Aircraft privacy door and door frame assembly

A privacy door assembly for installation in an aircraft relative to a flight deck door of the aircraft includes a door frame having a first post and a second post, where the second post comprises a latch recess. The privacy door comprises a latch positioned on an edge of the privacy door and arranged to engage the latch recess when the privacy door is in a closed position within the door frame. An access door is positioned in the privacy door, where the access door is rotatable from a closed position to an open position in a forward direction. A first mechanical door handle system including a mechanical combination lock is positioned on an aft side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch, and a second mechanical door handle system is positioned on a forward side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an aircraft privacy door and related door frame assembly.

BACKGROUND

During both ground operations and flight operations of an aircraft, it may be necessary to open the flight deck door that separates the flight deck, or cockpit, from the cabin of the aircraft. For instance, when a flight crew is replaced during ground operations, one flight crew will leave the flight deck and another flight crew will enter the flight deck. In the case of a passenger aircraft, this often occurs while passengers are deplaning and boarding, which frequently takes place near the front of the aircraft, adjacent to the flight deck. In such situations, it would be desirable to provide separation between the flight deck and the cabin of the aircraft. In some cases, a simple curtain is drawn to separate the flight deck from the cabin area, while the flight crew moves in and out of the aircraft.

Similarly, during flight operations, a member of the flight crew may need to leave the flight deck temporarily, requiring the flight deck door to be opened. Again, in these situations, it would be desirable to separate the cabin area from the flight deck when the flight deck door must be opened during flight operations to provide the privacy, security, or both, that may be needed.

What is needed is an improved way to provide separation between different areas of an aircraft during both flight and ground operations.

SUMMARY

In one example, a method for establishing a privacy door relative to a flight deck door of an aircraft is described, where the flight deck door, when in a closed position, separates a flight deck area of the aircraft from a cabin area of the aircraft. The method includes positioning a door frame in the cabin area, aft of the flight deck door, where the door frame comprises a first post and a second post, and where the second post comprises a latch recess. The method also includes coupling the door frame to the aircraft. The method also includes coupling the privacy door to the first post via a set of hinges such that the privacy door, when in a closed position, separates the cabin area into an intermediate cabin area between the privacy door and the flight deck door and a main cabin area aft of the privacy door, where the privacy door is rotatable via the set of hinges into the intermediate cabin area to an open position, where the privacy door comprises a decompression latch arranged to engage the latch recess when the privacy door is in the closed position, and where the decompression latch is configured to disengage from the latch recess in response to a decompression of the aircraft detected forward of the privacy door.

In another example, a privacy door system is described including a flight deck door, where the flight deck door, when in the closed position, separates the flight deck area of the aircraft from the cabin area of the aircraft. The privacy door system also includes a privacy door disposed within the cabin area of the aircraft and aft of the flight deck door such that the privacy door, when in the closed position, separates the cabin area into the intermediate cabin area between the privacy door and the flight deck door and the main cabin area aft of the privacy door, where the privacy door further comprises the decompression latch. The privacy door system also includes a door frame comprising the first post and the second post, where the privacy door is rotatably coupled to the first post via the set of hinges such that the privacy door is rotatable into the intermediate cabin area to the open position. The privacy door system also includes a latch recess positioned within the second post, where the latch recess is arranged to engage the decompression latch of the privacy door when the privacy door is in the closed position, and where the decompression latch is configured to disengage from the latch recess in response to the decompression of the aircraft detected forward of the privacy door.

In another example, a privacy door assembly for installation in an aircraft relative to a flight deck door of the aircraft is described. The privacy door assembly includes a door frame having a first post and a second post, where the second post comprises a latch recess. The privacy door assembly also includes a privacy door rotatably coupleable to the first post via a set of hinges, where the privacy door comprises a decompression latch arranged to engage the latch recess when the privacy door is in a closed position within the door frame, and where the decompression latch is configured to disengage from the latch recess in response to a decompression detected on a forward side of the privacy door.

In another example, an aircraft is described including a flight deck door, where the flight deck door, when in a closed position, separates a flight deck area of the aircraft from a cabin area of the aircraft. The aircraft also includes a privacy door disposed within the cabin area of the aircraft and aft of the flight deck door such that the privacy door, when in a closed position, separates the cabin area into an intermediate cabin area between the privacy door and the flight deck door and a main cabin area aft of the privacy door, where the privacy door further comprises a decompression latch. The aircraft also includes a door frame comprising a first post and a second post, where the privacy door is rotatably coupled to the first post via a set of hinges such that the privacy door is rotatable into the intermediate cabin area to an open position. The aircraft also includes a latch recess positioned within the second post, where the latch recess is arranged to engage the decompression latch of the privacy door when the privacy door is in the closed position, and where the decompression latch is configured to disengage from the latch recess in response to a decompression of the aircraft detected forward of the privacy door.

In another example, a method for operation of a privacy door on an aircraft is described, wherein the aircraft comprises a flight deck door that, when in a closed position, separates a flight deck area of the aircraft from a cabin area of the aircraft. The method includes, before opening the flight deck door from the closed position, closing the privacy door such that the privacy door is closed when the flight deck door is open, where the privacy door is disposed within the cabin area of the aircraft and aft of the flight deck door such that the privacy door, when in a closed position, separates the cabin area into an intermediate cabin area between the privacy door and the flight deck door and a main cabin area aft of the privacy door, where the privacy door is rotatably coupled to a first post of a door frame via a set of hinges, and where closing the privacy door comprises engaging a decompression latch of the privacy door with a latch recess positioned within a second post of the door frame. The method also includes opening the flight deck door. The method also includes, before opening the privacy door, closing the flight deck door such that the flight deck door is closed when the privacy door is open. The method also includes manually opening the privacy door from the closed position to an open position, where manually opening the privacy door comprises disengaging the decompression latch from the latch recess.

In another example, a privacy door system for an aircraft is described. The privacy door system includes a privacy door assembly including a door frame and a privacy door, disposed within the aircraft in a cabin area aft of a flight deck door, where the flight deck door, when in a closed position, separates a flight deck area of the aircraft from the cabin area of the aircraft. The door frame and privacy door are disposed within the cabin area of the aircraft and aft of the flight deck door such that the privacy door, when in a closed position, separates the cabin area into an intermediate cabin area between the privacy door and the flight deck door and a main cabin area aft of the privacy door, where the privacy door further comprises a latch positioned on an edge of the privacy door. The privacy door system also includes an access door positioned in the privacy door, where the access door is rotatable from a closed position to an open position in a forward direction. The door frame comprises a first post and a second post, where the privacy door is rotatably coupled to the first post via a set of hinges such that the privacy door is rotatable into the intermediate cabin area in the open position. The privacy door system also includes a latch recess positioned within the second post, where the latch recess is arranged to engage the latch of the privacy door when the privacy door is in the closed position. The privacy door system also includes a first mechanical door handle system positioned on an aft side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch, where the first mechanical door handle system includes a mechanical combination lock, and where the latch is configured to disengage from the latch recess in response to entering a correct combination into the mechanical combination lock. The privacy door system also includes a second mechanical door handle system positioned on a forward side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch.

In another example, a privacy door assembly for installation in an aircraft relative to a flight deck door of the aircraft is described. The privacy door assembly includes a door frame comprising a first post and a second post, where the second post comprises a latch recess. The privacy door assembly also includes a privacy door configured to be rotatably coupled to the first post via a set of hinges, where the privacy door comprises a latch positioned on an edge of the privacy door and arranged to engage the latch recess when the privacy door is in a closed position within the door frame. The privacy door assembly also includes an access door positioned in the privacy door, wherein the access door is rotatable from a closed position to an open position in a forward direction. The privacy door assembly also includes a first mechanical door handle system positioned on an aft side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch, where the first mechanical door handle system includes a mechanical combination lock, and where the latch is configured to disengage from the latch recess in response to entering a correct combination into the mechanical combination lock. The privacy door assembly also includes a second mechanical door handle system positioned on a forward side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch.

In another example, a method for establishing a privacy door relative to a flight deck door of an aircraft, where the flight deck door, when in a closed position, separates a flight deck area of the aircraft from a cabin area of the aircraft. The method includes positioning a door frame in the cabin area, aft of the flight deck door, where the door frame comprises a first post and a second post, and wherein the second post comprises a latch recess. The method also includes coupling the door frame to the aircraft. The method also includes coupling the privacy door to the first post via a set of hinges such that the privacy door, when in a closed position, separates the cabin area into an intermediate cabin area between the privacy door and the flight deck door and a main cabin area aft of the privacy door, where the privacy door is rotatable via the set of hinges into the intermediate cabin area to an open position, where the privacy door comprises a latch positioned on an edge of the privacy door arranged to engage the latch recess when the privacy door is in the closed position, and where the privacy door includes an access door that is rotatable from a closed position to an open position in a forward direction. The method also includes positioning a first mechanical door handle system on an aft side of the privacy door, where the first mechanical door handle system is coupled to the latch and includes a mechanical combination lock, and where the latch is configured to disengage from the latch recess in response to entering a correct combination into the mechanical combination lock. The method also includes positioning a second mechanical door handle system on a forward side of the privacy door, where the second mechanical door handle system is coupled to the latch.

In yet another example, an aircraft is described including a flight deck door, wherein the flight deck door, when in a closed position, separates a flight deck area of the aircraft from a cabin area of the aircraft. The aircraft also includes a privacy door disposed within the cabin area of the aircraft and aft of the flight deck door such that the privacy door, when in a closed position, separates the cabin area into an intermediate cabin area between the privacy door and the flight deck door and a main cabin area aft of the privacy door, where the privacy door further comprises a latch positioned on an edge of the privacy door. The aircraft also includes an access door positioned in the privacy door, where the access door is rotatable from a closed position to an open position in a forward direction. The aircraft also includes a door frame comprising a first post and a second post, where the privacy door is rotatably coupled to the first post via a set of hinges such that the privacy door is rotatable into the intermediate cabin area to an open position. The aircraft also includes a latch recess positioned within the second post, where the latch recess is arranged to engage the latch of the privacy door when the privacy door is in the closed position. The aircraft also includes a first mechanical door handle system positioned on an aft side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch, where the first mechanical door handle system includes a mechanical combination lock, and where the latch is configured to disengage from the latch recess in response to entering a correct combination into the mechanical combination lock. The aircraft also includes a second mechanical door handle system positioned on a forward side of the privacy door and coupled to the latch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed examples will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which some, but not all of the disclosed examples are shown. Indeed, several different examples may be described and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Examples discussed herein include systems and methods for establishing and operating a privacy door in an aircraft, relative to a flight deck door of the aircraft. The privacy door may be situated aft of the flight deck door, and may be closed whenever the flight deck door needs to be opened.

By the term “about” or “substantial” and “substantially” or “approximately,” with reference to amounts or measurement values, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly. Rather, deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect that the characteristic was intended to provide.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, a portion of an aircraft400is shown, immediately aft of the flight deck area200, or cockpit. The aircraft400may be, for example, a passenger aircraft, and may include a flight deck door104. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the flight deck door104, when in a closed position106, separates the flight deck area200of the aircraft400from the cabin area300of the aircraft400. Similarly, the forward bulkhead201, shown inFIGS. 1 and 2and discussed further below, separates the flight deck area200from the cabin area300of the aircraft400.

As noted above, it may be desirable in some situations to maintain privacy and/or security of the flight deck area200and/or flight crew on the aircraft400, including during instances where the flight deck door104may need to be moved to an open position105. Accordingly, the aircraft400includes a privacy door101disposed within the cabin area300of the aircraft400and aft of the flight deck door104. The privacy door101, when in a closed position103, separates the cabin area300into an intermediate cabin area301between the privacy door101and the flight deck door104, and a main cabin area302aft of the privacy door101. In this configuration, the privacy door101may be closed when the flight deck door104needs to be opened. The flight deck door104and the privacy door101may together be considered part of a privacy door system100, as indicated in the perspective view ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2shows a plan view indicating both the closed positions and the open positions, in dashed lines, of the flight deck door104and the privacy door101.FIG. 2shows the intermediate cabin area301, which may include, for example, a lavatory303.FIG. 2also indicates two cross-sectional views of the privacy door101. The first cross-sectional view, labeled4-4, is facing aft when the privacy door101is in the closed position103, and is detailed inFIG. 4. The second cross-sectional view of the privacy door is labeled6-6, and faces in the outboard direction toward the right side of the aircraft400, when the privacy door101is in the open position102, and is detailed inFIG. 6.

The privacy door system100of the aircraft400further includes a door frame107which, in conjunction with the privacy door101, may be considered a privacy door assembly150, as shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 3, the door frame107may include a first post108and a second post109. The privacy door101may be rotatably coupled to the first post108via a set of hinges124, such that the privacy door101is rotatable into the intermediate cabin area301to an open position102, as can be seen inFIG. 2.

As shown inFIG. 3, a latch recess111may be positioned within the second post109of the door frame107. The latch recess111is arranged to engage a decompression latch112of the privacy door101when the privacy door101is in the closed position103. Further, the decompression latch112may be configured to disengage from the latch recess111in response to a decompression of the aircraft400detected forward of the privacy door101.

In some implementations, the privacy door101may generally remain open during operation of the aircraft, as the flight crew (e.g., flight attendants) move between the intermediate cabin area301and main cabin area302, and while the flight deck door104generally remains closed. Accordingly, in some embodiments the set of hinges124may include a hinge spring125positioned to bias the privacy door101from the closed position103to the open position102when the decompression latch112and the latch recess111are disengaged. As shown inFIG. 3, the set of hinges124may include a hinge spring125in each of the multiple individual hinges, or there may alternatively be a single hinge spring125. Further, the privacy door101or the door frame107may include other springs or similar components to bias the privacy door101to the open position102when the decompression latch112and the latch recess111are disengaged.

As noted above, the decompression latch112may disengage from the latch recess111in response to a decompression of the aircraft400detected forward of the privacy door101. For example, a decompression of the aircraft400may be detected in the flight deck area200, which may cause higher pressure air from the main cabin area302to be drawn forward, toward the flight deck area200. Because the volume of air in the main cabin area302may be much larger than the volume of air in the flight deck area200, the rate of airflow in the forward direction may be quite high. In this situation, the decompression latch112may disengage from the latch recess111, as further discussed below, allowing the privacy door101to open. The flight deck door104may be configured similarly. This may allow both doors to fully open during a decompression in the flight deck area200, which may help to reduce the forces acting on the forward bulkhead201as a result of the decompression.

Alternatively, a decompression of the aircraft400may be detected aft of the privacy door101. In this situation, it may not be necessary for the privacy door101or the flight deck door104to fully open, because a relatively smaller volume of higher pressure air from the flight deck area200would be moving into the relatively larger volume of the main cabin area302. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 3, the privacy door101may include a vent140, as shown inFIG. 3. The vent140may include a plurality of openings141forming a fluid connection between the intermediate cabin area301and the main cabin area302when the privacy door101is in the closed position103. Further, the plurality of openings141may include an open area that is sufficient to convey an airflow rate from the intermediate cabin area301to the main cabin area302in response to a decompression of the aircraft400detected aft of the privacy door. For example, the open area may be large enough to convey the higher pressure air to the area of lower pressure without imposing excessive structural loads on the privacy door101, the door frame107, and the adjacent structure of the aircraft400. In this way, the privacy door101may not need to open in response to a decompression in the main cabin area302.

Other arrangements are also possible. For example, the privacy door101may include an aperture142that is covered by a panel143, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.FIG. 4shows an aft-facing view of the privacy door101in the closed position103, and thus shows the forward side133of the privacy door101.FIG. 5shows the cross-sectional view of the aperture142and panel143indicated inFIG. 4. The aperture142may have an open area sufficient to convey an airflow rate from the intermediate cabin area301to the main cabin area302in response to a decompression of the main cabin area302when the privacy door is in the closed position103, as discussed above. The panel143may be rotatably coupled to the privacy door101and may further include a panel decompression latch146configured to engage the privacy door101and maintain the panel143in the closed position145such that the panel143covers the aperture142. In response to a decompression of the aircraft400detected aft of the privacy door101, the panel decompression latch146is further configured to disengage from the privacy door101, and the panel143may be rotatable into the main cabin area302from the closed position145to an open position144.

For instance,FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate a panel143that is rotatably coupled to the privacy door101along the panel's bottom edge, and includes a panel decompression latch146along its top edge. Accordingly, when the panel decompression latch146disengages from the privacy door101, the panel143rotates aft and downward, into the main cabin area302, as seen inFIG. 5. In some embodiments, the panel143may include a plurality of openings141to facilitate normal air flow between the intermediate cabin area301and the main cabin area302when the privacy door is closed. However, the plurality of openings141may not have an open area sufficient to convey the airflow rate resulting from a decompression event, and thus the panel143will rotate to the open position144. In other implementations, the panel143may be solid, without any openings. Other arrangements are also possible.

FIG. 4also illustrates a slam latch130that may be included in the privacy door101, including a lever132that includes a second position136, as well as a first position135shown in a dashed line. The slam latch130and lever132will now be discussed in more detail with respect toFIG. 6.

As noted above, the view shown in ofFIG. 6faces in the outboard direction toward the right side of the aircraft400, when the privacy door101is in the open position102. For clarity, some elements such as the set of hinges124and the second post109are not shown inFIG. 6. As previously mentioned, the privacy door101may generally remain in the open position102during operation of the aircraft400. Accordingly, the privacy door101may include a slam latch130positioned to engage a slot131in the first post108of the door frame107when the privacy door101is in the open position102, and when the slam latch130is in a first position135. The slam latch130may be located internally within the privacy door101, and thus it is shown in a dashed line inFIG. 6.

The privacy door101may further include a slam latch spring137positioned to bias the slam latch130toward the first post108. Similar to the slam latch130, the slam latch spring137may be contained within the privacy door101. Other arrangements are also possible.

Further, the slam latch130may be coupled to a lever132positioned on the forward side133of the privacy door101. Because the view shown inFIG. 6shows the privacy door101in the open position102, it illustrates the aft side134of the privacy door101. The lever132is therefore shown as a dashed line inFIG. 6, as it is on the opposite side of the privacy door101.

The lever132may be operable to move the slam latch130away from the first post108to a second position136so as to disengage the slam latch130from the slot131. This is shown inFIG. 7, which shows the same view of the privacy door101as that shown inFIG. 6. As can be seen inFIG. 7, the slam latch spring137is compressed as the lever132is moved from the first position135to the second position136. Once the slam latch130is disengaged from the slot131, the privacy door101may be rotated from the open position102to the closed position103, for example.

After disengaging the slam latch130from the slot131, the lever132may be released, and the slam latch spring137may bias the slam latch back toward the first post108. This may cause the slam latch130to abut the first post108while the privacy door is rotating from the open position102to the closed position103. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first post108may include a cylindrical striker138, and the cylindrical striker138may include the slot131, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. The cylindrical striker138may generally protect the first post108from strikes from the slam latch130during opening and closing of the privacy door101. Further, in an embodiment where the first post108is square or rectangular in cross section, the cylindrical striker138may allow the privacy door101to rotate more smoothly, without the tip of the slam latch130binding on the corners of the first post108.

Turning now toFIGS. 8 and 9, and aft-facing view of the privacy door101in the closed position103is shown. Accordingly, the forward side133is the privacy door101is depicted, and the lever132can be seen. Further, the lever132is in the second position136, as the slam latch130is disengaged from the slot131. The slam latch spring137is compressed, and biases the slam latch130toward the first post108, where the slam latch130abuts the cylindrical striker138.

In some embodiments, the second post109includes a gate113movable between an open position114, and a closed position115. The closed position115of the gate113is shown inFIG. 8, and the open position114can be seen inFIG. 9. The gate113may be configured to retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111. Further, the gate113may be coupled to a knob127positioned on a forward side110of the second post109, and the knob127may be operable to move the gate113to the open position114such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111. As shown inFIG. 9, the gate113and the knob127have moved upward, so that the decompression latch is free to move out of the latch recess111.

In this arrangement, with the knob127positioned on the forward side110of the second post109, it may be possible to open the privacy door101from the intermediate cabin area301. Conversely, the aft side of the second post109might not include any components for operating the knob127, or the gate113. Thus, the privacy door101might not be openable via a handle or knob from the main cabin area302when the gate113is in the closed position115, which may enhance the privacy and/or security of the privacy door101.

Nonetheless, it may be desirable to provide for the ability to open the privacy door101from the main cabin area302, should the need arise. The ability to do so may be discreet, although it may be known to the flight crew, flight crew, or others. For example, the gate113may be coupled to a main cabin cable118extending from the second post109to the main cabin area302of the aircraft400. The main cabin cable118may be operable from the main cabin area302to move the gate113from the closed position115to the open position114such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111. For instance, the operable portion of the main cabin cable118may extend into the main cabin area302and be located somewhere that is not readily visible, such as behind a panel, or in a closet, among other possibilities.

Once the gate113is moved to the open position114, the privacy door101can be pushed open from the main cabin area302. In some embodiments, the hinge spring125may bias the privacy door101to the open position102once the gate113is moved to the open position114, and decompression latch112is no longer engaged in the latch recess111.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to allow for the privacy door101to be opened from the flight deck area200. In one example, the privacy door101may be closed during flight of the aircraft400. For instance, the flight crew may disengage the slam latch130and close the privacy door101behind them as they enter the main cabin area302and proceed with in-flight operations. This may allow the flight deck door104to be opened so that the pilot can enter the intermediate cabin area301and use the lavatory303, for example. Once the pilot returns to the flight deck area200and closes the flight deck door104, there may be no crew members in the intermediate cabin area301to reopen the privacy door101via the knob127. Therefore, the gate113may be coupled to a flight deck cable117extending from the second post109to the flight deck area200of the aircraft400. The flight deck cable117may be operable from the flight deck area200to move the gate113from the closed position115to the open position114such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111.

The privacy door system100discussed here may include one or both of the main cabin cable118and the flight deck cable117. Similar to the operation of the main cabin cable118discussed above, moving the gate113to the open position114via the flight deck cable117may allow the privacy door101to be pushed open from the main cabin area302. Additionally or alternatively, the hinge spring125may bias the privacy door101to the open position102once the gate113is moved to the open position114, and decompression latch112is no longer engaged in the latch recess111.

In some embodiments, the privacy door101may be rotated to the closed position103, but the gate113may be left in the open position114. This may allow the privacy door101to be closed in situations where the flight deck door104will not be opened. In such embodiments, the set of hinges124might not include a hinge spring125to bias the privacy door101to the open position102. Alternatively, the latch recess111may include a minor detent to lightly engage the decompression latch112such that the hinge spring125cannot rotate the privacy door101, but such that a crew member can push the privacy door101to disengage the decompression latch112from the detent.

In these implementations, the flight deck cable117may be operable from the flight deck area200to move the gate113to the closed position115so as to retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111and lock the privacy door101in the closed position103, to secure the intermediate cabin area301from the main cabin area302. This may then allow the pilot to open the flight deck door104.

In an example embodiment shown inFIG. 10A, some internal components of the decompression latch112and the second post109can be seen. For instance, the gate113may be movable by the flight deck cable117between the open position114and the closed position115. With the gate113in the open position114, the privacy door101may be closed such that the decompression latch112engages with the minor detent in the latch recess111, in which position the privacy door101is closed but not locked by the gate113. While the privacy door101is closed, the flight deck cable117is operable from the flight deck area200to move the gate113from the open position114to the closed position115so as to retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111and lock the privacy door101in the closed position103. With the gate113closed and the privacy door101closed, the privacy door101is locked to secure the intermediate cabin area301from the main cabin area302. Similarly, while the privacy door101is open, the flight deck cable117is operable from the flight deck area200to move the gate113to the closed position115, and a crew member in the main cabin area302may close the privacy door101whereupon the decompression latch112may retract and slide past the gate113into the latch recess111where the decompression latch112is retained, to lock the privacy door101and secure the intermediate cabin area301from the main cabin area302. With the privacy door101locked, the flight crew may exit the flight deck area200into the intermediate cabin area301. To then unlock the privacy door101, the flight deck cable117is operable from the flight deck area200to move the gate113to the open position114that does not retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111, such that the privacy door101is unlocked and can be pulled open from the intermediate cabin area301, or pushed open from the main cabin area302, to disengage the decompression latch112from the minor detent in the latch recess111.

FIG. 10Bshows a view an alternate implementation of the decompression latch112and the gate113in the closed position115, including some internal components of the decompression latch112and the second post109. For example, the gate113may additionally include a gate spring116positioned to bias the gate113into the closed position115so as to retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111. In some implementations, when flight crew plans to exit the flight deck area200and the privacy door101is open, a crew member in the main cabin area302may close the privacy door101, whereupon the decompression latch112retracts and slides past the gate113into the latch recess111where the decompression latch112is retained to lock the privacy door101. With the gate113biased into the closed position115and the privacy door101closed, the privacy door101remains locked to secure the intermediate cabin area301from the main cabin area302, such that the flight crew may exit the flight deck area200into the intermediate cabin area301. When the flight crew returns to the flight deck area200, the flight deck cable117is operable from the flight deck area200to move the gate113to the open position114, compressing the gate spring116, such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111. Thereafter, and as noted in examples above, the privacy door101may be moved to the open position102via the hinge spring125biasing the door open (absent any detent in the latch recess111to engage decompression latch112). Similarly, moving the gate113to the open position114via operation of the knob127, or via operation of the main cabin cable118, as discussed in the examples above, may also involve compression the gate spring116.

As noted above, the decompression latch112may be configured to disengage from the latch recess111in response to a decompression of the aircraft400detected forward of the privacy door101. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the privacy door101may include a decompression spring126positioned to bias the decompression latch112toward the first post108so as to disengage the decompression latch112from the latch recess111. For instance, the decompression spring126may be retained by a pin or a similar structure that is released when the forward decompression is detected, which may then allow the decompression spring126to bias the decompression latch112out of the latch recess111.

One useful feature of the privacy door assembly150is that it may be possible to retrofit the door frame107and privacy door101into an existing aircraft400. However, it may be desirable in such situations to minimize the additional structural loads that may be imposed on the aircraft400by the privacy door assembly150. For instance, if the door frame107is connected to both the floor and ceiling of the aircraft400with fixed connections, then some otherwise expected deflections in the floor structure of the aircraft400, for example, may induce additional loads at the ceiling structure, transferred by the door frame107, that otherwise would not be present.

Therefore, the door frame107may be installed such that one or more of the connections to the aircraft400maintains at least one degree of freedom of movement, to reduce the load transfer along the door frame107. For example, and with reference toFIG. 11, the door frame107may include a connector119for coupling the door frame107to an adjacent structure120of the aircraft400. The connector119, when coupled to the adjacent structure120of the aircraft400, may provide at least one degree of freedom of movement for the door frame107with respect to the adjacent structure120.

For instance, as shown in the example ofFIG. 11, the connector119may include a slip pin121positioned at an upper end122of the first post108, and the adjacent structure120may comprises a ceiling bracket123of the aircraft400. The slip pin121, when coupled to the ceiling bracket123, may include at least two degrees of freedom of movement for the door frame107with respect to the ceiling bracket123. In the example shown inFIG. 11, the slip pin121is free to move both vertically and from left to right in the ceiling bracket123. In this way, any slight deflections of the floor of the aircraft400, where the door frame107may have be fixed, might not cause an additional structural load on the ceiling bracket123, by way of the door frame107.

Referring now toFIG. 12, a flowchart of a method500for operation of a privacy door on an aircraft is shown, according to an example implementation. Method500shown inFIG. 12presents an example of a method that, for instance, could be used with the privacy door101on the aircraft400, as shown inFIGS. 1-11and discussed above. It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present examples. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure, in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

At block502, the method500includes, before opening the flight deck door104from the closed position106, closing the privacy door101such that the privacy door101is closed when the flight deck door104is open. As discussed above, the aircraft400includes a flight deck door104that, when in a closed position106, separates a flight deck area200of the aircraft400from a cabin area300of the aircraft400. The privacy door101is disposed within the cabin area300of the aircraft400and aft of the flight deck door104such that the privacy door101, when in a closed position103, separates the cabin area300into an intermediate cabin area301between the privacy door101and the flight deck door104and a main cabin area302aft of the privacy door101. As noted previously, the privacy door101may be rotatably coupled to a first post108of a door frame107via a set of hinges124. Further, closing the privacy door101may include engaging a decompression latch112of the privacy door101with a latch recess111positioned within a second post109of the door frame107.

For example, during ground operations when a flight crew first enters the aircraft400, the flight crew may enter the intermediate cabin area301, and then close the privacy door101behind them before opening the flight deck door104to enter the flight deck area200. As another example, during flight operations, the pilot of the aircraft400may contact the flight crew from the flight deck area200over an intercom or similar communications device, and let the flight crew know the flight deck door104needs to be opened. The flight crew may then close the privacy door101, as discussed in the examples above.

Further, closing the privacy door101may include first operating the lever132to move the slam latch130away from the first post108, from the first position135to the second position136. This may disengage the slam latch130from the slot131, before rotating the privacy door101to the closed position103, as shown inFIG. 8.

At block504, the method500includes opening the flight deck door104. For example, the flight crew may open the flight deck door104for the reasons discussed above, including the rotation of flight crew between flights, or if the flight crew needs to exit the flight deck area200during flight operations.

At block506, the method500includes, before opening the privacy door101, closing the flight deck door104such that the flight deck door104is closed when the privacy door101is open. In this way, the flight crew and the flight crew can maintain a privacy and security barrier between the main cabin area302and the flight deck area200by maintaining either the flight deck door104or the privacy door101in a closed position while the other door is open.

At block508, the method500includes manually opening the privacy door101from the closed position103to the open position102. As noted above, manually opening the privacy door101may include disengaging the decompression latch112from the latch recess111. In some implementations, the set of hinges124may include a hinge spring125, which may bias the privacy door101to the open position after the decompression latch112is disengaged from the latch recess111.

As discussed above and as shown inFIGS. 6-8, the privacy door101may include a slam latch130positioned to engage a slot131in the first post108of the door frame107when the privacy door101is in the open position102and when the slam latch130is in a first position135. Accordingly, manually opening the privacy door101from the closed position103to the open position102may include engaging the slam latch130within the slot131.

Further, the slam latch130may include a slam latch spring137, and engaging the slam latch130within the slot131may include biasing the slam latch130toward the first post108and into the slot131via the slam latch spring137. In some implementations, the slam latch spring137may not be included in the privacy door101, and engaging the slam latch130within the slot131may alternatively include operating the lever132to move the slam latch to the first position135to engage the slam latch130within the slot131.

In some embodiments, the first post108may include a cylindrical striker138, which may include the slot131. In such embodiments, closing the privacy door101may include biasing the slam latch130toward the first post108via the slam latch spring137such that the slam latch130abuts the cylindrical striker138, as discussed above.

To facilitate the manual opening of the privacy door101, the second post109may include a gate113that is movable between an open position114and a closed position115configured to retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111, as discussed above and shown inFIGS. 8-9. Further, the gate113may be coupled to a knob127that is positioned on a forward side110of the second post109. Accordingly, in some examples, manually opening the privacy door101at block508of the method500may include operating the knob127to move the gate113from the closed position115to the open position114so that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111. The privacy door101may then be pulled open from within the intermediate cabin area301using the knob127, for example. Alternatively, the hinge spring125may bias the privacy door101to the open position102once the decompression latch112is no longer retained within the latch recess111.

Further, although it may not be part of the normal operation of the privacy door101, it may be possible to manually open the privacy door101from the main cabin area302as well, according to the examples discussed above. In particular, the gate113may be coupled to a main cabin cable118extending from the second post109to the main cabin area302of the aircraft400, as shown inFIGS. 8-9. Thus, in some embodiments, manually opening the privacy door101at block508of the method500may include operating the main cabin cable118from the main cabin area302to move the gate113from the closed position115to the open position114in which the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111. As discussed above, the operable portion of the main cabin cable118may be discreetly located within the main cabin area302.

In some implementations, the privacy door101may also be manually openable from the flight deck area200, as previously discussed. For instance, the gate113may be coupled to a flight deck cable117extending from the second post109to the flight deck area200of the aircraft400, as shown inFIGS. 8-9. Accordingly, in some examples, manually opening the privacy door101at block508of the method500may include operating the flight deck cable117from the flight deck area200to move the gate113to the open position114such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111. As discussed above, the privacy door101may then be biased to the open position102by the hinge spring125, or it may be pushed or pulled open by a member of the flight crew. Further, the gate113may include a gate spring116to bias the gate113to the closed position115, as shown inFIG. 10B. Accordingly, moving the gate113to the open position114in the examples above may involve compressing the gate spring116.

Additionally, the flight deck cable117may also be operable to move the gate113to the closed position115, as described in the examples above. Therefore, it is also possible that closing the privacy door101at block502of the method500may involve operating the flight deck cable117from the flight deck area200to move the gate113to the closed position115such that the gate113retains the decompression latch112in the latch recess111, to thereby lock the privacy door101in the closed position103and secure the intermediate cabin area301from the main cabin area302.

As noted above, the privacy door101may be configured to respond to a decompression event on the aircraft400during flight operations. For example, the method500for operation of the privacy door101may further include the steps of detecting a decompression of the aircraft400forward of the privacy door101when the privacy door101is in the closed position103. Further, in response to the detected decompression of the aircraft400forward of the privacy door101, the method500may include automatically disengaging the decompression latch112from the latch recess111.

In some implementations, as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the privacy door101may include a decompression spring126. In such implementations, automatically disengaging the decompression latch112from the latch recess111may include biasing the decompression latch112toward first post108via the decompression spring126such that decompression latch112disengages the latch recess111.

As mentioned in previous examples, the privacy door101may also be configured to respond to a decompression aft of the privacy door101. For instance, as shown inFIGS. 4-5, the privacy door101may include a panel143having a panel decompression latch146configured to engage the privacy door101and maintain the panel143in a closed position145such that the panel143covers an aperture142in the privacy door101.

In this arrangement, the method500for operation of the privacy door101may further include detecting a decompression of the aircraft400aft of the privacy door101when the privacy door101is in the closed position103. In response to the detected decompression of the aircraft400aft of the privacy door101, the method500may include disengaging the panel decompression latch146from the privacy door101. For instance, the panel decompression latch146may disengage from the privacy door101in a similar manner to the decompression latch112discussed above.

Further, in some embodiments, the panel143may be rotatably coupled to the privacy door101. In such embodiments, and in response to the detected decompression of the aircraft400aft of the privacy door101, the method500may further include rotating the panel143into the main cabin area302to an open position144such that the aperture142conveys an airflow rate from the intermediate cabin area301to the main cabin area302, as shown inFIG. 5and discussed in the examples above.

Referring now toFIG. 13, a flowchart of a method600for establishing a privacy door relative to a flight deck door of an aircraft is shown, according to an example implementation. Method600shown inFIG. 13presents an example of a method that, for instance, could be performed by the privacy door system100, as shown inFIGS. 1-11and discussed above. It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present examples. In this regard, each block in the flowchart may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor for implementing or causing specific logical functions or steps in the process. For example, the method600may be implemented by one or more computing devices of a robotic assembly system. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure, in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

At block602, the method600includes positioning a door frame, such as the door frame107shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, in the cabin area300of the aircraft400, aft of the flight deck door104. The door frame107is a part of the privacy door system100, as indicated inFIG. 1, which also includes the flight deck door104and the privacy door101, along with some or all of the additional features described in the examples above.

As previously described, the flight deck door104, when in a closed position106, separates a flight deck area200of the aircraft400from a cabin area300of the aircraft400. Further, the door frame107may include a first post108and a second post109, and the second post109may include a latch recess111, as shown inFIG. 3.

At block604, the method600includes coupling the door frame107to the aircraft400. To facilitate this, the door frame107may include a connector119for coupling the door frame107to an adjacent structure120of the aircraft400. As discussed above it may be desirable to couple the door frame107to the aircraft400in such a way that the likelihood of the door frame107imposing additional structural loads on the aircraft400is reduced. Consequently, coupling the door frame107to the aircraft400may include coupling the connector119to the adjacent structure120such that the door frame107maintains at least one degree of freedom of movement with respect to the adjacent structure120.

In some implementations, as shown inFIG. 11, the connector119may include a slip pin121positioned at an upper end122of the first post108, and the adjacent structure120may include a ceiling bracket123. Accordingly, coupling the connector119to the adjacent structure120may include coupling the slip pin121to the ceiling bracket123such that the door frame107maintains at least two degrees of freedom of movement with respect to the ceiling bracket123, as discussed above.

At block606, the method600includes coupling the privacy door101to the first post108via a set of hinges124such that the privacy door101, when in a closed position103, separates the cabin area300into an intermediate cabin area301between the privacy door101and the flight deck door104and a main cabin area302aft of the privacy door101. The privacy door101is rotatable via the set of hinges124into the intermediate cabin area301to an open position102. Further, the privacy door101may include a decompression latch112as discussed in the examples above, configured to disengage from the latch recess111in the first post108in response to a decompression of the aircraft400detected forward of the privacy door101.

As noted previously, and as shown inFIG. 8-9, the second post109may include a gate113that is movable between an open position114and a closed position115configured to retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111. The second post109may further include a knob127for moving the gate113to the open position114and then opening the privacy door101from the intermediate cabin area301. In some embodiments, it may also be desirable to be able to move the gate113to the open position from the main cabin area302. Accordingly, the method600may further include extending a main cabin cable118from the gate113through the second post109and into the main cabin area302such that the main cabin cable118is operable from the main cabin area302to move the gate113from the closed position115to the open position114, such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111. As discussed above, the main cabin cable118may be extended to a discreet location within the main cabin area302.

Similarly, the method600may include extending a flight deck cable117from the gate113into the flight deck area200such that the flight deck cable117is operable from the flight deck area200to move the gate113to the open position114such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111.

In some embodiments, the flight deck cable117may be extended into the flight deck area200such that the flight deck cable117is operable from the flight deck area200to move the gate113to the closed position115so as to retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111and lock the privacy door101in the closed position103, securing the intermediate cabin area301from the main cabin area302aft of the privacy door101. This functionality may be provided in addition to, or as an alternative to, the operation of the flight deck cable117to move the gate113to the open position114.

As discussed in some of the implementations above, the privacy door101may include a slam latch130, as shown inFIGS. 6-8. The slam latch130may be positioned to engage a slot131in the first post108of the door frame107when the privacy door101is in the open position102and the slam latch130is in a first position135. Accordingly, after coupling the privacy door101to the first post108via the set of hinges124, the method600may include rotating the privacy door101to the open position102and engaging the slam latch130within the slot131.

In some embodiments, as previously mentioned, the method the slam latch130may be coupled to a lever132positioned on a forward side133of the privacy door101. In such embodiments, the method600may further include operating the lever132to move the slam latch130away from the first post108to a second position136. As discussed above and shown inFIGS. 6-7, moving the slam latch130to the second position136disengages the slam latch130from the slot131.

As mentioned above, the method600may be performed by the privacy door system100. In addition to the features discussed with respect to the performance of method600, the privacy door system100may include additional features as discussed in the other examples above. For instance, the privacy door101may be rotatably coupled to the door frame107via a set of hinges124. In some embodiments, the set of hinges124includes a hinge spring125positioned to bias the privacy door101from the closed position103to the open position102when the decompression latch112and the latch recess111are disengaged.

Further, the slam latch130discussed above with respect to method600may further include a slam latch spring137positioned to bias the slam latch130toward the first post108. Further, the first post108may include a cylindrical striker138, which may include the slot131.

As discussed in previous examples, the privacy door system100may include features that may allow air to flow from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure, in the event of a decompression of the aircraft400. For instance, the privacy door101may include a decompression spring126, as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, that is positioned to bias the decompression latch112toward the first post108so as to disengage the decompression latch112from the latch recess111in response to the decompression of the aircraft400detected forward of the privacy door101.

The privacy door system100may also provide for airflow in the event of an aft decompression. For example, the privacy door101may include a vent140, as shown inFIG. 3. The vent140may include a plurality of openings141forming a fluid connection between the intermediate cabin area301and the main cabin area302when the privacy door101is in the closed position103. The plurality of openings141may include an open area sufficient to convey an airflow rate from the intermediate cabin area301to the main cabin area302in response to a decompression of the aircraft400detected aft of the privacy door101, as discussed above.

Alternatively, the privacy door101may include an aperture142having an open area sufficient to convey an airflow rate from the intermediate cabin area301to the main cabin area302in response to a decompression of the main cabin area302when the privacy door101is in the closed position103. As shown inFIGS. 4-5and discussed in above, a panel143may be rotatably coupled to the privacy door101, and the panel143may include a panel decompression latch146configured to engage the privacy door101and maintain the panel143in a closed position145such that the panel143covers the aperture142.

The panel decompression latch146may be configured to disengage from the privacy door101in response to a decompression of the aircraft400detected aft of the privacy door101, as noted previously. Further, the panel143may be rotatable into the main cabin area302from the closed position145to an open position144.

As discussed above, the privacy door system100may be established in an existing aircraft400, through a retrofit installation of the privacy door assembly150shown inFIG. 3. In this way, the privacy door assembly150may be viewed as an installation kit, which may have standard dimensions that are compatible with multiple models of aircraft400within a given fleet.

The privacy door assembly150may include a door frame107, such as the door frame107shown inFIG. 3, which includes a first post108and a second post109, where the second post109comprises a latch recess111. The privacy door assembly150also includes a privacy door101rotatably coupleable to the first post108via a set of hinges124. The privacy door101further includes a decompression latch112arranged to engage the latch recess111when the privacy door101is in a closed position103within the door frame107. Additionally, the decompression latch112may be configured to disengage from the latch recess111in response to a decompression detected on a forward side133of the privacy door101, similar to the examples discussed above.

As above, the set of hinges124in the privacy door assembly150may include a hinge spring125positioned to bias the privacy door101from the closed position103to an open position102when the decompression latch112and the latch recess111are disengaged.

Further, the privacy door assembly150may include a slam latch130as discussed above and as generally shown inFIGS. 6-8. The slam latch130may be positioned in the privacy door101to engage a slot131in the first post108of the door frame107when the privacy door101is in the open position102and when the slam latch130is in a first position135. The slam latch130may be coupled to a lever132positioned on a forward side133of the privacy door101. As in previous examples, the lever132is operable to move the slam latch130away from the first post108to a second position136so as to disengage the slam latch130from the slot131.

The privacy door101of the privacy door assembly150may further include a slam latch spring137positioned to bias the slam latch130toward the first post108. As in the examples above, the first post108may include a cylindrical striker138, and the cylindrical striker138may include the slot131.

The privacy door assembly150may also include, as a part of the second post109, a gate113movable between an open position114, and a closed position115configured to retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111, as shown inFIGS. 8-9and discussed above. The gate113may be coupled to a knob127positioned on a forward side110of the second post109, and the knob127may be operable to move the gate113to the open position114such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111.

Further, the privacy door assembly150may include a flight deck cable117coupleable to the gate113and extendable from the second post109forward of the privacy door101. The flight deck cable117may be operable to move the gate113from the open position114to the closed position115so as to retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111and lock the privacy door101in the closed position103. Additionally or alternatively, the flight deck cable117may be operable to move the gate113from the closed position115to the open position114such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112in the latch recess111.

In some implementations, the privacy door assembly150may include a main cabin cable118coupleable to the gate113and extendable from the second post109aft of the privacy door101. The main cabin cable118may be operable to move the gate113from the closed position115to the open position114such that the gate113does not retain the decompression latch112within the latch recess111. Further, the gate113may include a gate spring116to bias the gate113to the closed position115. Accordingly, moving the gate113to the open position114in the examples discussed above may include compression the gate spring116.

The privacy door assembly150may also include the decompression considerations noted above. For instance, the privacy door101of the privacy door assembly150may include a decompression spring126as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B. The decompression spring126may be positioned to bias the decompression latch112toward the first post108so as to disengage the decompression latch112from the latch recess111in response to the decompression detected on the forward side133of the privacy door101.

The privacy door101of the privacy door assembly150may also include the vent140, including the plurality of openings141, as shown inFIG. 3and discussed above. In some other embodiments, the privacy door101may include an aperture142, and a panel143rotatably coupled to the privacy door101, as shown inFIGS. 4-5. The panel143may include a panel decompression latch146configured to engage the privacy door101and maintain the panel143in a closed position145such that the panel143covers the aperture142. Further the panel143may be rotatable from the closed position145to an open position144on an aft side134of the privacy door101. Additionally, the panel decompression latch146may be configured to disengage from the privacy door101in response to a decompression detected on the aft side134of the privacy door101.

In another aspect, the privacy door101may include alternative aspects to those described in relation toFIGS. 1-11. In particular, referring now toFIGS. 14 and 15, another privacy door152is shown and described. A portion of an aircraft400is shown inFIGS. 14and15, immediately aft of the flight deck area200, or cockpit. The aircraft400may be, for example, a passenger aircraft, and may include a flight deck door104, as described above. As shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, the flight deck door104, when in a closed position106, separates the flight deck area200of the aircraft400from the cabin area300of the aircraft400. Similarly, the forward bulkhead201, shown inFIGS. 14 and 15and discussed further below, separates the flight deck area200from the cabin area300of the aircraft400.

As noted above, it may be desirable in some situations to maintain privacy and/or security of the flight deck area200and/or flight crew on the aircraft400, including during instances where the flight deck door104may need to be moved to an open position105. Accordingly, the aircraft400includes a privacy door152disposed within the cabin area300of the aircraft400and aft of the flight deck door104. The privacy door152, when in a closed position103, separates the cabin area300into an intermediate cabin area301between the privacy door152and the flight deck door104, and a main cabin area302aft of the privacy door152. In this configuration, the privacy door152may be closed when the flight deck door104needs to be opened. The flight deck door104and the privacy door152may together be considered part of a privacy door system190, as indicated in the perspective view ofFIG. 14. The privacy door152as shown and described inFIGS. 14-20may include one or more of the features of the privacy door101described above in relation toFIGS. 1-11. However, the privacy door152may not include all of the features of the privacy door101, and may further include one or more additional features not present in the privacy door101, as discussed in additional detail below.

FIG. 15shows a plan view indicating both the closed positions and the open positions, in dashed lines, of the flight deck door104and the privacy door152. As shown inFIG. 15, the privacy door152may be rotatable into the intermediate cabin area301, or may be rotatable into the main cabin area302of the aircraft when the privacy door is in the open position102. As such, the privacy door152may be able to rotate about 180 degrees.FIG. 15further shows the intermediate cabin area301, which may include, for example, a lavatory303.FIG. 15also indicates two cross-sectional views of the privacy door152. The first cross-sectional view, labeled17-17, is facing aft when the privacy door152is in the closed position103, and is detailed inFIG. 19. The second cross-sectional view of the privacy door152is labeled19-19, and faces in the outboard direction toward the right side of the aircraft400, when the privacy door152is in the open position102, and is detailed inFIG. 19.

The privacy door system190of the aircraft400further includes a door frame107which, in conjunction with the privacy door152, may be considered a privacy door assembly192, as shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 16. As shown inFIG. 16, the door frame107may include a first post108and a second post109. The privacy door152may be rotatably coupled to the first post108via a set of hinges124, such that the privacy door152is rotatable into the intermediate cabin area301or into the main cabin area302to an open position102, as can be seen inFIG. 15. The privacy door152further includes a latch154positioned on an edge156of the privacy door152, as shown inFIG. 16.

As shown inFIG. 16, the privacy door152may further include a view port159positioned in the privacy door152. The view port159enables the flight crew to look into the intermediate cabin area301from the main cabin area302when the privacy door152is in the closed position. Further, the view port159enables the flight crew to look into the main cabin area302from the intermediate cabin area301when the privacy door152is in the closed position.

FIG. 16further illustrates an access door158positioned in the privacy door152. The access door158is rotatable from a closed position to an open position in a forward direction into the intermediate cabin area301, as described in additional detail below. The access door158may be used by the flight crew to deliver food or other items from the main cabin area302through the privacy door152to the intermediate cabin area301, without necessitating opening of the privacy door152.

As further shown inFIG. 16, a latch recess111may be positioned within the second post109of the door frame107. The latch recess111is arranged to engage the latch154of the privacy door152when the privacy door152is in the closed position103. Further, the latch154may be configured to disengage from the latch recess111to transition the privacy door152to the open position102, as discussed in additional detail below.

FIG. 16further illustrates a first mechanical door handle system160positioned on an aft side of the privacy door152. The first mechanical door handle system160is coupled to the latch154such that movement of the first mechanical door handle system160is translated to movement of the latch154. The first mechanical door handle system160includes a mechanical combination lock162, and the latch154is configured to disengage from the latch recess111in response to entering a correct combination into the mechanical combination lock162. As such, flight crew or other personnel with authorization to enter the intermediate cabin area301would have access to the correct combination of the mechanical combination lock162to thereby open the privacy door152. The first mechanical door handle system160and mechanical combination lock162are both mechanical in nature, such that no electronics or batteries are needed for either component to operate. In one example, the first mechanical door handle system160further includes a handle164, and the latch154is configured to disengage from the latch recess111in response to entering the correct combination into the mechanical combination lock162and turning the handle164.

FIG. 16further illustrates an indicator light161positioned at the top of the door frame107facing aft. Although it is not shown inFIG. 16, a second indicator light may be positioned on the opposite side of the door frame107facing forward. The aft facing indicator light161is positioned to be visible from the main cabin area302, while the forward facing indicator light is positioned to be visible from the flight deck using a viewing port in the flight deck door104. The indicator lights161help the flight crew to determine the status of the latch154, to ensure that the privacy door152is locked before performing a further action. For example, the indicator lights161are turned on when the privacy door152is latched, and the indicator lights161are turned off when the privacy door152is unlatched. In one example, indicator lights161are activated by a sensor positioned in the latch recess, which detects a magnet positioned in the latch154. Other activation mechanisms for the indicator lights161are possible as well.

In some implementations, as discussed above, the privacy door152may generally remain open during operation of the aircraft, as the flight crew (e.g., flight attendants) move between the intermediate cabin area301and main cabin area302, and while the flight deck door104generally remains closed. Accordingly, in some embodiments the set of hinges124may include a hinge spring125positioned to bias the privacy door152from the closed position103to the open position102when the latch154and the latch recess111are disengaged. As shown inFIG. 16, the set of hinges124may include a hinge spring125in each of the multiple individual hinges, or there may alternatively be a single hinge spring125. Further, the privacy door152or the door frame107may include other springs or similar components to bias the privacy door152to the open position102when the latch154and the latch recess111are disengaged.

In another embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 17A-17B, the privacy door152may generally remain open during operation of the aircraft via a second latch recess155. As shown inFIG. 17B, the second latch recess155may be positioned on a wall157within the intermediate cabin area301, such as a galley wall as a non-limiting example. Such a galley wall is also illustrated inFIG. 15. As shown inFIG. 17A, the second latch recess155may further include a stop153configured to dampen the privacy door152as the privacy door152translates to the open position. The stop153may comprise a rubber material. Additionally or alternatively, the stop153may be spring loaded. Other embodiments are possible as well.

In use, the second latch recess155is arranged to engage the latch154of the privacy door152when the privacy door152is rotated into the intermediate cabin area301in the open position. When the latch154of the privacy door152engages the second latch recess155, the privacy door152is securely stored in the open position. The privacy door152remains in the open position until a flight crew crewmember or other personnel enters the correct combination into the mechanical combination lock162to thereby release the latch154from the second latch recess155. Such a configuration ensures that only those with access to the correct combination of the mechanical combination lock162are capable of transitioning the privacy door152from the open position to the closed position. In one example, as shown inFIGS. 17A-17B, the first mechanical door handle system160further includes a handle164, and the latch154is configured to disengage from the second latch recess155in response to entering the correct combination into the mechanical combination lock162and turning the handle164.

FIGS. 18A-18Bshow an aft-facing view of the privacy door152in the closed position103, and thus shows the forward side133of the privacy door152. As shown inFIG. 18A, the privacy door152further includes a second mechanical door handle system166positioned on the forward side133of the privacy door152. The second mechanical door handle system166is coupled to the latch154such that movement of the second mechanical door handle system166is translated to movement of the latch154. The second mechanical door handle system166is mechanical in nature, such that no electronics or batteries are needed for the second mechanical door handle system166to operate.

In one example, as shown inFIGS. 18A-18B, the second mechanical door handle system166includes a handle167and a plunger169extending vertically from the handle167and positioned beneath the access door158. As shown inFIG. 18B, the plunger169contacts the access door158and is depressed when the access door158is in the open position. When the plunger169is depressed, the handle167is locked and unable to turn to thereby disengage the latch154from the latch recess111when the plunger169is depressed. Such a configuration of the second mechanical door handle system166may help to prevent an individual from opening the privacy door152from the aft side134when the access door158is open. In one particular example, transitioning the plunger169from the depressed state (shown inFIG. 18Bwhen the plunger169is depressed by the access door158when the access door is in the open position) to the relaxed state (shown inFIG. 18Awhen the access door158is in the closed position) releases a pin that enables the handle167to turn to thereby disengage the latch154from the latch recess111.

FIG. 19is another embodiment illustrating an aft-facing view of the privacy door152in the closed position103, and thus shows the forward side133of the privacy door152. As shown inFIG. 19, the privacy door152further includes a second mechanical door handle system166positioned on the forward side133of the privacy door152. As described above, the second mechanical door handle system166is coupled to the latch154such that movement of the second mechanical door handle system166is translated to movement of the latch154. The second mechanical door handle system166is mechanical in nature, such that no electronics or batteries are needed for the second mechanical door handle system166to operate.

In one example, the second mechanical door handle system166requires two hands to operate. In one particular example, the second mechanical door handle system166comprises a handle168and a button170. In such an example, pressing the button170releases a pin that enables the handle168to turn to thereby disengage the latch154from the latch recess111. Other two hand arrangements are possible as well. Requiring two hands to operate the second mechanical door handle system166may help to prevent an individual from opening the privacy door152from the aft side134when the access door158is open.

In one example, the first mechanical door handle system160and the second mechanical door handle system166may be offset with respect to each other such that the second mechanical door handle system166is disposed further away from the edge156of the privacy door152than the first mechanical door handle system160. Such an arrangement may help to prevent an individual from opening the privacy door152from the aft side134when the access door158is open. In one particular example, the access door158has a width and a length configured to project and extend past the second mechanical door handle system166when the access door158is in the open position to thereby prevent reach of the second mechanical door handle system166from the aft side134of the privacy door152when the access door158is in the open position.

FIG. 20shows the cross-sectional view of the access door158indicated inFIG. 19. The access door158may be rotatably coupled to the privacy door152. For instance,FIGS. 19 and 20illustrate an access door158that is rotatably coupled to the privacy door152along a bottom edge of the access door158. Accordingly, when the access door158transitions from the closed position to the open position, the access door158rotates forward and downward, into the intermediate cabin area301, as seen inFIG. 20. As shown inFIG. 20, the access door158may include one or more supports172that fold down as the access door158transitions to the open position to thereby maintain the access door158in the open position. Once the access door158is open, the main cabin area302is connected to the intermediate cabin area301via an opening174. In one example, in the open position, the access door158is substantially parallel to a floor surface of the aircraft400. Such an arrangement may provide a level surface for flight crew to place food or other items. In some embodiments, the access door158may include a plurality of openings to facilitate normal air flow between the intermediate cabin area301and the main cabin area302when the privacy door152is closed. In other implementations, the access door158may be solid, without any openings.

FIG. 21also illustrates a slam latch130that may be included in the privacy door152, including a lever132that includes a second position136, as well as a first position135shown in a dashed line. The slam latch130and lever132will now be discussed in more detail with respect toFIG. 21.

As noted above, the view shown in ofFIG. 21faces in the outboard direction toward the right side of the aircraft400, when the privacy door152is in the open position102. For clarity, some elements such as the set of hinges124and the second post109are not shown inFIG. 21. As previously mentioned, the privacy door152may generally remain in the open position102during operation of the aircraft400. Accordingly, the privacy door152may include a slam latch130positioned to engage a slot131in the first post108of the door frame107when the privacy door152is in the open position102, and when the slam latch130is in a first position135. The slam latch130may be located internally within the privacy door152, and thus it is shown in a dashed line inFIG. 21.

The privacy door152may further include a slam latch spring137positioned to bias the slam latch130toward the first post108. Similar to the slam latch130, the slam latch spring137may be contained within the privacy door152. Other arrangements are also possible.

Further, the slam latch130may be coupled to a lever132positioned on the forward side133of the privacy door152. Because the view shown inFIG. 21shows the privacy door152in the open position102, it illustrates the aft side134of the privacy door152. The lever132is therefore shown as a dashed line inFIG. 21, as it is on the opposite side of the privacy door152.

The lever132may be operable to move the slam latch130away from the first post108to a second position136so as to disengage the slam latch130from the slot131. This is shown inFIG. 22, which shows the same view of the privacy door152as that shown inFIG. 21. As can be seen inFIG. 22, the slam latch spring137is compressed as the lever132is moved from the first position135to the second position136. Once the slam latch130is disengaged from the slot131, the privacy door152may be rotated from the open position102to the closed position103, for example.

After disengaging the slam latch130from the slot131, the lever132may be released, and the slam latch spring137may bias the slam latch back toward the first post108. This may cause the slam latch130to abut the first post108while the privacy door is rotating from the open position102to the closed position103. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first post108may include a cylindrical striker138, and the cylindrical striker138may include the slot131, as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20. The cylindrical striker138may generally protect the first post108from strikes from the slam latch130during opening and closing of the privacy door152. Further, in an embodiment where the first post108is square or rectangular in cross section, the cylindrical striker138may allow the privacy door152to rotate more smoothly, without the tip of the slam latch130binding on the corners of the first post108.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to allow for the privacy door152to be opened from the flight deck area200. In one example, the privacy door152may be closed during flight of the aircraft400. For instance, the flight crew may disengage the slam latch130and close the privacy door152behind them as they enter the main cabin area302and proceed with in-flight operations. This may allow the flight deck door104to be opened so that the pilot can enter the intermediate cabin area301and use the lavatory303, for example. Once the pilot returns to the flight deck area200and closes the flight deck door104, there may be no crew members in the intermediate cabin area301to reopen the privacy door152from within the intermediate cabin area301. Therefore, as discussed above, the mechanical combination lock162of the first mechanical door handle system160can be utilized by authorized personnel to reopen the privacy door152once the flight deck door104is closed.

One useful feature of the privacy door assembly192is that it may be possible to retrofit the door frame107and privacy door152into an existing aircraft400. However, it may be desirable in such situations to minimize the additional structural loads that may be imposed on the aircraft400by the privacy door assembly192. For instance, if the door frame107is connected to both the floor and ceiling of the aircraft400with fixed connections, then some otherwise expected deflections in the floor structure of the aircraft400, for example, may induce additional loads at the ceiling structure, transferred by the door frame107, that otherwise would not be present.

Therefore, the door frame107may be installed such that one or more of the connections to the aircraft400maintains at least one degree of freedom of movement, to reduce the load transfer along the door frame107. For example, with reference toFIG. 11and as discussed above, the door frame107may include a connector119for coupling the door frame107to an adjacent structure120of the aircraft400. The connector119, when coupled to the adjacent structure120of the aircraft400, may provide at least one degree of freedom of movement for the door frame107with respect to the adjacent structure120.

For instance, as shown in the example ofFIG. 11, the connector119may include a slip pin121positioned at an upper end122of the first post108, and the adjacent structure120may comprises a ceiling bracket123of the aircraft400. The slip pin121, when coupled to the ceiling bracket123, may include at least two degrees of freedom of movement for the door frame107with respect to the ceiling bracket123. In the example shown inFIG. 11, the slip pin121is free to move both vertically and from left to right in the ceiling bracket123. In this way, any slight deflections of the floor of the aircraft400, where the door frame107may have be fixed, might not cause an additional structural load on the ceiling bracket123, by way of the door frame107.

Referring now toFIG. 23, a flowchart of a method700for establishing a privacy door relative to a flight deck door of an aircraft is shown, according to an example implementation. Method700shown inFIG. 23presents an example of a method that, for instance, could be performed by the privacy door system190, as shown inFIGS. 13-20and discussed above. It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present examples. In this regard, each block in the flowchart may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor for implementing or causing specific logical functions or steps in the process. For example, the method700may be implemented by one or more computing devices of a robotic assembly system. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure, in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

At block702, the method700includes positioning a door frame, such as the door frame107shown inFIGS. 14 and 16, in the cabin area300of the aircraft400, aft of the flight deck door104. The door frame107is a part of the privacy door system190, as indicated inFIG. 14, which also includes the flight deck door104and the privacy door152, along with some or all of the additional features described in the examples above. The door frame107comprises a first post108and a second post109, and the second post109comprises a latch recess111.

As previously described, the flight deck door104, when in a closed position106, separates a flight deck area200of the aircraft400from a cabin area300of the aircraft400. Further, the door frame107may include a first post108and a second post109, and the second post109may include a latch recess111, as shown inFIG. 3.

At block704, the method700includes coupling the door frame107to the aircraft400. To facilitate this, the door frame107may include a connector119for coupling the door frame107to an adjacent structure120of the aircraft400. As discussed above it may be desirable to couple the door frame107to the aircraft400in such a way that the likelihood of the door frame107imposing additional structural loads on the aircraft400is reduced. Consequently, coupling the door frame107to the aircraft400may include coupling the connector119to the adjacent structure120such that the door frame107maintains at least one degree of freedom of movement with respect to the adjacent structure120.

In some implementations, as shown inFIG. 11, the connector119may include a slip pin121positioned at an upper end122of the first post108, and the adjacent structure120may include a ceiling bracket123. Accordingly, coupling the connector119to the adjacent structure120may include coupling the slip pin121to the ceiling bracket123such that the door frame107maintains at least two degrees of freedom of movement with respect to the ceiling bracket123, as discussed above.

At block706, the method700includes coupling the privacy door152to the first post108via a set of hinges124such that the privacy door152, when in a closed position103, separates the cabin area300into an intermediate cabin area301between the privacy door152and the flight deck door104and a main cabin area302aft of the privacy door152. The privacy door152is rotatable via the set of hinges124into the intermediate cabin area301to an open position102. Further, the privacy door152may include a latch154positioned on an edge156of the privacy door152as discussed in the examples above, arranged to engage the latch recess111when the privacy door152is in the closed position103. The privacy door152further includes an access door158that is rotatable from a closed position to an open position in a forward direction, as discussed in the examples above.

At block708, the method700includes positioning a first mechanical door handle system160on an aft side134of the privacy door152. As discussed in the examples above, the first mechanical door handle system160is coupled to the latch154and includes a mechanical combination lock162, and the latch154is configured to disengage from the latch recess111in response to entering a correct combination into the mechanical combination lock162.

At block710, the method700includes positioning a second mechanical door handle system166on a forward side133of the privacy door152. As discussed in the examples above, the second mechanical door handle system166is coupled to the latch154.

In one example, as discussed in the examples above, the first mechanical door handle system160further includes a handle164. In such an example, the method700further includes entering a correct combination into the mechanical combination lock162, and turning the handle164to thereby disengage the latch154from the latch recess111to open the privacy door152.

In another example, as discussed in the examples above, the second mechanical door handle system166comprises a handle168and a button170. In such an example, the method700further includes pressing the button170to release a pin in the second mechanical door handle system166, and while the button170is depressed, turning the handle168to thereby disengage from the latch154from the latch recess111to open the privacy door152.

As discussed in some of the implementations above, the privacy door152may include a slam latch130, as shown inFIGS. 19-20. The slam latch130may be positioned to engage a slot131in the first post108of the door frame107when the privacy door152is in the open position102and the slam latch130is in a first position135. Accordingly, after coupling the privacy door152to the first post108via the set of hinges124, the method700may include rotating the privacy door152to the open position102and engaging the slam latch130within the slot131.

In some embodiments, as previously mentioned, the method the slam latch130may be coupled to a lever132positioned on a forward side133of the privacy door152. In such embodiments, the method700may further include operating the lever132to move the slam latch130away from the first post108to a second position136. As discussed above and shown inFIGS. 19-20, moving the slam latch130to the second position136disengages the slam latch130from the slot131.

As mentioned above, the method700may be performed by the privacy door system190. In addition to the features discussed with respect to the performance of method700, the privacy door system190may include additional features as discussed in the other examples above. For instance, the privacy door152may be rotatably coupled to the door frame107via a set of hinges124. In some embodiments, the set of hinges124includes a hinge spring125positioned to bias the privacy door152from the closed position103to the open position102when the latch154and the latch recess111are disengaged.