Fuselage Access Door with Integrated Pressurization Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

The presence of multiple openings in aircraft fuselages for access doors and pressurization control valves increases the overall mass and drag of the aircraft, necessitating a reduction in structural reinforcement and aerodynamic inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A single fuselage opening is used for both access and pressurization air discharge, employing two articulated flaps with electrical control mechanisms to manage air pressure and operator access, reducing the need for dual structural reinforcement and potential misalignment issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate openings are provided for access door and pressurization control valve, then both functions can be independently performed, but the overall mass of the fuselage increases due to multiple structural reinforcements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional independenceVSAvoidfuselage mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The access door and pressurization control valve are merged into a single integrated assembly that occupies one opening in the fuselage. The assembly includes a door body with a valve mounted on it, allowing both access and pressure control functions to be performed through a single structurally-reinforced opening, thereby reducing fuselage mass while maintaining functional independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides operator access to the electronics bay when the door is open, and it controls pressurization air discharge through the mounted valve. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate openings and structural reinforcements for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple openings are made in the fuselage, then access and pressure control are achieved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to increased drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the access door and pressurization valve into a single integrated assembly occupying one fuselage opening, the total number of openings is reduced from two to one. This minimizes aerodynamic disruption and reduces drag while maintaining both access and pressure control operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If two separate openings are provided, then structural reinforcement is distributed, but production complexity increases due to alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural reinforcementVSAvoidproduction simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated assembly consolidates two separate structural reinforcement locations into one. The assembly includes a door body with a valve mounted on it, forming a single unit that requires only one reinforced opening in the fuselage, thereby simplifying production and eliminating alignment issues between separate openings while maintaining necessary structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Weight of stationary object

If a single opening is used for both functions, then fuselage mass is reduced, but the device complexity increases to integrate both functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuselage massVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a door body portion for access and a valve portion for pressure control. The valve is mounted on the door body with its own control mechanism, allowing functional segmentation within the integrated structure. This reduces fuselage mass while managing integration complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration minimizes the overall mass of the fuselage, enhances aerodynamic performance by eliminating unnecessary openings, and simplifies production while maintaining safe and comfortable cabin pressure control.

Implementation Method 1

control of the discharge of the pressurization air by means of pivoting of the two flaps about the two rotation axes which remain fixed relative to the body of the item of equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9783283B2Fuselage equipment forming an access door and comprising a discharge control valve for pressurization air

Publication Date: 2017.10.10 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

In order to limit the number of openings in an aircraft fuselage and to reduce the mass thereof, the invention makes provision for an item of aircraft fuselage equipment which is intended to be mounted in an opening of the fuselage, the item of equipment being configured to block/release an access passage which affords access to the inner side of the aircraft and which also comprises a discharge control valve for pressurization air.