Aircraft Door Electromechanical Release With Low-Energy Emergency Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft door systems face challenges in meeting airworthiness requirements due to high integration efforts, weight, and cost issues, particularly with mechanical components that require significant structural reinforcements and autonomous energy supplies for emergency operation modes, which complicate operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical door system that transitions the aircraft door from a closed to an open state via an initial lowering and subsequent swiveling phase, utilizing a lifting and lowering lever, electric motor, and gearbox, decoupled from the door structure, allowing for reduced structural reinforcements and energy requirements, and incorporating a latching and locking mechanism for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical door opening/closing mechanism is used, then the door can be operated in both normal and emergency modes, but the integration effort and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is divided into two independent subsystems: a mechanical opening/closing mechanism for normal operation, and a separate electromechanical emergency release system. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, reducing overall integration complexity while maintaining operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical door opening/closing mechanism serves dual purposes: it enables normal door operation during regular maintenance and access, and also facilitates emergency door opening when combined with the electromechanical release system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for completely separate systems
2Strength
If structural reinforcements are added to handle high forces during door operation, then the door can withstand icing conditions, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical emergency release system replaces the need for high-strength mechanical components and structural reinforcements. By using an electric motor to provide the opening force, the system eliminates the requirement for heavy-duty handles and reinforced door structures that would be needed to manually overcome ice adhesion forces
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from manual force application to electric motor-driven force application. This parameter change allows the door to handle icing conditions without requiring increased structural strength, as the electric motor can generate the necessary force without adding mechanical mass
3Ease of operation
If an electrically operated actuator is used for emergency operation mode, then the door can be opened automatically, but the weight and cost increase due to autonomous energy supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded latch mechanism serves as an intermediary between the mechanical door system and the electromechanical release system. The spring stores potential energy that automatically engages the latch during normal operation, while the electric motor only needs to provide enough force to release the latch, not to move the entire door. This intermediary mechanism dramatically reduces the energy requirements
4Reliability
If high handle forces are required for door opening, then the door can be securely locked, but the physical strength required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical emergency release system replaces manual handle operation with an electric motor-driven release mechanism. The motor engages with the spring-loaded latch to automatically release it, eliminating the need for operators to apply high forces to the handle. This substitution maintains secure locking during normal operation while enabling easy emergency release
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The electromechanical door system reduces the physical strength required for operation, minimizes structural reinforcements, and significantly decreases the energy storage needed for emergency operations, enhancing safety and reducing weight and cost while maintaining reliable door functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting and lowering electric motor, which is adapted for operating the lifting and lowering lever and, in the lifting phase of the aircraft door closing operation, lifting the aircraft door relative to the aircraft airframe and, in the lowering phase of the aircraft door opening operation, dampening a movement of the aircraft door
Implementation Method 2
a gearbox that transmits a force from the lifting and lowering electric motor to the lifting and lowering lever in the lifting phase of the aircraft door closing operation
Implementation Method 3
in the lowering phase of the aircraft door opening operation, dampening a movement of the aircraft door when the aircraft door is lowered by means of gravitational forces
Data Source
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AI summary
The present embodiments relate to an aircraft door 104, and, more particularly, to an electromechanical door system 200 for operating an aircraft door 104 that closes an opening in the outer hull 102 of an aircraft 100, as well as to a method of operating an electromechanical door system 200 of an aircraft door 104 that closes an opening in the outer hull 102 of an aircraft 100. The electromechanical door system 200 may be adapted for operating in a normal opening mode, an emergency opening mode, and a closing mode. If desired, the electromechanical door system 200 may include a lifting and lowering lever 210, a lifting and lowering electric motor 215, and a gearbox 218 that transmits a force from the lifting and lowering electric motor 215 to the lifting and lowering lever 210.