Patent Publication Number: US-2021179254-A1

Title: Door assembly and seat unit

Description:
This nonprovisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/947,907, which was filed on Dec. 13, 2019, and is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a door assembly for a seat unit provided within a vehicle cabin, in particular an aircraft cabin. Further, the present disclosure relates generally to a seat unit having such a door assembly. 
     Description of the Background Art 
     Door assemblies for seat units within a vehicle cabin, such as cabins of passenger transportation vehicles, are provided to improve privacy for passengers. For example, the door assemblies may provide a privacy screen, a movable wall or a sliding door to divide a seat from a cabin aisle of the vehicle cabin. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosed examples are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing figures listed below. The following summary is provided to illustrate examples or implementations disclosed herein. It is not meant, however, to limit all examples to any particular configuration or sequence of operations. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, provided herein is a door assembly for a seat unit provided within a vehicle cabin, in particular an aircraft cabin, the door assembly comprising at least a fixed base structure, a door movably mounted on the base structure and which is movable between a fully retracted position and at least one deployed position, and a door slide device provided between the base structure and the door to movably support the door on the base structure. Further, the door slide device comprises at least a slide carrier bracket fixed to the base structure or the door, at least one slide unit which is coupled to the slide carrier bracket in a normal operation mode, and at least one separate auxiliary slide arrangement, wherein, for example, in case of de-coupling of the slide unit from the slide carrier bracket via a force exertion on the door, the door is movably supported on the separate auxiliary slide arrangement. 
     Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  show schematically in a side view and a top view, an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement, 
         FIGS. 2A to 2D  show schematically in perspective views, an embodiment of a door assembly attached to a furniture structure of a seat unit, 
         FIGS. 3A to 3D  show schematically in enlarged perspective views, an embodiment of a door assembly comprising a door slide device providing a de-coupling mechanism for a passenger escape path feature, 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  show schematically in a rear views, an embodiment of a door assembly comprising a door slide device having an additional separate auxiliary slide arrangement for a passenger escape path feature, 
         FIG. 5  shows schematically in enlarged perspective view, an embodiment an additional separate auxiliary slide arrangement for a passenger escape path feature, 
         FIG. 6  shows schematically in perspective view an embodiment, of a door assembly comprising a door slide device providing a de-coupling mechanism for a passenger escape path feature, 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show schematically in enlarged perspective views, an embodiment of a door slide device of a door assembly providing a de-coupling mechanism for a passenger escape path feature, 
         FIGS. 8A to 8D  show schematically in side views and corresponding plan views an embodiment of a door assembly comprising a door slide device providing a de-coupling mechanism for a passenger escape path feature, 
         FIG. 9  shows schematically a flow chart of a method for de-coupling a door assembly of a seat unit provided within a vehicle cabin, 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of an apparatus for which various aspects, and 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic perspective view of a particular flying apparatus in accordance with an example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. 
     Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as an adjective for an element (i.e., any noun in the application). The use of ordinal numbers is not to imply or create any particular ordering of the elements nor to limit any element to being only a single element unless expressly disclosed, such as by the use of the terms “before”, “after”, “single”, and other such terminology. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between the elements. By way of an example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and the first element may encompass more than one element and succeed (or precede) the second element in an ordering of elements. 
     The term “about,” when used with respect to a physical property that may be measured, refers to an engineering tolerance anticipated or determined by an engineer or manufacturing technician of ordinary skill in the art. The exact quantified degree of an engineering tolerance depends on the product being produced and the technical property being measured. For a non-limiting example, two angles may be “about congruent” if the values of the two angles are within ten percent of each other. However, if an engineer determines that the engineering tolerance for a particular product should be tighter, then “about congruent” could be two angles having values that are within one percent of each other. Likewise, engineering tolerances could be loosened in other embodiments, such that “about congruent” angles have values within twenty percent of each other. In any case, the ordinary artisan is capable of assessing what is an acceptable engineering tolerance for a particular product, and thus is capable of assessing how to determine the variance of measurement contemplated by the term “about.” Similarly, the term, “plurality,” as used herein may also be referred to as a list, collection, or ensemble. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  show schematically in a side view and a top view an embodiment of a passenger seating arrangement  100 . The passenger seating arrangement  100  is, for example, arranged within a vehicle cabin  200  of an apparatus  1100  as shown in  FIG. 10 . In the illustrated examples, the vehicle cabin  200  is an aircraft cabin. However any other passenger transportation vehicle or cabin is contemplated. 
     The passenger seating arrangement  100  comprises a plurality of seat units  110  arranged within the vehicle cabin  200 . For example, the seat units  110  are arranged one behind another along a longitudinal extension direction of the vehicle cabin  200 . Each seat unit  110  comprises at least a seat  120  and a furniture structure  130 . The furniture structure  130  may comprise a console  140 , partition and privacy walls  150 , a tray table device  160 , and not further shown several passenger utility and storage devices or the like. The furniture structure  130  is arranged such that furniture parts at least partially surround the seat  120 . Further, the seat unit  110  comprises at least a door assembly  1000 . The door assembly  1000  may be attached to a furniture part of the furniture structure  130 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the door assembly  1000  is mounted to a partition wall  150  of the seat unit  110 . 
     The door assembly  1000  comprises at least a fixed base structure  2  which may be coupled to a furniture part and/or the seat  120  and/or a cabin floor structure. For example, the base structure  2  may be a door carrier structure, a bracket or a wall  150 , or any such suitable structure for fixedly attaching an object. Further, the door assembly  1000  comprises at least a door  3000  movably mounted on the base structure  2 . The door  3000  is, for example, a panel, a shutter, a screen or the like. The door  3000  is substantially square shaped from a side view. The door  3000  provided herein improves privacy for a passenger of a corresponding seat unit  110  within the cabin  200 . The door  3000  is movable between a fully retracted position P 1  and at least one deployed position P 2 . In the shown embodiment, the deployed position P 2  is a fully deployed position P 2 . It is to be understood that the door  3000  can be moved into any position between the fully retracted position P 1  and the fully deployed position P 2 . For example, the door  3000  is lockable by a crew member in its fully retracted position P 1 . When the door  3000  is unlocked, the door  3000  may remain latched in the fully retracted position P 1  until the door  3000  is deployed forward by a passenger of the seat unit  110 . In the deployed position P 2 , the door  3000  may remain unlatched. 
     The door  3000  is configured to at least partially close a passenger access  300  to the seat  120  providing more privacy to the corresponding passenger. The door assembly  1000  is provided on side of a cabin aisle  210 . For example, in the fully retracted position P 1  the door  3000  is in a stowed and opened state such that the passenger access  300  provides egress from or ingress to the seat unit  110 . In the deployed position P 2  more privacy is provided to the passenger seated on the seat  120 , wherein the seat  120  is at least partially covered from view. 
       FIGS. 2A to 2D  show schematically in perspective views an embodiment of the door assembly  1000  attached to the furniture structure  130  of the seat unit  110 , wherein each figure shows the door  3000  in a different position. In particular,  FIG. 2A  shows the door  3000  in in the fully retracted position P 1 ,  FIG. 2B  shows the door  3000  in a position moved forward of the fully retracted position P 1  and  FIG. 2C  shows the door  3000  in the fully deployed position P 2 .  FIG. 2D  shows the furniture structure  130  partly transparent. 
       FIGS. 3A to 3D  show schematically in enlarged perspective views an embodiment of the door assembly  1000  comprising a door slide device  4000  providing a de-coupling mechanism  400  for a passenger escape path feature. Examples of the de-coupling mechanism  400  are best shown in  FIGS. 3B to 3D, 4A and 4B, 7A and 7B and 8C . The door slide device  4000  is provided on the base structure  2  and the door  3000 , in particular the door slide device  4000  is configured as a slide connection device  500 , as best shown in  FIGS. 2A to 2D, 3A, 5 and 8A and 8B , between the base structure  2  and the door  3000 . 
     The door slide device  4000  comprises at least a slide support unit  6000  fixed to the base structure  2 , in particular on a side facing the door  3000 . The slide support unit  6000  comprises two separate tracks  6001 ,  6001 ′ which are attached to the base structure  2 . Further, the door slide device  4000  comprises a slide carrier unit  7000  comprising two slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′. Each slide unit  7001 ,  7001 ′ is guided within a respective track  6001 ,  6001 ′. The slide carrier unit  7000  is mounted on the door  3000 , in particular on a side facing the base structure  2 . The two slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ are slidable supported on the base structure  2  via the slide support unit  6000 . The slide carrier unit  7000  comprises at least a fixed slide carrier bracket  7002  fixed on the door  3000 , wherein both slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ are each separately detachably mounted to the slide carrier bracket  7002 . Both slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ are fixedly coupled to the slide carrier bracket  7002  in a normal operation state of the door  3000 . The slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ are configured identically in this example. Movement of the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ along the slide support unit  6000  is executed substantially parallel to each other in the normal operation state of the door  3000 . Each slide unit  7001 ,  7001 ′ is coupled to the slide carrier bracket  7002  via a detachable joint mechanism  7003 ,  7003 ′. 
     In case of jamming one of the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′, the, exemplary shown, jammed slide unit  7001 ′ de-couples from the slide carrier bracket  7002 , wherein the door  3000  is slidable supported on the other still functional slide unit  7001 . Particularly, the door slide device  4000  provides a simple de-coupling mechanism  400 . For example, when the jammed slide unit  7001 ′ is de-coupled from the slide carrier bracket  7002 , the door  3000  is slidable guided on the base structure  2  via the remaining functional slide unit  7001 . 
     In particular, the jammed slide unit  7001 ′ remains in the jammed position on the slide support unit  6000 , in particular in the corresponding track  6001 ′ after de-coupling and even when the door  3000  is moved from the deployed position P 2  to the fully retracted position P 1 . The jammed slide unit  7001 ′ is thereby not functional anymore. Each detachable joint mechanism  7003 ,  7003 ′ comprises a detachable detent element  7004 ,  7004 ′ and a corresponding detent receiving element  7005 ,  7005 ′ detachably retaining the detent element  7004 ,  7004 ′. For example, the detachable detent element  7004 ,  7004 ′ is a detent pin  7006 , as best shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D , and the detent receiving element  7005 ,  7005 ′ is a detent hole  7007 , recess, notch or the like, as best shown in  FIG. 3D , into which the detent element  7004 ,  7004 ′ is detachable inserted and retained in a normal operation state of the door  3000 . 
     In the illustrated example, the detent pin  7006  is fixedly secured in an elongated hole  7008  formed on the corresponding slide unit  7001 ,  7001 ′. Each detent pin  7006  projects partially from the slide unit  7001 ,  7001 ′ out of the elongated hole  7008 . Each detent pin  7006  is secured in the corresponding detent hole  7007  in the normal state as best shown in  FIG. 3C . The detent element  7004 ,  7004 ′ is arranged fixedly attached to the slide unit  7001 ,  7001 ′. The receiving element  7005 ,  7005 ′ is arranged fixedly attached on the slide carrier bracket  7002  by means of a housing. When the slide unit  7001 ′ de-couples from the slide carrier bracket  7002 , the detent element  7004 ′ attached to the jammed slide unit  7001 ′ is pulled out of its receiving element  7005 ′, leaving the door  3000  still retained on the other slide unit  7001  and so as on the slide support unit  6000 , in particular on the track  6001 . For example, when the detent element  7004 ′ is pulled free, a passenger or a crew member can simply continue to open the door  3000  with a normal operation force until sufficient space for egress is achieved. For example, the detent pin  7006  of the slide unit  7001 ′ is being moved out of the corresponding detent hole  7007  as best shown in  FIG. 3D . 
     In particular,  FIG. 3A  shows the door assembly  1000  with some structure covering elements  5000 , such as cover plates or mechanism shrouds and  FIG. 3B  shows the door assembly  1000 , for example in a normal operation state of the door  3000 , without the structure covering elements  5000  for a more detailed view of the door slide device  4000 .  FIGS. 3C and 3D , each shows a sequence of the de-coupling mechanism when one of the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ is jammed, wherein in  FIG. 3C  the slide unit  7001 ′ is jammed or broken or has a malfunction and in  FIG. 3D  the slide unit  7001 ′ is already de-coupled from the slide support unit  6000  enabling a further movement of the door  3000 . 
     In case of both slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′, the slide carrier bracket  7002  and/or the slide support unit  6000 , e.g. its tracks  6001 ,  6001 ′, are/is jammed or if there is only one slide unit  7001  or  7001 ′ provided by the door assembly  1000 , the door slide device  4000  comprises an additional and separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  as seen in  FIG. 5  in more detail. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a case in which both slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ are jammed or broken, in particular blocked in such manner that the door  3000  cannot be further moved relative to the base structure  2 . The movement of the door  3000  is blocked in the deployed position P 2 . To de-couple both slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ a force exertion on the door  3000  higher than a normal operation force is required which can be exerted on the door  3000  by pushing or pulling the door  3000  in a closing direction, which means towards the base structure  2 . In case of de-coupling of the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ from the slide carrier bracket  7002  via the force exertion on the door  3000 , the door  3000  is movably supported on the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10 . In the normal operation mode the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  does not provide any specific function to a sliding function of the door  3000  relative to the base structure  2 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ fully separated from the slide carrier bracket  7002 . To ensure that the door  3000  is restrained from falling into the cabin aisle CA, the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  is provided between the base structure  2  and the door  3000 . In a de-coupled state of the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′, the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  is configured to function as an auxiliary slide mechanism which supports the door  3000  further on the base structure  2 . The door  3000  will rely on the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  for supporting during an emergency escape event. 
     In the de-coupled state of the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ from the slide carrier bracket  7002 , the door  3000  is separated from the base structure  2  and shifts in a direction D towards a vehicle floor, wherein the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  is configured to hold the door  3000  relative to the base structure  2  in a slidable manner. Any injuries or damages to passengers, crew members and vehicle furniture are avoided when the door  3000  is hold relative to the base structure  2  even in case of fully de-coupling of a main slide mechanism. The separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10 , in particular in form of an auxiliary slide mechanism, is configured to support the door  3000  slidable on the base structure  2 . 
     The separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  is arranged below or above the pair of slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′. For example, the auxiliary slide arrangement  10  is arranged in an upper area  3001  of the door  3000  as exemplarily shown in  FIGS. 4A  and  4 B. For example, the auxiliary slide arrangement  10  is arranged in an area above a centerline  3002  of the door  3000  as exemplarily shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Therefore, a shift movement of the door  3000  when the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ are fully separated from the slide carrier bracket  7002  is controlled in such manner that the door  3000  is prevented from swinging too far into the cabin aisle  210 . For additional support in a lower area of the door  3000 , a lower guide  12  is provided in the lower area of the door  3000 . The lower guide  12  is configured to support the door  3000  relative to the auxiliary slide arrangement  10  in a vertical direction. The lower guide  12  may be mounted to the base structure  2  and/or to the door  3000 . The lower guide  12  may engage with a bottom edge  3003  of the door  3000 , as exemplarily shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , and keep the door  3000  in a predetermined height. The lower guide  12  comprises a step or flap protruding from the base structure  2  in a direction towards the door  3000  and on which the bottom edge  3003  of the door  3000  is supported on when shifting towards the vehicle floor. 
       FIG. 5  shows the auxiliary slide arrangement  10  in an enlarged view. The separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  comprises at least one guide bar  10   a  and a retaining element  10   b  which is guided along the guide bar  10   a . In particular,  FIG. 5  shows the door assembly  1000  in a normal operation mode. The shown slide unit  7001  is functionally guided within the track  6001 . The guide bar  10   a  is mounted to the base structure  2  and the retaining element  10   b  is mounted to the door  3000 . For example, each end of the guide bar  10   a  is fixed to a bracket  12 . 
     In the shown embodiment, the bracket  12  is arranged below the lower track  6001 . The retaining element  10   b  is fixed to a lateral side  3004  of the door  3000 . For example, the lateral side  3004  comprises a fixation point  3 . 5  to which one end  10   c  of the retaining element  10   b  is mounted to. The fixation point  3 . 5  may be provided by a common not further shown fixation element such as a screw, a clip, a bolt or the like. In the normal operation mode of the door  3000 , the retaining element  10   b  is guided along the guide bar  10   a  in a substantially contactless manner. Thereby, in the normal operation mode the retaining element  10   b  is noiselessly guided along the guide bar  10   a.    
     In a de-coupled state of the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ from the slide carrier bracket  7002 , the door  3000  shifts in a direction towards the vehicle floor (in the shown embodiment in a downward direction), wherein the retaining element  10   b  is configured to hold the door  3000  relative to the base structure  2  by coming into slidable engagement with the guide bar  10   a.    
     The guide bar  10   a  is substantially tube shaped in the illustrated example. The guide bare  10   a  may be coated with a common damping material, such as synthetic material. The retaining element  10   b  comprises one end  10   c  fixedly attached or detachably attached to the door  3000  and a second end  10   d  which is substantially shaped as a hook, loop or ring corresponding to an outer shape of the guide bar  10   a . The retaining element  10   b  is configured as an auxiliary retention wire.  10   a . The retaining element  10   b  is, for example, configured as a one-piece spring. Each end  10   c ,  10   d  may comprise a number of windings. 
     In this example, when the door  3000  shifts in the downward direction D, the retaining element  10   b  is in retaining engagement with the guide bar  10   a  to retain the door  3000  slidable on the base structure  2  and as close as possible to the base structure  2 . 
       FIG. 6  shows schematically in perspective view an embodiment of a door assembly  1000  comprising a door slide device  4000  providing a de-coupling mechanism  400  for a passenger escape path feature. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show schematically in enlarged perspective views an embodiment of a door slide device  4000  of the door assembly  1000  as shown in  FIG. 6  providing a de-coupling mechanism  400  for a passenger escape path feature. The door slide device  4000  comprises a slide carrier unit  8000  fixed to the base structure  2 , in particular on a side facing the door  3000 . The slide carrier unit  8000  comprises a fixed slide carrier bracket  8001  fixed to the base structure  2 . Further, the slide carrier unit  8000  comprises a slide carrier member  8002  detachably mounted to the slide carrier bracket  8001 . The slide carrier member  8002  is immovably fixed to the slide carrier bracket  8001  in a normal operation state of the door  3000 . 
     Moreover, the door slide device  4000  comprises a slide support unit  9000  comprising two slide units  9001 ,  9002 . In the shown embodiment, the slide unit  9001  is fixed to the door  3000 , which is hidden in the shown  FIGS. 7A and 7B , and the other slide unit  9002  is fixed to the base structure  2 . Wherein movement of the door  3000  is achieved by the slide unit  9001  which is fixed to the door  3000  and is slidable supported on the slide carrier member  8002  in a normal operation of the door  3000 . In case of jamming of the slide unit  9001  fixed to the door  3000 , said jammed slide unit  9001  de-couples from the slide carrier bracket  8001  and the door  3000  is slidable supported on the slide unit  9002  fixed to the base structure  2 . In particular, the slide carrier member  8002  de-couples from the slide carrier bracket  8001 . The slide unit  9001  is configured as a track and the slide unit  9002  comprises at least one rod-like guide. In the shown embodiment, the slide unit  9002  comprises two rod-like guides. 
     The slide carrier member  8002  provides a sliding guide  8003  on which the slide unit  9001  on side of the door  3000  is slidable guided. In a normal operation state of the door  3000 , the slide unit  9001  which is fixed to the door  3000  slides along the sliding guide  8003 , in particular on the slide carrier member  8002 . The slide carrier member  8002  is slidable supported on the slide unit  9002  fixed to the base structure  2  such that in case of jamming the slide unit  9001  on side of the door  3000 , the slide carrier member  8002  de-couples from the slide carrier bracket  8001  whereupon the slide carrier member  8002  is movable along the slide unit  9002  fixed to the base structure  2 . Either the sliding guide  8003  is jammed in the slide unit  9001  on side of the door  3000  or the slide unit  9001  is damaged such that it is immovably stuck on the sliding guide  8003 . 
     For example, the slide carrier member  8002  is detachably mounted to the slide carrier bracket  8001  via a detachable joint mechanism  8004 . The detachable joint mechanism  8004  comprises at least a detachable detent element  8005  and a corresponding detent receiving element  8006  detachably retaining the detent element  8005 . For example, the detachable detent element  8005  is a detent ball and the detent receiving element  8006  is a detent hole  7007 , recess, notch or the like into which the detent element  8005  is detachable inserted and retained in a normal state. The detent element  8005  is arranged fixedly attached on the slide carrier bracket  8001  and the receiving element  8006  is arranged fixedly attached on the slide carrier member  8002 . A diameter of the slide unit  9002 , in particular of the rod-like guides, is lower than supporting pins  8007  provided on the slide carrier bracket  8001  which are arranged enclosed in through holes  8 . 8  of the slide carrier member  8002  in a normal operation state of the door  3000 . Thereby, jamming of the slide unit  9002  and/or the slide carrier unit  8000  is prevented. Further, the supporting pins  8007  fits to bushes to provide a sliding fit so that corrosion is prevented. 
       FIGS. 8A to 8D  show schematically in side views and corresponding plan views an embodiment of the door assembly  1000  as described in  FIGS. 6 to 7B . In particular, each figure shows a process sequence of the de-coupling mechanism  400  when the slide unit  9001  on side of the door  3000  is jammed. To additionally support the shown door  3000  on the base structure  2 , the door assembly  1000  comprises the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10  according to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 9  shows schematically a flow chart of a method of de-coupling a door assembly of  1  a seat unit  110  provided within a vehicle cabin  200 , wherein the method comprises at least two steps S 1  and S 2 . For example, the door assembly  1000  comprises at least a fixed base structure  2  which may be coupled to a furniture part and/or the seat  120  and/or a cabin floor structure. Further, the door assembly  1000  comprises at least a door  3000  such as a panel movably mounted on the base structure  2 . The door  3000  provided herein improves privacy for a passenger of a corresponding seat unit  120  within the cabin  200 . The door  3000  is movable between a fully retracted position P 1  and at least one deployed position P 2 . The door assembly  1000  further comprises two slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ which are each separately detachably mounted to a slide carrier bracket  7002  of the door assembly  1000 , and a separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10 . A first step S 1  refers to exerting a force higher than a normal operation force on the door  3000  when positioned in the deployed position P 2 ; wherein the force is exerted on the door  3000  in a closing direction until the slide units  7001 ,  7001 ′ are de-coupled from the slide carrier bracket  7002 . A second step S 2  refers to moving the door  3000  from the deployed position P 2  into the retracted position P 1  on the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10 , wherein the door  3000  is supported on the separate auxiliary slide arrangement  10 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , the apparatus  1100  is provided. As shown in  FIG. 10 , an example of the apparatus  1100  is a flying apparatus  1101 , such as an aerospace vehicle, aircraft, air cargo, flying car, satellite, planetary probe, deep space probe, solar probe, and the like. As also shown in  FIG. 10 , a further example of the apparatus  1100  is a ground transportation apparatus  1102 , such as an automobile, a truck, heavy equipment, construction equipment, a boat, a ship, a submarine, and the like. A further example of the apparatus  1100  shown in  FIG. 10  is a modular apparatus  1103  that comprises at least one or more of the following modules: an air module, a payload module, and a ground module. The air module provides air lift or flying capability. The payload module provides capability of transporting objects such as cargo or live objects (people, animals, etc.). The ground module provides the capability of ground mobility. The disclosed solution herein is applied to each of the modules separately or in groups such as air and payload modules, or payload and ground, etc. or all modules. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 11 , a more specific diagram of the flying apparatus  1101  is depicted in which an implementation of the disclosure is advantageously employed. In this example, the flying apparatus  1101  is an aircraft produced by the apparatus manufacturing and service method and includes an airframe  1202  with a plurality of systems  1204  and an interior  1206 . Examples of the plurality of systems  1204  include one or more of a propulsion system  1208 , an electrical system  1210 , a hydraulic system  1212 , and an environmental system  1214 . However, other systems are also candidates for inclusion. Although an aerospace example is shown, different advantageous examples are applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry, etc. 
     When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the implementations thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there could be additional elements other than the listed elements. The term “implementation” is intended to mean “an example of.” The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.” 
     Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     Further, the disclosure comprises embodiments according to the following clauses: 
     Clause 1. A door assembly for a seat unit provided within a vehicle cabin, the door assembly comprising at least: 
     a fixed base structure; 
     a door movably mounted on the base structure and movable between a retracted position and at least one deployed position; and 
     a door slide device between the base structure and the door to movably support the door on the base structure, 
     the door slide device comprising: 
     a slide carrier bracket fixed to the base structure or the door, 
     at least one slide unit which is coupled to the slide carrier bracket, and 
     at least one auxiliary slide arrangement configured such that the door is movably supported on the separate auxiliary slide arrangement. 
     Clause 2. The door assembly according to clause 1, wherein the separate auxiliary slide arrangement is configured to hold the door relative to the base structure in a slidable manner at least in case of de-coupling of the slide unit from the slide carrier bracket. 
     Clause 3. The door assembly according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the at least one separate auxiliary slide arrangement is arranged below or above the slide unit. 
     Clause 4. The door assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the separate auxiliary slide arrangement comprises at least one guide bar and a retaining element which is guided along the guide bar. 
     Clause 5. The door assembly according to clause 4, wherein the guide bar is mounted to the base structure and the retaining element is mounted to the door. 
     Clause 6. The door assembly according to clause 4 or 5, wherein the retaining element is mounted on a lateral side of the door. 
     Clause 7. The door assembly according to any one of the clauses 4 to 6, wherein in the normal operation mode of the door, the retaining element is guided along the guide bar in a substantially contactless manner. 
     Clause 8. The door assembly according to any one of the clauses 4 to 7, wherein in a de-coupled state of the slide unit from the slide carrier bracket, the door shifts in a direction towards a vehicle floor, wherein the retaining element is configured to hold the door relative to the base structure by coming into slidable engagement with the guide bar. 
     Clause 9. The door assembly according to any one of the clauses 4 to 8, wherein the retaining element comprises one end mounted to the door and a second end which is substantially shaped as a hook, loop or ring. 
     Clause 10. The door assembly according to any one of the clauses 4 to 9, wherein the retaining element is configured as an auxiliary retention wire. 
     Clause 11. The door assembly according to any one of the clauses 4 to 10, wherein the guide bar is substantially tube shaped. 
     Clause 12. The door assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the slide carrier bracket is fixed on the door and the slide unit is detachably fixed on the slide carrier bracket. 
     Clause 13. The door assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the door slide device comprises a slide support unit fixed to the base structure. 
     Clause 14. The door assembly according to clause 13, wherein the slide support unit comprises at least one track and the slide unit is slidable guided on the track in the normal operation mode. 
     Clause 15. The door assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the slide unit is coupled to the slide carrier bracket via a detachable joint mechanism comprising a detachable detent element and a corresponding detent receiving element detachably retaining the detent element. 
     Clause 16. The door assembly according to clauses 15, wherein the slide unit comprises an elongated hole for fixedly securing the detachable detent element to the slide unit. 
     Clause 17. The door assembly according to clauses 15 or 16, wherein the detent element is configured as a detent pin and the detent receiving element is configured as a detent hole. 
     Clause 18. The door assembly according to clause 1, wherein both slide units are de-coupled via a force exertion on the door higher than a normal operation force, wherein said force exertion is exerted on the door by pushing or pulling the door in a closing direction 
     Clause 19. A seat unit for a vehicle cabin, in particular an aircraft cabin, comprising at least a seat and a furniture structure at least partially surrounding the seat and a door assembly according to any one of the preceding clauses 1 to 18. 
     Clause 20. A method for de-coupling a door assembly of a seat unit provided within a vehicle cabin according to any one of the preceding clauses 1 to 18, comprising: 
     exerting a force higher than a normal operation force on the door when positioned in the deployed position; wherein the force is exerted on the door in a closing direction until the slide unit is de-coupled from the slide carrier bracket; and 
     moving the door from the deployed position into the retracted position on the separate auxiliary slide arrangement. 
     The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.