Optical Indicator for Aircraft Door Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for visually verifying the mechanical state of an aircraft door, such as sight glasses, are ergonomically unfriendly and require multiple positions for inspection, leading to unclear views and unnecessary alteration of door components, as they depend on the orientation of the crew member's eye and are dispersed across the door panel.
Innovation Solution
An optical indicator system using fiber-optic paths and light sources to provide a centralized optical display that allows for rapid visual inspection of multiple mechanisms from a single vantage point, with mechanical state indicators moving in and out of gaps within the light paths to alter light transmission and display mechanical states through color changes or illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sight glasses are used for visual inspection, then the door components can be inspected, but the inspection requires multiple positions and is ergonomically unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inspection positions and multiple mechanisms into a single centralized display location. Multiple light paths converge at a common readout position, allowing the crew member to view the status of multiple latching and locking mechanisms from one location rather than moving between dispersed sight glasses across the door panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized readout position serves multiple functions by displaying the status of different mechanisms through different light paths. A single display location provides universal viewing for multiple inspection requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated viewing positions for each mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If dispersed sight glasses are used across the door panel, then each mechanism can be viewed, but the views are unclear and require multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light paths are merged into a single readout position, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple dispersed viewing positions. This merging improves viewing clarity by providing a centralized, unobstructed view of all mechanism statuses from one location.
3Reliability
If conventional optical systems are used, then mechanical state can be indicated, but the systems are complicated and require multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of mechanical state indication from complex optical systems and implements it through simple light paths with gaps. The critical function is isolated to the light transmission through gaps, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining reliable indication of mechanical state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, readily available components like light sources, optical fibers, and gaps rather than complex precision optical elements. This approach prioritizes reliability through simplicity over sophisticated but fragile optical systems.
4Reliability
If multiple light paths with gaps are used, then independent verification of each mechanism is enabled, but the system requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the light path into multiple independent paths, each with its own gap positioned at a specific location. This segmentation allows independent verification of each mechanism while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as each gap can be independently positioned and adjusted without affecting other light paths.
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 independent verification of each latching and locking mechanism with unambiguous signals, improving ergonomics and integrity by allowing viewing from a single position and reducing complexity with fewer components, avoiding misleading indications and complicated lens systems.
Implementation Method 1
A prism directs light from a multi-mode optical fiber towards a light beam reflector. The reflector reflects the light back through the prism, a collimating lens, and the multi-mode optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
an intervening member rigidly coupled to the mechanism such that pivoting of the mechanism from the first position to the second position pivots the intervening member to intercept the light path for altering transmission of light to the indicator
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical state indicator system concealed within an enclosure includes a light source for providing light and multiple light paths coupled to the light source for directing the light. Each of the light paths includes a gap configured to receive a mechanical state indicator rigidly coupled to a mechanism. Movement of the mechanism between a first state and a second state moves the mechanical state indicator into and out of the gap. Readouts are coupled to each of the light paths for displaying an indication of mechanical state based on a position of a respective mechanical state indicator. The readouts are co-located for collective viewing.