Rotating Retractable Step System for Galley Space and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foot steps in aircraft galleys are too narrow and unstable, making them difficult for shorter attendants to access high stowage compartments, especially when wearing shoes or heels, and do not provide sufficient surface area for safe support.
Innovation Solution
A rotating retractable step system with a foot pedal and support shaft that can be stowed vertically within a wall cutout and extended horizontally for use, providing a larger surface area and locking mechanism to prevent rotation during use, allowing attendants to safely access high compartments without protruding into the galley space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional foot steps are installed within galley divider walls, then space utilization is improved, but foot step width and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The foot step is designed to rotate from a vertical stowed position to a horizontal deployed position, transforming from a static narrow structure to a dynamic platform with sufficient width. This rotational mechanism allows the foot step to achieve adequate dimensions (at least 2 inches wide) while maintaining compact installation within the galley wall.
2Reliability
If foot steps are made wider for stability, then safety is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foot step mechanism is nested within the galley wall cutout when in the vertical stowed position, occupying minimal space. When deployed horizontally, it extends outward to provide the necessary width for stability and safety. This nesting approach allows the foot step to achieve adequate dimensions when needed while maintaining compact space utilization when not in use.
3Ease of operation
If spring-loaded detent mechanisms are used for automatic retraction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism provides automatic retraction through periodic action, where the spring periodically returns the foot step to its stowed position after deployment. This mechanism simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual retraction while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through the use of standard spring and detent components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotating retractable step system positioned within a cutout of a wall is presented. The rotating retractable step system comprises a foot pedal and a support shaft. The foot pedal is configured to be stowed in a vertical orientation within the cutout of the wall, and to rotate between the vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The support shaft is associated with the foot pedal, such that movement of the support shaft extends the foot pedal outwardly away from the cutout, or retracts the foot pedal towards the cutout.