Door Orientation Control via Link and Track Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical programming systems for translating doors in aircraft add weight and complexity due to the need for large components and additional space, increasing costs and structural requirements.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical programming system using at least one track in an arm and pivotably connected links to maintain the door's orientation parallel to the door opening during translation, allowing non-parallel orientations at specific points, reducing the need for large components and minimizing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If parallel bars programming is used to control door orientation, then the door remains parallel to the fuselage during opening and closing, but the system adds weight and complexity due to structural interfaces and additional space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of maintaining door parallel alignment by using a simplified link mechanism with a cam surface, eliminating the need for complex parallel bars and multiple structural interfaces. The link connects the door to the fuselage through a single mounting point, removing unnecessary structural complexity while preserving the alignment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the door alignment function into two independent functions: (1) the link maintains door parallel alignment through the cam surface geometry, and (2) the door can be freely positioned at any angle during opening. This segmentation allows the alignment function to be achieved without requiring complex structural interfaces throughout the entire door mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rack and pinion programming is used to transmit torque between arm interfaces, then the door orientation is controlled effectively, but the large size of components adds weight and hardened material costs increase manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy, expensive rack and pinion gears with a lightweight link mechanism. The link is a simple structural component that can be manufactured from standard materials, eliminating the need for large, heavy gears and hardened teeth. This substitution dramatically reduces component weight and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective torque transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the torque transmission function from the complex rack and pinion system and integrates it directly into the link mechanism. The link itself serves as the torque transmission element, eliminating the need for separate gears and racks. This extraction simplifies the system while maintaining the essential function of transmitting torque between the arm-fuselage and arm-door interfaces.
3Extent of automation
If chain drive programming is used to transmit rotational motion, then the door rotation is synchronized with arm rotation, but the system requires large sprockets and hardened teeth which add weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotational motion transmission function from the chain drive system and incorporates it directly into the link mechanism. The link's geometry and its connection points automatically synchronize door rotation with arm rotation without requiring separate sprockets or chains. This extraction eliminates the need for large, heavy chain drive components while maintaining precise rotational synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rotational motion transmission function with the door alignment function into a single link mechanism. The same link that maintains door parallel alignment also transmits rotational motion from the arm to the door. This merging eliminates the need for separate chain drive components, reducing overall system weight and complexity while maintaining synchronization.
4Stability of the object's composition
If parallel bars are mounted at the top of the door above the doorway opening, then the door orientation is controlled, but the mounting requires structural interfaces that add weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the alignment mechanism from a vertical mounting position (above the doorway) to a horizontal position (at the door hinge). The link extends horizontally from the fuselage to the door, changing the spatial dimension of the mounting arrangement. This dimensional change allows the alignment function to be achieved without requiring vertical structural interfaces above the doorway, reducing overall system weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical programming system for a door has at least one track and at least two links. The track is formed in an arm coupling the door to a door opening in a body. The links are pivotably connected in series between an arm-body interface and an arm-door interface, and transmit rotational motion of the arm about an arm-body hinge axis to the door for rotation about an arm-door hinge axis. At least one link is coupled to the track via a track engaging element. The track has a directional path shape that causes an orientation of at least one link to change as the track engaging element slides along the track in a manner maintaining the door parallel to the door opening during an opening sequence of translating the door from a closed position to an open position while allowing non-parallel orientations of the door during the opening sequence.