Aircraft Door Support Assembly With Integrated Hinge and Link Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft door assemblies lack an efficient and integrated support system that facilitates smooth opening and closing movements, including emergency evacuation, while minimizing the need for multiple mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly comprising a forearm, lower and upper links, and a latch idler, which integrates weight compensation, actuation system integration, and door synchronization, reducing the need for conventional mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate mechanical components are used for door support, then reliability and load distribution are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mechanical components (support arm, latch mechanism, actuation system) into a single integrated support assembly. The support assembly includes a first support element with a latch mechanism and a second support element with an actuation system, both integrated into one structure that works together to support and move the door, thereby reducing overall component complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the door weight, guides door movement, provides latch engagement, and enables actuated door opening. By integrating these functions into a single assembly rather than using separate components, the patent reduces device complexity while ensuring reliable performance of all functions
2Reliability
If conventional separate mechanical systems are used for weight compensation and actuation, then functional reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the weight compensation mechanism and actuation system into a single support assembly structure. The first support element includes a latch mechanism for weight support and engagement, while the second support element includes an actuation system with a motor and gear mechanism, both manufactured and assembled as an integrated unit, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides weight compensation through the latch mechanism, actuation through the motor-driven gear system, and door guidance. This integrated design reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps required compared to conventional separate systems
3Device complexity
If integrated support assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating functions into a single support assembly, the patent segments the assembly into distinct functional elements: a first support element with latch mechanism and a second support element with actuation system. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing the precision requirements compared to a fully monolithic design while still achieving the goal of reduced overall device complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A door assembly (26) for an aircraft (20) includes a door (28), a door hinge (32), and a support assembly (50) rotatably mounting the door hinge (32) to the door (28). The support assembly (50) includes a forearm (52) and at least one link. The forearm (52) is rotatably mounted to the door hinge (32) along a first rotational axis (74) and extends along the first rotational axis (74) between an upper end (72) and a lower end (70). The at least one link extends between an inner end (96) and an outer end (98) and is rotatably mounted to the forearm (52) at the inner end (96). The at least one link is rotatable relative to the forearm (52) about a second rotational axis (74) and rotatably mounted to the door (28) at the outer end (98). The at least one link is rotatable about the second rotational axis (74) between a lowered position of the door (28) and a raised position of the door (28).