Pedal-Actuated Cabin Door Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locking systems in passenger cabins of amusement park facilities like Ferris wheels do not provide a secure and accessible means for manual unlocking from inside the cabin, especially during emergencies or maintenance, and lack a mechanism to prevent accidental opening.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking and unlocking device with a pedal actuated by a kinematic connection under the cabin floor, allowing manual unlocking from inside by a passenger or operator, while maintaining secure automatic locking from outside, using a lever and actuator mechanism with a catch finger that retracts under the doorsill in the unlocked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure automatic locking system is implemented to prevent accidental opening, then passenger safety is improved, but the ability to manually unlock from inside during emergencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A pedal mechanism serves as an intermediary device that translates foot pressure into mechanical motion to retract the catch finger. This intermediary allows indirect operation of the locking mechanism from inside the cabin without compromising the security of the direct locking interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into two independent operational paths: automatic locking through the closing member and manual unlocking through the pedal-actuated catch finger retraction. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interfering with the other's security or reliability.
2Reliability
If the door locking mechanism is made secure and automatic, then safety against accidental opening is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch finger mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a security barrier during normal operation, enables manual unlocking during emergencies, and works in conjunction with both automatic and manual door closing methods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal mechanism is designed to be self-contained and mechanically direct, requiring no external power source, control systems, or complex actuation sequences. The user's foot pressure directly drives the unlocking action through simple mechanical leverage, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control electronics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual unlocking from inside is enabled, then emergency evacuation capability is improved, but the risk of accidental opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual unlocking capability is localized to a specific, intentionally designed access point (the pedal) that is positioned and configured to be accessible only in specific contexts. The pedal requires deliberate action and is positioned under the floor, making it inaccessible during normal passenger activities while fully functional during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design anticipates potential misuse by making the manual unlocking action require deliberate, intentional effort through the pedal mechanism. The mechanical design ensures that casual or accidental contact with the pedal will not trigger unlocking, while still allowing rapid operation when deliberately activated.
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 safe and reliable manual unlocking from inside the cabin in emergencies or for maintenance without compromising passenger safety during normal operations, while maintaining secure automatic locking and easy access for operators.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating mechanism comprises a pedal located under the interior floor of the cabin, and a kinematic connection between the pedal and the catch finger
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cabin for transporting passengers, comprising at least one door (P1, P2), an interior floor (C) and a doorsill (S) located on either side of the door, and a locking device comprising a lug (E) which is rigidly connected to the door and projects toward the outside of the cabin, and a catch finger (4) that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The invention also relates to an actuating mechanism comprising a pedal (7) which is located under the interior floor (C) of the cabin and can be accessed via a hatch in the floor of the cabin, and a kinematic connection between the pedal (7) and the finger (4), which connection is located under the interior floor (C) and under the doorsill (S) of the cabin. In the locked position, the finger is an abutment on the path of the lug (E). In the unlocked position, the finger is retracted under the doorsill (S) of the cabin.