The Boeing Company

Sun Gil Kim

Michael P Conner

Donald K Franklin

Michael Anthony Fleming

Tomio Hamatani

Eddie D Banks

Wayne Howard Peterson

David J Brockmeyer

Kurt Poechlauer

Michael A Fleming

Michael E McDonald

Wayne H Peterson

Michael E Mcdonald

Disclosed herein is a hybrid mechanical/reactive pressure prevention system that includes a passive pressure control device operably coupled to a door that allows air within a pressurized vehicle to flow out of the pressurized vehicle. An event module detects a door event in the pressurized vehicle. The door event indicates that a door is not secure and air within the pressurized vehicle is being released through the passive pressure control device. An altitude module determines an altitude of the pressurized vehicle in response to detecting the door event. An electronic pressure control device one or more of reduces air inflow into the pressurized vehicle and increases air outflow out of an active pressure control device of the pressurized vehicle in response to the altitude of the pressurized vehicle being below a cutoff altitude.

Hybrid passive/active pressure prevention system

A method and apparatus for a tracking door centering system. An apparatus may comprise an elongate member, a first centering track, and a second centering track. The elongate member may have a first end and a second end capable of being rotatably mounted to a door along an axis that may be substantially parallel to a horizontal centerline. The first centering track may be mounted on the first end. The second centering track may be mounted on the second end. The first centering track and the second centering track may be movable to reduce rotational movement of the door during movement of the door about a vertical centerline when a first follower is engaged in the first centering track and a second follower is engaged in the second centering track.

Translating door centering system

An overcenter mechanism (10) includes a housing (12) and a first shaft (14) mounted on the housing. The first shaft has a first axis (34). A second shaft (20) is mounted on the housing and the second shaft has a second axis (41) that parallels the first axis. A lever (16) is attached to the first shaft, and the lever pivots about the first axis in response to a force (F.sub.op) applied to the lever. A cam (18) is attached to the first shaft, and the cam pivots about the first axis. The cam has a cam surface including a first surface portion (58) and a second surface portion (60). The first and second surface portions form a cusp (62) therebetween. A cam follower (21) has a cam follower surface, and the cam follower pivots about the second axis. A biasing member (26) urges the cam follower surface against the cam surface in pressure contact. The cam follower and the pressure contact cooperate with the cam to generate torque (.tau..sub.roller) on the cam until the cam follower surface contacts the cusp. The pressure contact creates an instability about the cusp when the cusp contacts the cam follower surface, and the torque pivots the cam so the cusp and the cam follower move away from each other.

Cam and roller overcenter handle mechanism

A snubber is disclosed for use on an airplane translating door hinge arm (13) comprising a hydraulic device (41) and a flow regulation system (40). The hinge arm (13) includes sprockets (25, 27) placed at the ends (15, 17) of the hinge arm (13). Roller chain pieces (31) rotate partially about the sprockets (25, 27). A pneumatic actuator (33) having a through-rod (37) and housing (35) is located on one side of the hinge arm (13). The actuator housing (35) is supported by a support member (23) integral with the hinge arm (13). The ends of the actuator through-rod (43) are each coupled to first ends of each of the roller chain pieces (31). The hydraulic device (41) comprising a housing (47), a through-rod (43), a piston 45, a first compartment (49), a second compartment (51), and hydraulic fluid, is also supported by the support member (23). The ends of the hydraulic device through-rod (43) are each coupled to second ends of each of the roller chain pieces (31). The hydraulic device (41) is located on the side of the hinge arm (13) opposite the side having the actuator (33). Also provided is a snubber fluid flow regulation system (40) comprising first and second flow regulators (59, 65) and first and second high pressure relief valves (61, 67), one each for use during door opening and door closing. A compensator (71) is also provided in the fluid flow regulation system (40) to hydraulically compensate the snubber (41) during temperature changes and to supply make-up fluid in case there is external leakage.

Hydraulic snubber for aircraft

A hinge arm (16) has opposite ends (18, 20) pivotably connected to an aircraft door (2) and a door frame (8). First and second sprockets (22, 26) are fixed to the door (2) and frame (8) adjacent to the ends (18, 20). A programming chain (30) extends around the sprockets (22, 26) and the arm (16). A linear motor (36) is mounted on the arm (16) in-line with the chain (30). When pressurized gas is supplied to the motor (36), it moves the chain (30) to open the door (2) and maintain it parallel to its closed position as it moves toward and into its fully open position. The door (2) may be opened manually without moving the motor piston (44) because the motor rod (52) slides freely through an axial opening (46) in the piston (44).

Growing community of inventors

Redmond, WA, United States of America

Sun Gil Kim