Retractable Aircraft Galley Footstep with Spring Detent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable footsteps in aircraft galleys suffer from premature failure due to repeated wear and tear, limiting their endurance to around 11,000 cycles, which is insufficient for the required 60,000 cycles of use without load and 120,000 cycles with zero load, necessitating a solution for enhanced durability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A recessed, retractable footstep unit with a compression spring-loaded step that automatically retracts into the galley when not in use, featuring a detent mechanism with a spring and plunger to maintain the deployed position and ensure automatic return to the stowed position, designed to withstand 60,000 operational cycles with a 75 kg load and fabricated using lightweight materials like aluminum for reduced weight and increased strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable footstep is installed in an aircraft galley, then accessibility to elevated storage locations is improved, but the device suffers from premature failure due to repeated wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring system by using multiple springs (first and second springs) with specific force ratings (e.g., 10 lb force) and positioning them at predetermined locations to optimize both the operational smoothness and durability of the footstep mechanism, enabling it to withstand 60,000 cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detent mechanism with a plunger and spring as an intermediary component between the footstep and its mounting structure. This detent mechanism provides controlled engagement and disengagement, reducing impact wear and improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the footstep is designed to automatically retract, then safety is improved by eliminating tripping hazards, but the spring mechanism requires precise calibration to ensure reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates springs that are pre-loaded and positioned to automatically return the footstep to its retracted position after use. This preliminary action ensures the footstep reliably returns to its safe stowed position without requiring manual intervention, eliminating tripping hazards while the predetermined spring forces ensure consistent operation
Solution Approach 2:
The footstep mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the automatic return system. The springs and detent mechanism work together to automatically retract the footstep after deployment, ensuring safety without requiring additional components or complex control systems
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
The solution significantly extends the lifespan of the footstep to meet or exceed 60,000 cycles without fatigue or failure, ensuring safe and effective retrieval of objects from elevated storage locations while minimizing space usage and reducing the risk of tripping hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a first compression spring positioned at a first predetermined location within the support block and a second compression spring positioned at a second predetermined location within the support block
Implementation Method 2
incorporates a detent mechanism including a spring and plunger that retains the step in the horizontal position when deployed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention is an improved footstep for an aircraft galley or similar monument that is retractable into the galley when not in use. The overall size of the footstep is significantly reduced by the use of a spring loaded detent mechanism. The present invention is designed to allow the footstep to remain in the deployed, horizontal position by means of a spring and plunger that cooperate to create a detent or over-center position. Further, the present invention permits the footstep to automatically return to the stowed position by virtue of the spring and plunger detent system.