Aircraft Folding Door Security Vestibule Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft cockpit access systems are inefficient in terms of space utilization, as traditional security vestibules occupy significant cabin space, compromising passenger comfort and requiring additional protection measures, especially when passenger seats are near the cockpit partition.

Innovation Solution

A folding door system that forms a security vestibule with a movable shutter, allowing secure communication between areas while collapsing to free up cabin space when not in use, comprising a folding door with rotatable panels, reinforcement for structural integrity, and locking mechanisms to secure the door in both folded and deployed positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional security vestibule is used to protect cockpit access, then security is improved, but cabin space is significantly occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecockpit access securityVSAvoidcabin space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The security vestibule is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic deployable system. The folding door assembly can be collapsed into a compact configuration within the cockpit when not in use, and deployed to form a secure vestibule when needed. This dynamic transformation allows the system to provide security functionality while minimizing space occupation during normal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The folding door assembly is designed to nest within the cockpit structure when collapsed. The multiple door leaves can be folded back and stored in a compact arrangement that fits within the existing cockpit volume, effectively hiding the security vestibule components when they are not actively protecting the cockpit access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a security vestibule with mobile partitions is deployed, then cockpit protection is improved, but passenger seat space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecockpit protectionVSAvoidpassenger seating area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The security system transitions from occupying permanent cabin space to being a deployable structure. When collapsed, the folding doors and shutters retract into the cockpit, eliminating the need for a permanent perimeter around the cockpit that would reduce passenger seating area. The system only occupies space when actively deployed for security purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the folding door is deployed to form a security vestibule, then secure communication is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure communication protectionVSAvoidfolding door mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security vestibule is divided into multiple independent folding door leaves that can operate semi-independently. Each leaf is a separate component that folds along defined hinges, allowing the system to achieve complex protective configurations through simple, modular units rather than a single complex moving structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding door assembly integrates multiple functions into a single deployable structure. The folding doors, when deployed, work together with existing cockpit partitions and walls to form the complete security vestibule, combining the new folding mechanism with existing structural elements to reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a compact and efficient security solution that frees up cabin space, allowing for more passenger seating by collapsing when not in use and forming a secure vestibule for protected access between the cockpit and cabin, enhancing both security and passenger comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a folding door with two leaves in the form of two solid panels rotatably hinged relative to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

The movable shutter is placed against a partition separating two areas, moving in translation along the latter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranslation:

Implementation Method 3

Retaining, positioning and locking means are provided on the folding door and cooperate with corresponding means provided on the stationary structures of the enclosure to block the door in the closed folded position and in the deployed security vestibule position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10392096B2Access device provided with a folding door enabling secure communication between at least two zones of an enclosure

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

An access device enables controlled or secure communication between different areas of an enclosure, and in the example illustrated in the present application of an aircraft, while providing reduced size. The access device includes a folding door which, when in folded position, allows at least one of said openings to be closed and, when in deployed position, forms a security vestibule with at least one movable shutter allowing said opening created by the deployment of said folding door to be closed. By superimposing the main components of the security vestibule that said components allow to close, the device frees up the adjoining cabin space when the security vestibule is not in use.