Aircraft stair system including deployable table

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft stairways are burdensome to deploy and stow due to lack of assistive components, often requiring external aid and causing mechanical stress during deployment and stowing, which can lead to abrupt impacts and inefficient space utilization.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a bifold airstair system with mechanical resistance mechanisms, including primary and secondary dampers, a reel mechanism, and a magnetic securing system, which allows for controlled deployment and stowing, reducing the need for external assistance and minimizing space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional aircraft stairways are deployed and stowed without assistive components, then the structure remains simple, but the operation becomes burdensome and requires external aid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deployment and stowingVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stairway system incorporates mechanical resistance mechanisms and dampers that automatically engage during deployment and stowing operations. The system serves itself by providing controlled resistance without requiring external assistance, as the dampers and mechanical mechanisms autonomously regulate the motion of the stairway sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical resistance mechanisms and dampers are introduced as intermediary components between the moving stairway sections and the fixed structure. These intermediaries provide controlled resistance and damping forces that facilitate smoother operation, reducing the burden on operators while managing the complexity through specialized intermediate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional aircraft stairways are deployed without mechanical resistance mechanisms, then the deployment process is faster, but abrupt impacts occur causing mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of abrupt impacts and mechanical stressVSAvoidspeed of deployment and stowing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Mechanical resistance mechanisms and dampers are pre-installed on the stairway sections to provide cushioning during deployment and stowing operations. These mechanisms are positioned to engage before abrupt impacts can occur, gradually dissipating kinetic energy and preventing sudden mechanical stresses on the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If stairways are fully extended for use, then passenger access is enabled, but space utilization within the fuselage is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional deployment for passenger accessVSAvoidspace occupation within aircraft fuselage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stairway is divided into multiple separable sections that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the stairway to be configured in different states - fully extended for passenger access or partially retracted to minimize space occupation within the fuselage when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stairway system utilizes vertical and angular dimensions for deployment, extending outward from the fuselage rather than occupying horizontal fuselage space. This dimensional approach enables full functional deployment for passenger access while minimizing the volume occupied within the aircraft fuselage during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 facilitates easier and safer deployment and stowing of aircraft stairways, preventing abrupt impacts and optimizing space usage within the aircraft fuselage, while allowing users to manage the process independently.

Implementation Method 1

U.S. Pat. No. 10,870,480 to Brakes discloses an aerodynamic structure that has a first magnetic sealing surface and a second magnetic sealing surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of mechanical resistance mechanisms incorporated to decelerate relative motion between both (i) the first portion relative to the doorway, and (ii) the first portion relative to the second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12103660B2Aircraft stair system including deployable table

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

A table is incorporated into an aircraft staircase design. The table can be deployed when the stairs are stowed inside the aircraft cabin area. The table is upwardly biased such that when it is released from a locking mechanism the table flips up to horizontal.