriage device is movable along the secondary track from at least one deployed position to the retracted position.

9. Applying a threshold force to the sliding door in a direction away from the door support member, and The method according to claim 8, further comprising resetting the carriage device to return it to the carriage station and returning the dual-acting slide device to the normal operating mode associated with the principal trajectory.

10. The operation of the release lever is as follows: The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising the action of the release lever triggering a carriage release mechanism to release the carriage device from the carriage station.

11. The activation due to the applied threshold force is The method according to claim 8, further comprising applying a threshold force to a slider fuse associated with a mechanical fuse assembly of an automatic release mechanism, wherein the slider fuse descends to release at least one T-slider from the carriage station, allowing the carriage device to slide along the subordinate track.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein a pair of rollers associated with the carriage device engages with the main track.

13. A system for a double-acting sliding door assembly, Door support member of seat unit, A main track system comprising a first track that engages with a set of rollers associated with a carriage device, A sliding door associated with the first track, which is movable along the first track between a retracted position and at least one extended position in a normal operating mode. A carriage device, at least partially positioned within the first orbit, A carriage lock assembly that locks the carriage device to the carriage station attached to the door support member, A secondary orbital system comprising a second orbit that engages with a set of T-slides associated with the carriage device during backup operation mode, and A system comprising a dual-acting slide device located within a door support member, which automatically releases the carriage device from the carriage station onto the second track in the backup operation mode, wherein the carriage device is movable along the second track from at least one deployed position to the retracted position in the backup operation mode.

14. The system according to claim 13, further comprising a reset mechanism for relocking the carriage device to return it to the carriage station.

15. The system according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising an interlocked trigger and release mechanism that enables the activation of the backup operation mode at the same time as releasing the carriage device from the carriage station.

16. The aforementioned dual-acting slide device is The system according to claim 13, further comprising a release lever that, in response to the operation of the release lever, induces the release of the carriage device from the carriage station.

17. The system according to claim 13, further comprising a mechanical fuse assembly that induces the release of the carriage device from the carriage station in response to a threshold force being applied to the back surface of the sliding door in the direction of the door support member.

18. The system according to claim 13, further comprising a trigger pin located within a pin guide, wherein the trigger pin is located in a first position within the pin guide during the normal operating mode, and the trigger pin moves from the first position to a second position to release the carriage device from the carriage station and to induce the backup operating mode.

19. The system according to claim 13, further comprising a fuse slider associated with a mechanical fuse assembly, the fuse slider locking a set of T-slides associated with the carriage device in a locked position within the carriage station during the normal operating mode.

20. The system according to claim 13, further comprising a release latch for the release lever, the release latch remaining pulled in after manual operation of the release lever, thereby providing a visual indication that the dual-acting slide device has switched from the normal operating mode to the backup operating mode.

Images