Guide Rail Assembly With Locking Runner for Aircraft Cabin Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft cabin dividing systems face challenges in providing easy handling and modular design for longitudinal movement of transverse dividing elements while ensuring electrical power supply and maintaining a high level of modularity and aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A guide rail assembly with a longitudinal front groove and a guide runner system that includes a locking shoe mechanism, rolling elements, and an electrical contact system, allowing for secure locking, easy movement, and integrated power supply to the transverse dividing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a guide rail system with groove and guide runner is used for longitudinal movement, then the transverse dividing element can be easily handled and repositioned, but the device complexity increases due to the need for guide structures, locking mechanisms, and electrical contact systems
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail system is divided into modular components: the rail body with groove, the guide runner with locking mechanism, and electrical contact elements. This segmentation allows independent manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of each component while enabling easy repositioning of the transverse dividing element along the longitudinal axis
Solution Approach 2:
The guide runner incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing the transverse dividing element to be securely held at any desired longitudinal position while maintaining the capability for easy repositioning when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical power is supplied to the transverse dividing element through the guide runner, then electrical components can be powered, but the device complexity increases due to additional electrical contact elements and conducting tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact elements are integrated into the guide runner structure, merging the mechanical guidance function with the electrical power transmission function. This combination eliminates the need for separate electrical connection mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both guiding and power supply capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The guide runner serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance along the groove, enables longitudinal movement, secures the position through locking, and transmits electrical power through conducting tracks. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the groove is open in transverse direction for modularity, then the guiding structures can be easily assembled and configured, but the aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates due to exposed edges and potential turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The groove geometry is optimized with different local characteristics: the open transverse configuration provides modularity and ease of assembly, while the longitudinal profile and surface finish are designed to minimize aerodynamic disruption. This local optimization allows the groove to fulfill both modular assembly requirements and aerodynamic efficiency
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
Enables easy handling and modular adjustment of the transverse dividing element, ensures reliable electrical power supply, and maintains aerodynamic efficiency, enhancing the modularity and operational flexibility of the aircraft cabin dividing system.
Implementation Method 1
the guide runner comprises rolling elements arranged at its opposite longitudinal ends and capable of rolling along longitudinal raceways formed in the groove
Implementation Method 2
the locking shoe comprises a locking sole capable of engaging with a longitudinal planar locking track formed in the groove
Implementation Method 3
the inside wall of the groove has at least one longitudinal electrically conducting track contacted by at least one electrical contact element carried by the guide runner
Data Source
AI summary
An improved arrangement for a transverse dividing element includes an upper cross beam (32), each free end of the cross beam being guided longitudinally by way of an associated guiding structure. The guiding structure includes a slide having a groove in which a free end (34) of the cross beam (32) can slide longitudinally, the free end being equipped with guiding (92, 100) and a locking (102, 104) element. The transverse dividing element can be used to guide an upper cross beam supporting a transverse element that is used to divide the internal space of an aircraft cabin.