Push-Handle Latching Mechanism for Aircraft Galley Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for aircraft galleys are not reliable and occupy excessive space, which poses safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism with a latch bolt that can be moved between retracted and extended positions using an actuator, where the handle is designed to be pushed to retract the latch bolt, reducing the need for user-accessible handles and optimizing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pull-handle latching mechanism is used, then the handle is accessible for user operation, but the handle protrudes outwardly increasing the space occupied by the latching mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a traditional pull-handle mechanism where the handle protrudes outward for easy access, this invention inverts the approach by using a push-handle mechanism that retracts into the door surface. The handle is pushed inwardly to release the latch bolt, eliminating the need for a protruding handle while maintaining ease of operation through the push action that triggers the latch release.
2Ease of operation
If the handle is designed to protrude outwardly for easy access, then user operation is simplified, but the latching mechanism occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is nested within the door structure, allowing it to be pushed inwardly to trigger the latch release mechanism. This nesting approach eliminates the need for a protruding handle while maintaining operational simplicity, as the push action on the recessed handle suffices to activate the latch bolt retraction through the actuator mechanism.
3Area of stationary object
If a push-handle mechanism is used to retract the latch bolt, then the handle does not need to be accessible for pulling, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An actuator serves as an intermediary between the push-handle and the latch bolt. When the handle is pushed inwardly, the actuator transmits this motion to retract the latch bolt from the latch striker. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall design by allowing the handle to be recessed while maintaining reliable latch release functionality through the actuated connection.
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 solution enhances the reliability of latching mechanisms while reducing their spatial requirements, improving safety and operational efficiency in aircraft galleys.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator comprises a Bowden cable, wherein the Bowden cable is configured to transmit a force from the handle to the latch bolt to move the latch bolt from the extended position to the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A latching mechanism for an aircraft galley, the aircraft galley comprising a door and a frame, the latching mechanism comprising: a latch bolt movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the latch bolt is receivable by a latch striker to latch the aircraft galley door when the door is closed and the latch bolt is in the extended position; an actuator configured to move the latch bolt from the extended position to the retracted position; and a handle, wherein the handle is movable from a closed position to an open position to cause the actuator to move the latch bolt from the extended position to the retracted position, wherein the handle is configured to be pushed to move from the closed position to the open position.