Aircraft Elevator Multi-Track Guide Rail Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elevator systems for aircraft, such as those in the Boeing 747, require external stairs or elevators for personnel access, which can be inconvenient and lack flexibility in accessing multiple levels during flight and on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A multi-track guide rail system with a deployment track allows an elevator car to move between aircraft levels and deploy to the ground level, providing secure and convenient access without external stairs, and can operate during flight and ground operations using redundant belt and pulley lifting systems and safety mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external stairs or external elevators are used for personnel access, then ground level access is provided, but convenience and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deploy from the lower lobe to provide ground level access, and it can also operate between aircraft levels during flight. This single system replaces the need for separate external stairs and internal elevators, improving convenience while managing complexity through multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system incorporates a deployable track that can extend from the lower lobe to the ground level and retract back into the aircraft. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between providing ground access and operating internally, enhancing flexibility without requiring permanent external structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single track guide rail system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to deploy to ground level and operate between levels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system is divided into two separate tracks: an intra-vehicle track for movement between aircraft levels and a deployment track for extending to the ground level. This segmentation allows each track to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide versatile operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment track is configured to telescope downward from the intra-vehicle guide rail track, with the elevator car coupled to both tracks. This nested arrangement allows the deployment track to extend beyond the intra-vehicle track when ground access is needed, while retracting during flight operations, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the deployment track is fixed to the intra-vehicle track, then structural simplicity is improved, but the ability to telescope downward for ground deployment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment track is movably coupled to the intra-vehicle guide rail track, allowing it to telescope downward during deployment and retract during flight. This dynamic coupling mechanism provides the necessary adaptability for ground access while maintaining a relatively simple structural connection.
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
Enables safe and flexible access to aircraft interiors from the ground and between levels, enhancing convenience, flexibility, and functionality, while ensuring safety during flight and ground operations.
Implementation Method 1
redundant belt and pulley lifting systems
Data Source
AI summary
Ground-accessing elevator systems and methods are provided for transporting personnel between the ground level and one or more decks of multi-level vehicle such as a fixed-wing aircraft. The vehicle elevator systems and methods may be implemented using a multi-track guide rail system configured to guide an elevator car between the ground and two or more levels within a vehicle. The multi-track guide rail system may include an intra-vehicle track fixed to the vehicle structure and configured to guide the elevator car between decks of the vehicle, and a separate deployment track may be configured to telescope downward from the intra-vehicle guide rail track to guide the elevator car during deployment to the ground from the vehicle.