Aircraft Passenger Door Powered Actuation with Manual Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft passenger seating systems face challenges in implementing power-operated doors for both opening and closing while meeting safety requirements that mandate manual operation in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a powered actuation mechanism using a rotary motor coupled to a reel and pulley system, allowing for both automatic and manual operation of the door. This includes a resilient biasing mechanism and an autodisconnect clutch to ensure safe manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power-operated actuation systems are implemented for closing doors, then convenience and premium experience are improved, but safety requirements mandating manual operation capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The door actuation system transitions from a static manual-only operation to a dynamic system that can automatically close the door using powered actuation while still allowing manual opening. The powered actuator dynamically assists door closing without preventing manual intervention, creating a flexible operation mode that adapts to different situations.
Solution Approach 2:
A powered actuator is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the door and the user. This actuator provides powered assistance for door closing while maintaining the user's ability to manually open the door, thus mediating between the need for automation and the safety requirement for manual operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If powered actuators are added to enable automatic door closing, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can automatically close the door when activated, assist in door closing operations, and still allow manual door opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for different operation modes, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered actuation system is designed to be self-regulating, where the actuator automatically engages and disengages based on door position and operation mode. The system includes self-diagnostic capabilities and automatic safety features that reduce the need for complex external control 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 solution enables power-operated doors that can be safely opened and closed automatically, providing a premium experience while maintaining manual override capability in emergencies, thus addressing safety and operational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient biasing mechanism and an autodisconnect clutch to ensure safe manual operation
Data Source
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AI summary
An actuation system for passenger seating has first actuating means for actuating a door from an open state to a closed state, and second actuating means for actuating the door from the closed state to the open state. The first actuating means may comprise a spring and allows movement of the door from the closed state to the open state. The second actuating is power-operated. The door can be opened and closed automatically by the user while still being operable manually, e.g. in the event of an emergency. This provides a premium feel without giving rise to safety concerns.