Mask Stowage Door Securement Mechanism for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircrew mask stowage containers often experience unintentional door opening due to acceleration and vibrations, compromising the secure storage of oxygen masks.
Innovation Solution
A securement mechanism featuring a striker with a protrusion retained by a holder with monolithic, elastically deformable U-shaped brackets, which resist lateral separation to prevent door opening, allowing for easy deployment when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door panel is freely movable to allow easy access to the mask, then ease of operation is improved, but the door may open inadvertently due to vibrations and acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The securement mechanism uses elastic deformation of the U-shaped bracket and retainer to dynamically adapt to vibration and acceleration forces. The bracket can elastically deform to accommodate door movement while maintaining securement, allowing the door to remain closed under normal conditions but still be accessible when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the physical state of the retainer from a rigid constraint to an elastically deformable constraint. The retainer can deform elastically under vibration and acceleration forces, changing its retention characteristic to prevent inadvertent opening while maintaining the ability to open when intentionally actuated.
2Reliability
If a securement mechanism is added to prevent door opening, then door closure reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securement mechanism merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly. The U-shaped bracket combines the holder and retainer functions, while the elastic deformation capability combines both securement and vibration damping functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformation mechanism is self-regulating and automatically adapts to vibration and acceleration forces without requiring external control systems. The retainer self-adjusts its retention force through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex active control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a rigid retention mechanism is used to firmly hold the door closed, then door closure reliability is improved, but the mechanism cannot accommodate vibrations and acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a static rigid retention to a dynamic elastically deformable retention. The U-shaped bracket and retainer can dynamically deform elastically in response to vibration and acceleration forces, allowing the door to remain securely closed while accommodating the dynamic environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism changes its physical parameters through elastic deformation. The retainer's deformation capability allows it to adjust its retention force and position in response to vibrations and acceleration, maintaining reliability while adapting to changing dynamic conditions.
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 securement mechanism effectively prevents door opening due to vibrations while enabling rapid access to the oxygen mask during emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
the first retainer, the second retainer and the U shaped bracket are monolithic
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A mask stowage container is provided having a door panel (106a, 106b) coupled to a box via a securement mechanism (210a, 210b), the securement mechanism having a striker (204, 208) having a neck (302) and a protrusion (320) , the striker mounted to the door panel, a holder (202, 206), the holder including a first retainer (304) and a second retainer (306), the striker configured to be laterally retained between the first retainer and the second retainer.