Aircraft Pushbutton Lockout Clip for Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the aviation industry, the physical separation between lockout devices at circuit breakers and tagout indicators in flight decks can lead to errors and potential injuries, as maintenance personnel may inadvertently engage systems, violating safety standards due to the hidden location of lockout devices relative to pushbutton switches.

Innovation Solution

The development of combined lockout and tagout devices that can be remotely attached to pushbuttons, using adjustable spring-loaded clips to prevent accidental engagement and provide a visual indication of the pushbutton's status, allowing maintenance in an energized state without risking electrical discharges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lockout devices are placed at circuit breakers, then the circuit can be de-energized and locked out, but the lockout device becomes hidden from sight and cannot prevent accidental pushbutton engagement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit de-energizationVSAvoidvisibility of lockout device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lockout device and tagout indicator into a single integrated unit that is placed at the pushbutton location. This merging eliminates the separation between the functional lockout (at the circuit breaker) and the visual indicator (at the pushbutton), ensuring that the lockout device remains visible while maintaining circuit de-energization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system that connects the pushbutton location to the circuit breaker. This intermediary mechanism transmits the lockout action from the visible pushbutton location to the hidden circuit breaker, allowing the lockout device to be visible while still performing its function at the circuit breaker.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If maintenance personnel service equipment with hidden lockout devices, then the circuit is de-energized, but personnel may inadvertently engage the system causing electrical discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit de-energizationVSAvoidaccidental electrical discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by placing a visible lockout device and tagout indicator at the pushbutton location before any maintenance work begins. This preliminary visual warning prevents personnel from accidentally engaging the pushbutton, thereby preventing the harmful electrical discharge before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color changes through the tagout indicator, which displays visible color-coded warnings (such as red or yellow tags) at the pushbutton location. These color changes provide immediate visual recognition of the locked-out state, preventing accidental engagement and electrical discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If lockout devices are placed at circuit breakers, then the circuit can be locked out, but the control panel cannot be maintained in an energized state for testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit lockoutVSAvoidpanel energization for testing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lockout function into two independent parts: a visible lockout device at the pushbutton location that can be engaged or disengaged independently, and the actual circuit breaker lockout. This segmentation allows the control panel to be energized for testing by simply disengaging the visible lockout device at the pushbutton while maintaining circuit breaker lockout if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control by allowing the lockout device at the pushbutton to be independently engaged or disengaged based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables the panel to switch between locked-out and energized states for testing without requiring physical movement of the circuit breaker, providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

These devices effectively prevent the accidental activation of circuits during maintenance, enhancing safety by ensuring that pushbuttons are securely locked out and tagged, reducing the risk of electrical discharges and compliance with safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

a spring loaded clip end rotatably connected to the attachment end, the spring loaded clip end configured to rotate the attachment end between a release position and the lockout/tagout position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11676516B2Aircraft lockout / tagout for pushbutton switch

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 BALSAMELLO CHRISTOPHER M

AI summary

An engageable lockout and tagout device for aircraft pushbutton switches prevents attempts to electrically engage a corresponding control panel circuit of a system under service. The lockout and tagout device is configured to lock different pushbutton switch types present in a flight deck, including Korry switches, thereby preventing operators from actuating switches and alerting them that the switches have been disengaged.