Aircraft Door Locking Torque Resistor Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft door locking systems are not secure enough and require complex kinematics for operation, which can lead to issues during flight and emergency landings, particularly in pressurized cabins and space-restricted areas like the lower deck of an aircraft.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft door locking system featuring a first rotatable locking element and a second locking element with a locking bolt that converges to secure the door in a space-saving manner, utilizing a torque-generating device to resist rotation and maintain the door's closed position under pressure differences and external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional kinematics with complex movements are used, then the door can be opened and closed, but the locking system is not secure enough and requires complex movements that can lead to issues during flight and emergency landings
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent locking elements (first locking element with receiving opening and second locking element with locking bolt) that can be positioned and operated independently. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall system while enhancing reliability through redundant locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second locking elements are positioned in advance such that the locking bolt is aligned with the receiving opening before the actual locking action occurs. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during operation, reducing operational complexity while ensuring secure locking.
2Reliability
If complex kinematics are used for door operation, then the door can be secured in closed position, but the system requires more space and is difficult to install in space-restricted areas like the lower deck
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the locking system into two separate locking elements with distinct functions, the design eliminates the need for complex intermediate movement mechanisms. The first locking element provides initial positioning while the second locking element secures the door, achieving reliable door securing in a compact configuration suitable for space-restricted installations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex kinematic sequences to achieve door securing, the invention inverts the approach by using two simple locking elements that converge directly. The locking bolt moves directly to engage with the receiving opening without requiring complex intermediate movements, significantly reducing the space required for system operation.
3Device complexity
If simple locking mechanisms are used, then the system is space-saving and simple to construct, but the door may not remain securely locked under pressure differences and external forces during flight and emergency conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The dual locking element design provides redundant security: the first locking element with its receiving opening and the second locking element with the locking bolt work together to create a secure locking state. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall security, ensuring the door remains locked under pressure differences and external forces while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are positioned in advance to ensure proper alignment, and the locking bolt is designed to engage firmly with the receiving opening. This preliminary positioning and firm engagement design ensures that once locked, the door remains securely locked under various flight and emergency conditions, achieving reliable locking through simple mechanisms.
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 system provides enhanced security and simplicity by eliminating the need for complex movements, ensuring the door remains locked during flight and emergency conditions, while being suitable for installation in space-restricted areas like the aircraft's lower deck.
Implementation Method 1
a torque-generating device which is configured in order, in the locking state of the aircraft door locking system, to generate a torque which opposes a rotation of the first locking element about the first axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft door locking system comprises a first locking element fastenable to a first element of an aircraft door arrangement rotatable about a rotation axis and having a receiving opening and a bearing shell. A second locking element is fastenable to a door arrangement second element and comprises a locking bolt. In a release state, the locking bolt is insertable through the receiving opening and, by a rotation of the first locking element about the rotation axis in a locking direction, is positionable in the bearing shell to effect the locking state. A torque-generating device is configured, in the locking state, to generate a torque opposing a rotation of the first locking element about the rotation axis in a release direction opposite to the locking direction if a force directed substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis is exerted on the bearing shell and/or on the locking bolt.