Aviation Door Locking Mechanism with Eccentric Disc and Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for sliding doors in aviation structures are unreliable and may cause user injury, with a need for a lightweight and effective locking system.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism comprising a body with a door, a lever, a first disc, a shaft, a slot, a second disc, a holder, and a pin, which moves between open and lock positions to securely lock the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hook-type locking systems are used in aviation sliding doors, then the structure is simple and lightweight, but the reliability is uncertain and may cause user injury
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple functional components: a lever for user operation, a first disc connected to the lever, a shaft that translates disc rotation into linear movement, a slot providing the locking path, and a second disc with an eccentric shape that enhances the locking action. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft acts as an intermediary element that converts the rotational movement of the first disc into linear movement required for the locking action. The eccentric shape of the second disc serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the locking force and ensures positive engagement with the slot, thereby enhancing reliability without requiring complex control systems
2Reliability
If a high-strength locking system is designed for aviation doors, then safety and reliability are enhanced, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a heavy-duty motorized locking system that would inherently be weightier, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple manual lever that users pull to open the door. This inversion of the conventional power-source approach allows the locking mechanism to be lightweight while maintaining high strength through clever mechanical geometry, particularly the eccentric second disc that provides mechanical advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The use of circular discs (first and second discs) and the eccentric geometry of the second disc provide smooth rotational movement and consistent mechanical advantage throughout the locking cycle. The curved path of the shaft within the slot ensures gradual engagement and disengagement, distributing forces evenly and allowing the use of lighter materials compared to sharp-angled or linear mechanisms that would require heavier components for the same safety margin
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 mechanism provides a high-strength, lightweight door locking system that effectively prevents door movement in the lock position, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first disc which is located on the door in a rotatable manner around an axis where it is attached to the door, and which is triggered and moved by the lever actuated by the user
Implementation Method 2
a shaft located on the door in contact with the first disc, which can move in the direction it extends when triggered by the first disc
Implementation Method 3
the second disc with an eccentric shape, which is actuated by the shaft and inserted into the slot while switching from the open position (I) to the lock position (II), and which triggers the holder
Implementation Method 4
at least one pin located in the holder, which is inserted into the slot so as to bring the door to the lock position (II), and which is placed inside the slot when the shaft is actuated and prevents the movement of the door
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a door has a lever that is mounted on the door that can be rotated on the door to enable the door to be opened or closed. A first disc, located on the door, is triggered by moving the lever. A shaft is located on the door in contact with the first disc and moves along an extension direction when the first disc is triggered. A slot is located on the body in the direction that the shaft extends, and into which the shaft is inserted in a removable way. The locking mechanism has an open position (I) in which the shaft is located far from the slot and the door can be opened by the user and a lock position (II) that limits the movement of the door, in which the shaft is almost completely contained in the slot.