Aircraft Cabin Quick-Release Latch for Seat and Divan 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, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A quick release system for interior aircraft cabin apparatuses, comprising a release assembly with handles and cables, a latch assembly, and a lock assembly, allowing the apparatuses to rotate and translate, enabling easy access to hidden areas without requiring full removal, while meeting aviation standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interior aircraft cabin apparatus is completely removed from the track to access equipment and accessories, then full access to all components is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separable components with independent locking mechanisms. The locking assembly includes multiple latches that can be individually engaged or disengaged, allowing selective access to different portions of the apparatus without requiring complete removal from the track
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic quick-release system. The release handles and cables enable rapid transformation between locked and unlocked states, allowing the apparatus to be quickly positioned in access mode without full removal
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made secure and robust to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the release system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is designed to be self-latching and self-locking through the interaction of latch hooks, lock plates, and tracking mechanisms. Once engaged, the system maintains its locked state automatically without requiring continuous external force or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking functions are combined into an integrated assembly where latches, lock plates, and release mechanisms work together as a unified system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining robust security
3Ease of operation
If the release handles and cables are made accessible for operation, then ease of release is improved, but safety risks arise from passenger access
Solution Approach 1:
The release handles are positioned in locations that are accessible to maintenance personnel during normal operation but are not accessible to passengers during flight. The cable routing and handle placement create localized access zones that differ between operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system acts as an intermediary between the release handles and the locking mechanisms. This allows the release function to be transmitted through a protected pathway that can be shielded from passenger access while maintaining operational accessibility
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A quick release system for an interior apparatus is disclosed. The system may include a release assembly (106) including a release handle (216) and release cables (218). The release handle may pull the release cables (218) when a force is applied. The system may include a latch assembly (108) including latches (400) coupled to the release cables (218). The latches (400) 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 (110) including a lever (500) and a lock plate (502). Upon applying the force to the release handle, the lock plate (502) may translate between the locked position and the unlocked position to disengage the lock plate (502) from the tracks (214) to cause the apparatus to translate along the tracks (214).