Patent ID: 8876050
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: B64C,B64D,G07C

Abstract:
1. A hierarchical access system for a compartment in an aircraft, the hierarchical access system comprising: a first moveable barrier configured to prevent access to both of a first space and a second space when the first moveable barrier is in a first closed position, the second space positioned within the first space and wherein the first space comprises one of a lavatory and a galley; a second movable barrier configured to prevent access to only the second space when the second movable barrier is in a second closed position, wherein the second movable barrier is disposed such that the second space is inside the first space, and the second space is one of either a cabinet in the lavatory or a locker in the galley; a first locking mechanism connected to the first movable barrier, wherein the first locking mechanism is configured to secure the first moveable barrier in the first closed position; a second locking mechanism connected to the second movable barrier, wherein the second locking mechanism is configured to secure the second moveable barrier in the second closed position; and a control unit connected to the first locking mechanism and to the second locking mechanism, wherein the control unit is configured to selectively unlock one or both of the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism in a manner that provides different levels of access to the first space relative to the second space in the compartment in response to receiving an access request, wherein the control unit provides one level of access to the first space and the second space when the aircraft is in a first mode and provides another level of access to the first space and the second space when the aircraft is in a second mode, modes of the aircraft including at least ground mode, maintenance mode, and air mode, wherein the control unit provides open access by unlocking the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism when the aircraft is in maintenance mode, and wherein the control unit provides restricted access by locking the second locking mechanism when the aircraft is in ground mode or air mode.