Touchless Lavatory Door Latch Assembly for Hygienic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lavatory door systems in aircraft interiors require manual operation of lock and latch assemblies, creating high touch points that can transmit pathogens and pose safety and health concerns.
Innovation Solution
A touchless door system with a gesture-controlled locking mechanism, utilizing exterior and interior sensors, a controller, and actuators to automatically open and close the door based on user gestures, with safety features to prevent premature closure and ensure privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual operation of lock and latch assembly is used, then the door can be reliably locked and unlocked, but high touch points are created that can transmit pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of the latch assembly with an automated actuator system. The actuator is connected to the latch mechanism and can be activated remotely or automatically, eliminating the need for direct hand contact with the door handle or latch, thus reducing pathogen transmission while maintaining reliable locking and unlocking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary actuator mechanism between the user and the latch assembly. Instead of directly manipulating the latch with hands, the user activates the actuator through a remote interface or automated sensor system, which then operates the latch mechanism. This intermediary reduces direct contact and potential pathogen transmission while preserving the door's security function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless operation is implemented using sensors and actuators, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing door system by making the actuator and sensor components multi-functional. The actuator serves both as a remote operation interface and an automated control element, while the sensor system provides both touchless activation and occupancy detection capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while achieving touchless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the latch actuation function with the door operation system by integrating the actuator into the existing door mechanism. The sensor system is merged with the control logic that already manages door locking and unlocking, creating a unified system that reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall architecture while enabling touchless operation.
3Ease of operation
If the door is automatically opened upon gesture detection, then accessibility is improved for wheelchair users, but privacy may be compromised if the door opens prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect gestures and monitor the door's operational state. The system continuously receives input from gesture sensors and occupancy sensors, processing this information to determine whether to activate the actuator. This feedback loop ensures that the door only opens when appropriate conditions are met, maintaining privacy while improving accessibility for wheelchair users who can trigger the gesture-based activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by implementing a threshold or confirmation mechanism before the door opens. The system detects gestures in advance but waits for additional confirmation signals or timing thresholds to be met before activating the actuator. This preliminary verification step ensures that the door does not open prematurely, thereby maintaining privacy while still providing easy access for wheelchair users who have initiated the proper gesture sequence.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprises a door (102) including a latch assembly (104) configured to latch the door to a door frame (114) in a closed position of the door. An latch actuator (110) is operatively connected to the latch assembly to drive the latch assembly to latch and unlatch the door. A exterior touchless sensor (138) operatively connected to the actuator to cause the actuator to unlatch the latch assembly upon receipt of touchless input from a user.