Modular Staircase With Retractable Support For Aircraft Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a modular staircase that can be easily disassembled and stored in the cargo hold of an aircraft, particularly for use at remote or underdeveloped airports where wheeled staircases and adequate pathways may not be available, allowing access to aircraft passenger or cargo compartments.
Innovation Solution
A modular staircase composed of detachable stair modules with foldable support members and a retractable actuator, allowing for assembly and disassembly without tools, and compact storage in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional heavy staircase is used, then structural strength is sufficient, but it cannot be easily transported to remote airports and stored in aircraft cargo holds
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase is divided into multiple detachable modules that can be assembled and disassembled. Each module contains steps and support members that connect through coupling mechanisms, allowing the staircase to be broken down into transportable segments that fit within aircraft cargo holds and can be easily moved to remote airports.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase incorporates movable and adjustable components including extendable support members and detachable coupling mechanisms. The support members can be extended or retracted, and modules can be quickly connected or disconnected, transforming the staircase from a static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to different transport and deployment scenarios.
2Ease of manufacture
If a modular detachable staircase is used, then assembly and disassembly ease is improved, but connection strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanisms integrate multiple functions into single components that simultaneously provide strong mechanical connections and easy assembly. The support members and coupling elements are designed as combined structures that create robust joints when assembled, ensuring that the detachable connections achieve strength comparable to traditional fixed staircases.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase modules are pre-assembled with support members and coupling mechanisms in a configured state during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly ensures that the connection structures are optimized for both strength and ease of field assembly, reducing the complexity of on-site construction while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wheeled staircase is used, then mobility is improved, but it requires paved pathways that are not available at remote airports
Solution Approach 1:
The wheeled components are extracted from the staircase design, eliminating the need for paved pathways. Instead, the staircase uses detachable modules that can be manually assembled and configured to adapt to various terrain conditions at remote airports, removing the dependency on specific ground surface requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The staircase is designed as a universal system that can be adapted to multiple airport types and terrain conditions. The modular configuration allows the same basic modules to serve different purposes at various locations, from paved runways to unpaved airfields, enhancing versatility without requiring specialized components for each environment.
4Volume of moving object
If the staircase is made compact for storage, then space efficiency is improved, but assembly and deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The staircase is segmented into standardized modules that pack efficiently within aircraft cargo holds. Each module is designed with compact dimensions and interlocking features that allow rapid assembly without requiring extensive unpacking or configuration time, balancing space efficiency with quick deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members and coupling mechanisms are designed to nest within or alongside the staircase modules during storage. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall volume required for storage within aircraft cargo holds while maintaining the ability to quickly assemble the complete staircase structure when deployed.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular staircase is disclosed. The modular staircase includes a first staircase section having a plurality of steps and a first support member detachably connected to the first staircase section. Further, the modular staircase includes a second stair module having a second staircase section including a plurality of steps and a second support member detachably connected to the second staircase section and to the first support member. The modular staircase further includes a third stair module having a third staircase section including a plurality of steps and a retractable third support member detachably connected to the third staircase section and to the second support member. The third support member may be configured to raise or lower the third staircase section relative to the second staircase section.