Aircraft Door Lock Integrating Closure Block into Hinge Arm

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft door locks are complex and heavy due to external locking devices, which complicate the closure mechanism and increase weight.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft door lock with a closure block integrated into the hinge arm, allowing the bolt to be secured within the hinge arm structure, eliminating the need for external locking devices and simplifying the mechanism while maintaining secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external locking devices are used on the door periphery, then the door can be securely locked, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor locking securityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the hinge arm structure. The closure block is integrated into the hinge arm, combining the hinge function with the locking function in a single component, thereby eliminating separate external locking devices and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge arm is given multiple functions: it serves both as the hinge mechanism for door movement and as the locking mechanism through the integrated closure block. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking devices, simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If external locking devices are used on the door periphery, then the door can be securely locked, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor locking securityVSAvoiddoor lock weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the hinge arm structure. The closure block is integrated into the hinge arm, combining the hinge function with the locking function in a single component, thereby eliminating separate external locking devices and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge arm is given multiple functions: it serves both as the hinge mechanism for door movement and as the locking mechanism through the integrated closure block. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking devices, simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the closure block is integrated into the hinge arm, then the structure is simplified and weight is reduced, but the door leaf structure must be accessible to the hinge arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism complexityVSAvoiddoor leaf structure configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the locking device on the door leaf and engaging with the frame, the approach is inverted: the closure block is placed on the hinge arm (which is part of the door assembly) and engages with the bolt on the door leaf structure. This inversion allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into the hinge arm while still effectively securing the door

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11753138B2Aircraft door lock, aircraft door and aircraft having an aircraft door

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

An aircraft door lock having a bolt and a closure block, wherein the bolt is fastened in a movable manner to a door leaf structure and the closure block can at least partially receive the bolt. The closure block prevents any movement of the bolt in at least one direction, wherein the closure block is arranged on a portion of a hinge arm that overlaps the door leaf structure when the door leaf structure is in a closed position. Furthermore, an aircraft door having such an aircraft door lock, and an aircraft having such an aircraft door are described.