Aircraft Galley Insert Automatic Latch for Quick Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing galley inserts in aircraft galleys are cumbersome and time-consuming due to difficulties in aligning and accessing screws from beneath the worktop, and require certified technicians for installation and removal, which is inefficient for quick maintenance and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A galley insert system with a latch mechanism that automatically engages when the insert is positioned correctly, allowing for easy installation and removal by aligning latch elements without screws, and featuring a control mechanism for disengagement and a spring-loaded plate for unlatching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screw-based securing methods are used, then the galley insert can be securely attached to the support structure, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming and complex due to difficulty in accessing and aligning holes from beneath the worktop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning the control mechanism on the accessible side of the worktop rather than beneath it. The release lever and control elements are mounted on the front or side of the galley insert, allowing technicians to easily access and operate the latching mechanism from the front, eliminating the need to reach underneath the worktop for screw installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control mechanism from the concealed location beneath the worktop and relocates it to the accessible front or side of the insert. This separation allows the securing function to remain reliable while the control function becomes easily accessible, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and easy operation.
2Reliability
If conventional screw-based securing methods are used, then the galley insert can be attached to the support structure, but the operation becomes difficult due to the need to install screws upside-down from beneath the worktop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the operational approach by making the control mechanism accessible from the front rather than requiring installation from beneath. The release lever and control elements are positioned on the front or side of the insert, allowing technicians to easily operate the latching mechanism without having to reach underneath the worktop or install components in awkward orientations.
3Reliability
If conventional screw-based securing methods are used, then the galley insert can be attached to the support structure, but the process requires certified technicians due to safety regulations, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-latching mechanism that automatically engages when the insert is placed on the support structure. The latching elements automatically align and secure the insert without requiring manual screw installation, reducing the complexity of the installation process and potentially eliminating the need for specially certified technicians while maintaining secure attachment.
4Reliability
If screws are used to secure the galley insert, then the insert can be firmly attached, but the screw heads may become damaged or break due to corrosion from moisture and dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control mechanism from the concealed location beneath the worktop where moisture and dirt accumulation causes corrosion. By relocating the release lever and control elements to the accessible front or side of the insert, the mechanism is positioned in a more accessible location that can be better protected from moisture ingress, reducing the risk of corrosion-related failures.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient mounting and dismounting of galley inserts, reducing installation time and eliminating the need for certified technicians, while ensuring secure attachment during flight.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure may comprise a plate positioned above a base. The plate may be pivotally coupled to the base. The plate may be spring-loaded in the position above the base such that the insert can be positioned on the plate and the insert can be moved from the unlatched position to the latching position by lowering the insert and plate towards the base against the force of a spring between the plate and the base. When the latch mechanism is disengaged, the force spring between plate and the base automatically moves the insert and plate away from the base to the unlatched position.
Data Source
AI summary
A galley insert system for an aircraft galley comprises a galley support structure, a galley insert configured to be coupled to the support structure, and a latch mechanism for coupling the insert to the support structure, the latch mechanism configured to automatically engage to couple the insert to the support structure when the insert is moved into a latching position on the support structure, wherein the latch mechanism comprises a control mechanism configured to be actuated to disengage the latch mechanism.