Aircraft Door Articulation Arrangement for Compact Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft door arrangements are bulky, require significant construction space, and do not allow for optimal passenger entry due to their design, which limits aircraft interior space and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A door arrangement with a compact articulation system using multiple rotatable articulated arms with fixed axes, allowing the door to pivot outward and open to a wide angle, reducing space usage and enabling larger door openings, which can be integrated under the aircraft's lining, improving aerodynamics and passenger access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional L-shaped articulated arm is used to attach the door leaf to the frame, then the door can be opened and closed, but the articulation arrangement requires significant construction space and projects into the aircraft interior
Solution Approach 1:
The single L-shaped articulated arm is divided into multiple separate articulated arms (first, second, third, and fourth articulated arms) that work together in a coordinated fashion. This segmentation allows each arm to be smaller and more compact while collectively providing the necessary door opening functionality, thereby reducing the overall construction space required.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation arrangement utilizes multiple rotational axes (first axis, second axis, third axis, fourth axis) arranged in different spatial dimensions. By distributing the rotation across multiple axes rather than a single plane, the system achieves compact packaging that minimizes projection into the aircraft interior while maintaining full door opening capability.
2Productivity
If the door opening is enlarged to improve passenger entry, then passenger access is enhanced, but the articulation arrangement requires even more space
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented multi-arm configuration allows the articulation system to accommodate larger door openings without proportionally increasing space requirements. Each articulated arm can be optimized independently to work efficiently with the enlarged door geometry, maintaining compact overall dimensions while supporting improved passenger access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the articulation system by introducing multiple arms with specific coupling relationships. This allows the system to adapt to larger door openings by adjusting the configuration and dimensions of individual arms rather than requiring a proportional increase in overall articulation space.
3Volume of moving object
If the articulation arrangement is made compact to reduce construction space, then interior space is increased, but the door may not open wide enough to clear the opening
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing multiple rotational axes arranged in different spatial dimensions, the compact multi-arm system achieves a cumulative rotational effect that allows the door to open wide enough to clear the opening. The coordinated rotation across multiple axes provides the necessary angular displacement while maintaining a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented articulated arms are positioned and dimensioned to work together in a kinematic chain that multiplies the effective opening angle. Each arm contributes to the total rotation, allowing the compact arrangement to achieve the required door clearance through coordinated movement of multiple segments.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional door arrangements are used, then the door structure is simple, but the aircraft aerodynamics are degraded due to protruding hinges
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented articulated arm configuration allows all components to be positioned within the door edge region, eliminating the need for large protruding hinges. This segmented approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving a sleek external appearance that improves aerodynamics by reducing protrusions into the airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing the articulation components across multiple axes and positioning them within the door edge region, the invention achieves a compact three-dimensional arrangement that eliminates external protrusions. This spatial redistribution maintains structural functionality while creating a smooth external surface that reduces aerodynamic drag.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft door arrangement, comprising a door pivotable between closed and open positions, a frame section in a door opening region, and an articulation arrangement connecting the door and frame section. First and second arms are mounted on the frame section, rotatable about first and second axes, respectively. Third and fourth arms are mounted on the door, rotatable about third and fourth axes, respectively. The second arm, at a first position, is rotatably coupled to the fourth arm about a fifth axis, and at a second position, closer to the second axis, is rotatably coupled to the third arm about a sixth axis. The third arm, at a third position, is rotatably coupled to the first arm about a seventh axis, and at a fourth position, closer to the third axis, is rotatably coupled to the second arm about the sixth axis. All axes are oriented substantially parallel.