Aircraft Sliding Door Locking Assembly With Visual Lock Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door locking assemblies for aircraft sliding doors are complex, heavy, require significant installation space, prone to failure, difficult to operate ergonomically, and lack integrated safety features such as visual indication and energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A door locking assembly with a locking hook, release lever, operating handle, and integrated locking indicator, featuring a reduced number of components, including a dampening member and pre-catch system, allowing one-handed operation and visual indication, with a simple design suitable for sliding doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional door locking assemblies use multiple constituent components (handles, cables, hooks, brackets), then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (locking hook, release lever, operating handle, locking indicator) into an integrated assembly where the locking hook is rigidly attached to the release lever, and the operating handle is connected to both. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the complete locking function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated locking assembly performs multiple functions through a unified structure: the locking hook provides mechanical locking, the release lever enables disengagement, the operating handle controls the locking cycle, and the locking indicator provides visual feedback. This multi-functionality within a single assembly reduces component count while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If conventional door locking assemblies use multiple constituent components, then the locking function is achieved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By rigidly attaching the locking hook to the release lever and integrating the operating handle connection, the patent creates a compact assembly that occupies less installation space compared to multiple separate components. The integrated structure eliminates the need for additional mounting brackets and alignment space required for separate parts.
3Reliability
If conventional door locking assemblies are designed with multiple components, then the locking function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of ergonomic design
Solution Approach 1:
The operating handle is specifically designed with ergonomic considerations for the local operation point, allowing one-handed operation. The handle's shape, size, and positioning are optimized for human interaction, while other components maintain their functional design. This local quality improvement enhances ease of operation without compromising the overall locking reliability.
4Device complexity
If conventional door locking assemblies lack integrated safety features, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability deteriorates due to no visual indication and no energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The locking indicator provides visual feedback through position changes that can be perceived by the operator. This visual indication system enhances safety and reliability by allowing the operator to confirm the locking state without adding complex mechanical or electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric bumper is integrated into the locking assembly to absorb opening energy generated by the sliding door upon reaching the fully opened position. This cushioning element prevents damage from sudden impacts and reduces noise, enhancing safety and reliability through energy absorption before harmful effects can occur.
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 assembly provides enhanced safety, reliability, and ease of use with reduced weight and complexity, minimizing noise and installation space, while ensuring secure locking and ergonomic operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric bumper for energy absorption
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a door locking assembly for locking a door of an aircraft, comprising a locking hook adapted for blocking in a locking position a lockable arm of a door of an aircraft; a release lever connected to the locking hook for moving the locking hook from a releasing position into the locking position in response to being actuated by a lockable arm of a door of an aircraft; an operating handle connected at least to the release lever and rotatable for moving the locking hook from the locking position to the releasing position; and a locking indicator connected to the locking hook for indicating positioning of the locking hook in one of the locking position or the releasing position.