Aircraft Cabin Quick-Release Latch for Seat Track Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing equipment and accessories positioned behind or beneath interior aircraft cabin apparatuses, such as divans or aircraft seats, is difficult due to the need for complete removal of these apparatuses from their tracks.
Innovation Solution
A quick release system comprising a release assembly with handles and cables, a latch assembly, and a lock assembly, allowing the interior aircraft cabin apparatus to rotate and translate, enabling easy access to equipment and accessories without full removal, while meeting aviation guidelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interior aircraft cabin apparatus is completely removed from the seat track to access equipment and accessories, then access to equipment is achieved, but the time and effort required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separable components with independent locking mechanisms. The lock plate and latches can be independently actuated to release the apparatus from the track, allowing partial access without complete removal. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to access equipment at specific locations along the track rather than removing the entire apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system transitions from a static, fixed-position locking mechanism to a dynamic system with multiple movable components. The lock plate can translate along the track, and the latches can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling flexible access points and reducing the time required for maintenance operations.
2Ease of operation
If a quick release system is implemented to allow rotation and translation of the apparatus, then access to equipment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release handles serve multiple functions: they can be pulled to actuate both the lock plate translation and the latch rotation simultaneously. The same cable system controls both the lock plate and latches, reducing the number of separate control mechanisms needed. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining quick access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Cables serve as intermediary elements that transmit force from the release handles to both the lock plate and latches. This intermediary mechanism allows a single user action (pulling the handle) to simultaneously control multiple locking components, simplifying the user interface while maintaining complex locking functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the lock plate translates to disengage from the track to enable apparatus movement, then ease of access is improved, but the reliability of the locking mechanism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lock plate is designed to translate to a predetermined disengaged position where it clearly separates from the track engagement points. The latches are pre-positioned to rotate into a fully disengaged state that positively releases the apparatus. These preliminary actions ensure that when maintenance is required, the apparatus is completely and reliably released without ambiguity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system incorporates inherent safety features where the lock plate and latches work together to provide redundant locking. The apparatus cannot be accidentally released because both the lock plate translation and latch rotation must occur simultaneously through deliberate handle actuation. This beforehand cushioning prevents unintended release while maintaining reliable locking during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release system for an interior apparatus is disclosed. The system may include a release assembly including a release handle and release cables. The release handle may pull the release cables when a force is applied. The system may include a latch assembly including latches coupled to the release cables. The latches may include a latch hook positioned in an open position or a closed position. Upon applying the force to the release handle, the latch hook may release the apparatus to cause the apparatus to rotate about an axis. The system may include a locking assembly including a lever and a lock plate. Upon applying the force to the release handle, the lock plate may translate between the locked position and the unlocked position to disengage the lock plate from the tracks to cause the apparatus to translate along the tracks.