Segmented Actuation Mechanism for Aircraft Divider Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing divider screen assemblies for aircraft seating arrangements cannot effectively function as both a privacy screen and a console wall divider, and they lack a mechanism to prevent accidental lowering, which is essential for forming a double bed configuration.
Innovation Solution
A divider screen assembly with a first actuation mechanism for movement between upper and intermediate heights, and a second actuation mechanism for further movement to a lower height, ensuring that the screen can only be lowered to the lower height when both occupants desire it, utilizing a hidden actuation mechanism to prevent accidental lowering, and a third mechanism to prevent accidental raising from the lower height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuation mechanism is used to lower the divider screen from upper height to lower height, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing accidental lowering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: a first actuation mechanism for lowering the screen from upper height to intermediate height, and a second actuation mechanism for further lowering from intermediate height to lower height. This segmentation allows independent control at each stage, preventing accidental full lowering while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If the divider screen can be freely lowered to any height, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of intentional lowering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes its operational characteristics based on height position. At upper height, the first actuation mechanism provides easy adjustment to intermediate height. At intermediate height, the system transitions to requiring the second actuation mechanism for further lowering to lower height. This dynamic behavior ensures intentional lowering at each stage while maintaining ease of operation for the intended function.
3Reliability
If a second actuation mechanism is added to enable lowering from intermediate height to lower height, then the reliability of intentional lowering is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is divided into two independent mechanisms operating at different height ranges. The first mechanism handles upper to intermediate height transitions, while the second mechanism handles intermediate to lower height transitions. This segmentation improves reliability by requiring deliberate action at each stage, while the modular nature of segmented design helps manage overall system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the divider screen is lowered to lower height for double bed configuration, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of preventing accidental raising deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by requiring actuation of the second actuation mechanism before the screen can be lowered from intermediate height to lower height. This preliminary requirement ensures intentional action is taken before reaching the lower height position, preventing accidental raising or lowering while maintaining adaptability for double bed configuration when intentionally activated.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a divider screen assembly 100 for an aircraft seating arrangement, the divider screen assembly comprising a divider screen 110 moveable between a lower height in a stowed configuration, and an upper height in a deployed configuration, a first actuation mechanism 130, 132, 133, 135, 136, 137, 140, 141, 142, 143 being actuable to allow movement of the divider screen between the upper height and an intermediate height in between the upper height and the lower height, a second actuation mechanism 130, 132, 134, 135, 136, 137, 140, 141, 142, 144 being actuable to allow movement of the divider screen between the intermediate height and the lower height, wherein the second actuation mechanism is actuable only when the screen has been lowered to the intermediate height. The present invention also provides an aircraft accommodation arrangement, a method of stowing a divider screen and a method of deploying a divider screen.