Aeroplane Internal Escape Hatch Dual Controller Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aeroplane escape systems require a lining element that must be securely attached yet easily removable in emergencies, and must function both internally and externally, posing challenges in design and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

An internal escape hatch with a movable catch system, actuated by dual controllers, allowing the hatch to be locked and unlocked from within and without, utilizing a pivoting lever and cable mechanism to facilitate easy opening and secure closure, along with pressure-regulating means for automatic operation in case of depressurization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a lining element is securely attached to ensure it does not fall accidentally, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because it becomes difficult to remove rapidly in emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of lining elementVSAvoidrapid removal in emergency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The escape hatch system is divided into two separate hatches: an external escape hatch and an internal escape hatch. The internal escape hatch can be independently opened from the inside using a first opening controller, while the external escape hatch remains secured. This segmentation allows the lining element to be securely attached for reliability while enabling rapid removal through the internal hatch in emergencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A second opening controller acts as an intermediary mechanism that links the external opening controller to the catch system. When the external escape hatch is opened from outside, the second opening controller automatically actuates the catch to open the internal escape hatch as well, ensuring both hatches can be opened协调ly without requiring separate manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the lining element can be removed with one hand for ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because it may be accidentally removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-hand removal capabilityVSAvoidprevention of accidental removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catch mechanism is designed to be actuated automatically by the second opening controller when the external escape hatch is opened from outside. This self-service feature ensures that both hatches open协调ly without requiring complex manual operations, maintaining ease of operation while preventing accidental removal through proper mechanical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the escape system is designed for internal operation only, then ease of operation from inside is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because it cannot be operated from outside

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal accessibilityVSAvoidexternal operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The escape hatch system is designed with dual operability: the external opening controller allows operation from outside the aeroplane, while the first opening controller enables independent operation from inside. The catch mechanism and second opening controller ensure that both hatches can be opened whether the emergency occurs inside or outside the aeroplane, providing universal adaptability for different emergency scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used to ensure secure closure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure closure of escape hatchVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9555872B2Aeroplane equipped with an internal escape hatch having a double opening controller

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

An aeroplane includes an escape opening passing through an external skin and an internal bulkhead. The escape opening is closed off by an external escape hatch having an external opening controller. The aeroplane further includes an internal escape hatch that closes off said escape opening flush with the internal bulkhead, and kept closed by at least one catch movable between a locked state and unlocked state, a first opening controller that controls the passage from the locked state to the unlocked state of the catch being accessible from inside the aeroplane, and a second opening controller that controls the passage from the locked state to the unlocked state of the catch being positioned such that the actuation of the external opening controller of the external escape hatch or the passage of the external escape hatch from the closed position to the open position causes the second opening controller to be actuated.