Aircraft Door Handle Locking During Circular Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft door mechanisms with laterally releasing stops risk desynchronization and collision due to the handle's inability to remain fixed during the circular translation phase, leading to potential reclosure issues and misalignment with the fuselage.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism that uses pegs and guideways to maintain the handle in an end-of-travel position during the circular translation of the door, preventing unwanted rotation by engaging with the pegs against the guideways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating handle is allowed to rotate freely during door opening, then the door can be opened smoothly, but the handle may rotate during circular translation causing desynchronization and collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a temporary locking mechanism that activates only during the circular translation phase. The peg-engagement system dynamically transitions from locked to unlocked state based on door position, allowing smooth operation when needed while preventing unwanted rotation during critical phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The peg acts as an intermediary element between the handle and the arm. This mediator selectively transmits or blocks rotational motion based on the door's operational phase, enabling the handle to remain stable during circular translation while allowing rotation during other phases.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent handle rotation, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening operation is segmented into distinct phases (stop-release phase and circular translation phase), with the locking mechanism activated only during the circular translation phase. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while providing targeted control where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-activating based on the door's position during circular translation. The geometric relationship between the peg and guideway automatically engages the lock when needed without requiring additional sensors or control systems, maintaining system simplicity.
3Reliability
If the handle is constrained during circular translation, then desynchronization is prevented, but moving parts increase wear
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint on the handle is dynamic rather than continuous. The peg engages with the guideway only during the circular translation phase when synchronization is critical, and disengages during other phases. This reduces wear by limiting contact to only when necessary for safety and proper operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for locking an actuating handle of an aircraft door having laterally releasing stops and opens by circular translation, the door having a pivoting maneuvering arm coupled to a forearm articulated on the door and handle, in a plane parallel to the arm pivoting plane, between a closed position of the door and an end-of-travel position corresponding to partial opening thereof after releasing the stops, includes at least one peg borne by the handle and at least one guideway with a circular profile and borne by the arm face, the face arranged facing the peg and centered on the hinge, the peg and guideway being relatively positioned so, in the end-of-travel position of the handle corresponding to the end of the stops releasing and during the circular translation of the door until is fully open, the rotation of the handle is blocked by contacting the peg against the guideway.