Frangible Hinge Mechanism for Aircraft Partition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing frangible hinge mechanisms for aircraft partitions are complex, difficult to maintain, and can be hindered by the aircraft fuselage's curvature, especially when positioned at the center, where rotational travel is restricted.

Innovation Solution

A frangible hinge mechanism that allows movement of the releasable portion relative to the stationary portion in directions parallel and perpendicular to the axis of rotation, using connecting rods and a frangible connection that can be broken by a calibrated force, enabling easy maintenance and operation even in curved fuselage environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a frangible hinge mechanism is used to allow rotational release of the partition, then the partition can be opened in emergency situations, but the rotational travel may be hindered by the fuselage curvature when the partition is centered on the aircraft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency opening capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to curved fuselage environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single rotational degree of freedom to a two-degree-of-freedom mechanism by adding translational movement along the hinge axis. This dimensional change allows the partition to navigate around fuselage curvature obstacles while maintaining emergency opening capability, as the partition can now move both rotationally and translationally to clear obstructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism incorporates dynamic movement capabilities where the partition can transition between different motion states. The hinge assembly allows the partition to rotate during normal operation and to translate along the hinge axis during emergency release, adapting its motion pattern based on operational requirements and spatial constraints imposed by the fuselage curvature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a complex frangible hinge mechanism is used to enable partition release, then the partition can be opened in emergency situations, but the mechanism becomes difficult and tedious to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency opening capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is divided into modular components including the hinge assembly, frangible connections, and movement means. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently inspected, maintained, or replaced without disassembling the entire mechanism, significantly reducing maintenance complexity while preserving the emergency opening function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frangible connections are designed as extractable components that can be easily removed and replaced. In case of failure or wear, these connections can be quickly taken out and replaced without affecting other parts of the hinge mechanism, simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a frangible connection is used to maintain the hinge rotationally immobile during normal operation, then the partition remains stable, but the frangible portions require replacement after breaking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenormal operation stabilityVSAvoidfrangible connection replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The frangible connections are designed with predetermined break points that fail in a controlled manner. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when the connection breaks, it does so predictably and safely, minimizing damage and making replacement straightforward. The design anticipates the breaking event and prepares for easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The frangible connections are designed as disposable components that are replaced after a single use. This approach prioritizes safety and reliability over long-term durability, as these connections are designed to fail in a controlled manner to enable emergency release, and their replacement is simplified through modular design and easy access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS8689496B2Frangible hinge mechanism for a platform partition, associated partition, assembly and method

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 DASSAULT AVIATION SA

AI summary

A mechanism including a hinge and movement assembly having a first fastening region, a second fastening region, and a hinge defining an axis of rotation of the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region is provided. The mechanism further comprises an assembly for maintaining a releasable portion of the partition relative to a stationary portion of the partition, the maintenance assembly having at least one frangible connection that can be broken to rotationally free the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region. The hinge and movement assembly includes relative movement means for the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region at least in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.