Bi-Fold Flight Deck Barrier for Secure Door Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight deck door systems in aircrafts do not effectively prevent unauthorized access during transitions, as they can be compromised by movable barriers like galley carts.
Innovation Solution
A bi-fold secondary barrier door system is introduced, comprising a first and second panel pivotally coupled by a hinge, which can be folded into a stowed position to allow access and unfolded into a deployed position to block access to the flight deck, secured by bearings and locks, and optionally featuring an override mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a galley cart is moved to provide a barrier during door transition, then access to the flight deck is blocked, but the barrier can be moved by individuals and does not provide reliable security
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system uses a bi-fold door design that can dynamically transition between a deployed position (blocking access) and a stowed position (allowing access). The door is pivotally coupled to allow it to fold against the monument when not in use, and unfold to extend across the aisle when security is needed, providing reliable security while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is segmented into multiple panels (first panel and second panel) that are pivotally coupled together. This segmentation allows the barrier to fold into a compact stowed position against the monument while still providing a complete barrier when deployed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a secondary barrier door is deployed to block access, then security is enhanced, but the door requires additional space for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-fold door is designed to fold nested against the monument when in the stowed position. The first panel folds against the monument, and the second panel folds against the first panel, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes the space required while still providing a complete barrier when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring lateral space for the barrier to move sideways, the door utilizes the vertical dimension by folding upward against the monument. The pivot hinge allows the door to transition from a horizontal blocking position to a vertical folded position, effectively using vertical space to resolve the horizontal space constraint.
3Reliability
If the secondary barrier door is made secure with locks and bearings, then reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier door incorporates self-latching mechanisms that automatically engage when the door is in the deployed position, and self-release mechanisms that allow the door to be quickly opened when needed. The override device provides a simple manual operation method that releases the latches without requiring complex manual manipulation, maintaining both security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot hinge with bearings provides smooth, low-friction movement that reduces the force needed to deploy and stow the door. The dynamic design allows the door to be easily manipulated by a single person while still providing secure locking when in position, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft includes a flight deck including a flight deck door configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, a first monument, second monument, and a secondary barrier door moveably secured between the first monument and the second monument. The secondary barrier door is configured to fold into a stowed position in which a path to the flight deck is open, and unfold into a deployed position in which the path to the flight deck is closed.