Patent Publication Number: US-2023150644-A1

Title: Panel Assembly for a Vehicle

Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of panel assemblies and, more specifically, to panel assemblies with one or more actuators to release the panels from a stowed position. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles such as aircraft include panels that are connected to support structures at walls and ceilings within an interior space. The panels function to cover various components, such as but not limited to electrical components, electrical wiring, HVAC equipment, personal service unit equipment (e.g., emergency air system, lighting fixtures), and computer software equipment. In addition, the panels can also provide for an aesthetically pleasing appearance when positioned in the cabin area of the vehicle or other location where passengers are located. 
     The components that are covered by the panels may require periodic service. For example, various work is performed on the electrical components during maintenance work on the vehicle. This requires the panels to be disconnected from the support structure to allow for a technician to access the components. The panels should be mounted in a manner in which the technician can disconnect the panels in a straight-forward manner. Likewise, when the work on the components is completed, the panels should be configured to be re-connected to the support structure and repositioned to extend over the components. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect is directed to a panel assembly for an overhead support structure of a vehicle. The panel assembly comprises a panel movable relative to the overhead support structure between a stowed position and an open position. One or more actuators are configured to release the panel from the stowed position. Each of the actuators comprises a first body and a second body arranged together and configured to move relative to each other and with the first body movable relative to the overhead support structure between first and second positions. The first position of the first body orients the second body at a first angular position relative to the overhead support structure that engages a catch on the second body with a latch pin. The second position of the first body orients the second body at a different second angular position relative to the overhead support structure to release the catch from the latch pin and thereby release the panel from the stowed position. 
     In another aspect, the first body comprises a contact section and the second body comprises a cam surface with the first position locating the contact section at a first point on the cam surface to orient the second body at the first angular position and with the second position locating the contact section at a second point along the cam surface to orient the second body at the second angular position. 
     In another aspect, the cam surface comprises a ramp that is aligned transverse to a longitudinal centerline of the first body when the first body is in both the first and second positions. 
     In another aspect, the second body is axially aligned with the first body when the first body is in the first position. 
     In another aspect, the panel comprises a perimeter edge that extends between an inward face and an outward face with the actuator comprising a first end that is aligned at the perimeter edge to visually hide the actuator from an interior space of the vehicle when the panel is in the stowed position. 
     In another aspect, the second body is movable about a pivot between the first and second angular positions. 
     In another aspect, the one or more actuators are configured to be mounted to the overhead support structure and the latch pin is configured to be mounted to the panel. 
     In another aspect, a personal service unit is mounted to the panel and spaced away from the one or more actuators. 
     In another aspect, a biasing member applies a force to the first body to bias the first body towards the first position. 
     One aspect is directed to a panel assembly for an overhead support structure of a vehicle. The panel assembly comprises a panel movable relative to the overhead support structure between a stowed position and an open position. One or more actuators are configured to release the panel from the stowed position. The actuators comprise a first body with an elongated shape with a first end and a second end and movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position. A second body comprises a contact surface and a catch with the catch being spaced away from the contact surface and configured to engage with a latch pin. The second body is movable between a first angular position at a first angle relative to the first axis and a second angular position at a second angle relative to the first axis. In the first position, the first body is in contact at a first point on the contact surface to position the second body at the first angular position with the catch engaged with the latch pin to maintain the panel in the stowed position. In the second position, the first body is in contact at a second point on the contact surface to position the second body at the second angular position to release the catch from the latch pin and release the panel from the stowed position. 
     In another aspect, the contact surface comprises a ramped surface that is aligned at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first body and the second end of the first body contacts against a first point on the ramped surface in the first position and against a second point on the ramped surface in the second position. 
     In another aspect, the second body comprises a pivot about which the second body pivots between the first and second angular positions. 
     In another aspect, the first body comprises a longitudinal axis that is aligned parallel to an inward face of the panel when the panel is in the stowed position. 
     In another aspect, an amount of overlap between the first body and the second body is greater with the first body in the second position than in the first position. 
     One aspect is directed to a method of releasing a panel from an overhead support structure of a vehicle. The method comprises: contacting a first body against a ramped surface of a second body and positioning the second body at a first angular position with a catch on the second body engaged with a latch pin to maintain the panel in a stowed position; moving the first body away from a perimeter edge of the panel and moving the first body along the ramped surface of the second body; and pivoting the second body in response to the first body moving along the ramped surface and releasing the catch from the latch pin thereby releasing the panel from the stowed position. 
     In another aspect moving the first body away from the perimeter edge of the panel comprises linearly moving the first body along an axis that is aligned perpendicular to the perimeter edge of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises aligning a first end of the first body at a perimeter edge of the panel and hiding the first body from being visible from within an interior of the vehicle. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises contacting the first body against the ramped surface and preventing the catch from releasing from the latch pin. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises biasing the second body to remain engaged with the latch pin. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises attaching the first body and the second body to the overhead support structure. 
     The features, functions and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an aircraft. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic section view cut along line II-II of  FIG.  1    of an interior space of the aircraft. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of panels in a stowed position against a support structure. 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view of a panel and a support structure. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic side view of an actuator that includes first and second bodies. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic side view of an actuator that includes first and second bodies. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a side view of a panel assembly with an actuator engaged with a latch pin and a panel in a stowed position against a support structure. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a side view of the panel assembly with the actuator released from the latch pin and the panel moved away from the support structure. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a pawl mounted to a housing of a second body of an actuator. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the pawl and housing of  FIG.  8    with a first pivotal position of the pawl illustrated in solid lines and a second pivotal position illustrated in dashed lines. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of latch pins extending from panels. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic side view of a panel in an open position and attached to a support structure. 
         FIG.  12    is a flowchart diagram of a method of releasing a panel from a support structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The panel assembly  10  can be used with a variety of different vehicles  100 . One type of vehicle  100  is an aircraft  100  as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The aircraft  100  includes a fuselage  101  configured to accommodate passengers and/or cargo.  FIG.  2    is a partial cross-sectional, schematic view of an upper section of the fuselage  101  that includes an interior space  102  configured to accommodate the passengers. The interior space  102  includes seats  103  and various other components for the passengers. 
     Monument walls  105  are fixedly mounted in the interior space  102 . The monument walls  105  can include various structures, including but not limited to walls that separate different sections of the aircraft  100  or define a passenger space, storage closet for passenger cargo and clothing (e.g., jackets, briefcase), equipment closet, lavatory, galley, attendant workstation, and a serving area. The monument walls  105  are attached to the structure of the aircraft  100 , such as to one or more of the floor  106 , walls  107 , and ceiling  108 . The attachment prevents the monument walls  105  from moving within the interior space  102 . 
     One or more access spaces  121  are positioned at the interior space  102 , such as in areas above the interior space  102  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . The access spaces  121  are sized for functional components of the aircraft  100 , including but not limited to various electrical components and wiring, ventilation system components, and personal service unit elements such as speakers, and emergency air components. An overhead support structure  120  supports the functional components. The access space area  121  is divided into sections that are accessed through panels  20 . The panels  20  are part of a panel assembly  10  that is configured to provide access to the access spaces  121 . The panel assembly  10  is configured to be secured to the overhead support structure  120  to prevent a passenger from accessing the access space  121 . The panel assembly  10  is further configured for the panel  20  to be removed from the overhead support structure  120  to provide access to the access space  121 , such as for a technician working on the aircraft  100 . 
     In addition to functionally extending in front of the functional components in the access space  121 , the panels  20  provide aesthetic features of the interior space  102 . As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the panels  20  are configured to match the overall appearance of the other features of the interior space  102 . 
     In one example, the panel assemblies  10  extend over one or more monument walls  105  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . The monument walls  105  can be in close proximity to the panels  20  with a clearance space  111  formed between the top of the monument walls  105  and the panels  20 . The panel assemblies  10  are configured to be connected and disconnected from the overhead support structure  120  while remaining in the limited clearance space  111 . 
     The panel assemblies  10  can be located at various locations within the aircraft  100 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , panel assemblies  10  can be mounted at the outboard sides of the interior space, as well as one or more central locations within the interior space  102 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of a panel  20  configured to be mounted over an access space  121  formed within a support structure  120 . One or more actuators  30  releasably connect the panel  20  to the support structure  120 . The panel  20  can be further connected to the support structure at one or more pivot joints  123 . The pivot joints  123  maintain the panel  20  connected to the support structure  120  when the actuators  30  are released. 
     In one example, the actuators  30  selectively connect a top section of the panel  20  to the support structure  120 . When the one or more actuators  30  are engaged, the panel  20  is in a stowed position that extends across the access space  121  (see  FIG.  3   ). When the one or more actuators  30  are released, the panel  20  is in an open position with the upper section pivoted away from the support structure  120 . 
     The panel  20  functions to extend across and cover the access space  121  in the stowed position. The panel  20  has a plate-like shape with an inward face  21  that faces into the access space  121  in the stowed position and an outward face  22  that faces outward into the interior space  102  of the vehicle  100 . A perimeter edge  23  extends around the panel  20  and spans between the inward and outward faces  21 ,  22 . The perimeter edge  23  includes opposing first and second edges  24 ,  25 . In one example, the first edge  24  is an inboard edge that is positioned towards a center of the vehicle  100  when mounted to the overhead support structure  120  and an opposing outboard edge  25 . 
     In one example, one or more passenger support units (PSU)  80  are attached to the panel  20 . Examples of a PSU  80  include but are not limited to speakers, lights (e.g., no smoking light, reading light), components of an emergency oxygen system such as mask, conduit, and air tank/pump, and components of the environmental control system for air ventilation including plenums, conduits, nozzles, and a valve adjustment mounted on the exterior for passenger control.  FIG.  3    illustrates a panel  20  that include multiple PSU  80 . A first PSU  80  is mounted towards a center of the panel  20  and is equipped for larger equipment, such as emergency oxygen canister and mask or a speaker for the public announcement (PA) system. Smaller PSU  80 , such as emergency lights are mounted towards the perimeter of the panel  20 . In one example, the PSU  80  are positioned in openings  27  within the panel  20 . This provides for a portion of the PSU  80  to be accessible to the passenger and/or positioned to be utilized as needed. 
     One or more actuators  30  secure the panel  20  in the stowed position. The actuators  30  are configured to engage with latch pins  29 . In one example, the actuators  30  are mounted to the panel  20  and the latch pins  29  are mounted to the support structure  120 . Another example includes the opposing arrangement with the actuators  30  mounted to the support structure  120  and the latch pins  29  mounted to the panels  20 . When the actuators  30  are engaged with the latch pins  29 , the panel  20  is in the stowed position. When the actuators  30  are released, the panel  20  pivots outward to provide access to the access space  121 . The number and positioning of the actuators  30  and latch pins  29  can vary. In one example, a pair of actuators  30  are mounted to the support structure  120  on opposing sides of an access space  121  and configured to engage latch pins  29  positioned on opposing lateral sides of a panel  20 . In another example, a single actuator  30  is mounted to one of the support structure  120  or panel  20  and engages with an opposing latch pin  29 . In another example, three or more actuators  30  are mounted to engage with corresponding latch pins  29 . 
     The actuator  30  can be constructed from one or more sections. In examples with multiple sections, one or more of the sections can be fixed relative to one another or can be movable relative to one another. The actuators  30  include an elongated shape with a first end  31  positioned in proximity to the perimeter edge  23  of the panel  20 . In one example, the first end  31  is aligned with the perimeter edge  23 . In another example, the first end  31  is spaced inward towards a central region of the panel  20 . The actuators  30  are positioned for the first end  31  to be accessible to a technician in the interior space  102  that is moving the panel  20  to the open position. The first end  31  is also positioned to be visually hidden from the interior space  102 . This prevent a passenger who is not authorized to open the panel  20  from seeing and manipulating the actuator  30 . This hidden positioning also prevents the first end  31  from potentially lessening the aesthetic appearance of the interior space  102 . 
     In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the actuators  30  are visibly hidden from a passenger that is seated in one of the seats  103 . In another example, the actuators  30  visibly hidden from a passenger that is standing at their seat  103  in the interior space  102 . The viewing angle for the passengers seated and standing is below a first end  31  of the actuator  30  and thus hidden from view. For a technician working on the panel assembly  10 , the first end  31  of the actuator  30  may be visible if the technician were standing on a ladder.  FIG.  3    illustrates an example of a view for a technician standing on a ladder and having an elevated view to the actuators  30  and thus providing for the first ends  31  to be visible. 
     In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  3   , coves  122  are formed into the support structure  120  at the perimeter edge  23  of the panel  20 . The coves  122  are spaces that provide for a technician to fit their hand and/or fingers to access the first end  31 . 
       FIG.  5    schematically illustrates an actuator  30  that includes first and second bodies  40 ,  50 . The first body  40  includes an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends  41 ,  42 . The first end  41  of the first body  40  also forms the first end  31  of the actuator  30 . The second body  50  is aligned with the first body  40  and includes a first end  51  and a second end  52 . 
     The first and second bodies  40 ,  50  are configured to move relative to the support structure  120  to which they are attached. The first and second bodies  40 ,  50  are also configured to move relative to each other. In the example of  FIG.  5   , the first body  40  is configured to move linearly along a central axis X of the first body  40  in the directions indicated by arrow A. This movement can occur when a force is applied to the first end  41  by a technician. The first body  40  is mounted to one or more rails  124  on the support structure  120  to control the movement. In one example, the first body  40  is aligned with the axis X parallel to the panel  20  when the panel  20  is in the stowed position. A biasing member  70  can act on the first body  40  and bias the first body  40  in one direction. In one example, the biasing member  70  applies a force to maintain the first body  40  in a first stowed position. 
     The second body  50  includes a central axis Y that extends between the first and second ends  51 ,  52 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the two axes X, Y are co-axial in the first stowed position. In another example, the axes X, Y are not aligned. A catch  53  is sized and shaped to engage with a latch pin  29  (not illustrated in  FIG.  5   ). In one example, the catch  53  is formed as a cavity that extends into one side of the second body  50 . When the second body  50  moves to the second open position, the axis Y is transverse to the axis X. 
     The second body  50  is configured to move within an angular range a. In one example, the movement occurs about a pivot  54 . The movement of the second body within the angular range a is caused by the linear movement of the first body  40 . Movement of the first body  40  causes the first body  40  to apply a force to move the second body  50  within the angular range. In one example, a stop  125  is mounted to the support structure  120  and controls an extent of angular movement. In one example, the first body  40  remains abutted against the second body  40  in both the stowed and open positions. In another example, the first body  40  is spaced away from the second body  40  in the stowed position when no force is applied to the first body  40  by the technician. In this example, the force applied to the first end  41  moves the first body  40  into contact with the second body  50 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an example of an actuator  30  that is formed by the first and second bodies  40 ,  50 . In this example, the actuator  30  is in a stowed position. The second end  42  of the first body  40  is in contact with a surface  55  at the first end  51  of the second body  50 . In one example as illustrated by  FIG.  6   , the first end  51  remains in contact with the second body  50  and overlaps the second body. When a force is applied to the first body  40 , the second end  42  moves along the surface  55  of the ramp. This causes the second body  50  to move within the angular range and lift the catch  53  away from the latch pin  29  and release the panel  20 . In the release position, the first body  40  overlaps with the second body  50  a greater amount than in the closed position. In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the ramp is aligned with the surface  55  transverse to the axis X of the first body  40  when the actuator  30  is in the first stowed position. In one example, the surface  55  is aligned at an acute angle with the axis X of the first body  40  when the actuator  30  is in the first stowed position. 
     In one example, the first and second bodies  40 ,  50  act as a cam with the linear motion of the first body  40  causing pivoting motion of the second body  50 . The surface  55  is a cam surface with the second end  42  of the first body  40  sliding along the surface  55  to transform the linear motion of the first body to the pivoting motion of the second body  50 . 
       FIG.  7 A  illustrates the actuator  30  engaged with the latch pin  29 . This positions the panel  20  in the stowed position against or in proximity to the support structure  120  to prevent access to the access space  121 . The first end  41  of the first body  40  (and the corresponding first end  31  of the actuator  30 ) is recessed behind the first edge  24  of the panel  20 . In one example in which the panel  20  is mounted along a lateral side of the vehicle  100 , the first edge  24  is the inboard edge. A cove  122  is formed in the support structure  120  to provide space for a technician to reach and apply a force to the first end  31 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7 A , the first body  40  is in contact at a first point along the surface  55  of the second body  50 . This contact positions the second body  50  at an angular position with the catch  53  engaged with the latch pin  29 . As illustrated in  FIG.  7 B , a force applied to the first body  40  moves the first body  40  to a second point along the ramp surface  55 . The movement causes the second body  50  to pivot with the first end  51  moving downward and the second end moving upward as illustrated in the orientation of  FIG.  7 B . This pivoting movement causes the catch  53  to release from the latch pin  29 . Once the catch  53  is released, the panel  20  is able to move from the stowed position to an open position to provide access to the access space  121 . In one example, the panel  20  is connected to the support structure  120  at one or more pivot joints  123  for the panel  20  to remain attached to the support structure  120  when moving from the stowed position to the open position. In one example, the panel  20  is orientated on the support structure  120  such that gravity causes the panel  20  to fall to the open position once the catch  53  is released from the latch pin  29 . 
     In one example as illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , the second body  50  is formed by a ramp member  56  that includes the ramped surface  55  at the first end  51 , and a pawl  57  that includes the catch  53  towards the second end  52 . The ramp member  56  and pawl  57  are connected by one or more fasteners. The pawl  57  is further positioned in a housing  60 . The housing  60  includes a slot  61  that is open to receive the latch pin  29 . The slot  61  aligns with the catch  53  in the pawl  57 . 
       FIGS.  8  and  9    illustrate an example with the pawl  57  mounted at the pivot  54  to the housing  60 . This connection provides for the pawl  57  to pivot between the first position to engage the latch pin  29  when the panel  20  is in the stowed position and a release position to disengage from the latch pin  29 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates latch pins  29  that are mounted on the panels  20  and position to engage with the actuators  30  that are mounted on the support structure  120 . The latch pins  29  are sized to fit into the catch  53  on the actuator  30  and the slot  61  on the housing  60 . In another example, the arrangement of the actuators  30  and the latch pin  29  are reversed. The actuators  30  are positioned on the panels  20  and the latch pins  29  are positioned on the support structure  120 . 
     In one example, each panel  20  is secured by a pair of actuators  30 . In another example, the panels  20  are secured by a single actuator  30 . In yet other examples, the panels  20  are secured by three or more actuators  30 . 
     In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the panel  20  is positioned over one or more monument walls  105 . A limited clearance space  111  is formed between the panel  20  and the monument wall  105 . The panel  20  is connected to the support structure  120  to move within the clearance space  111  between the stowed and open positions. In one example, the extent of pivoting movement of the panel  20  relative to the support structure  120  is substantially within a range of 0-10°. This limited movement maintains the panel  20  spaced away from the monument wall  105  to prevent possible damage to either component. 
     In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , one or more lanyards  75  extend between and connect the panel  20  to the support structure  120 . The lanyards  75  include a first end  76  connected to the panel  20  and a second end  77  connected to the support structure  120 . The length of the lanyards  75  controls the extent the panels  20  pivot relative to the support structure  120  in the open position. As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the lanyards  75  maintain the panel  20  within the clearance space  111  and are positioned away from the monument wall  105  in the open position. 
     The lanyards  75  also prevent the panel  20  from fully disconnecting from the support structure  120  once the one or more actuators  30  are released. One or both of the first and second ends  76 ,  77  can be removable to detach from the panel  20  and/or support structure  120  to fully remove the panel  20 . In one example, the panel  20  is connected to the support structure  120  at one or more pivot joints  123 . The pivot joints  123  provide for the panel  20  to pivot between the stowed and open positions. The pivot joints  123  are also configured for the panel  20  to be removed from the support structure  120 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the pivot joint  123  includes a first member  126  attached to the support structure  120  and a second member  127  attached to the panel  20 . The first and second members  126 ,  127  engage together to allow for the pivoting movement. The first and second members  126 ,  127  can also be detached from each other to allow for the panel  20  to be removed from the support structure  120 . In one specific example, one of the first and second members  126 ,  127  includes a receptacle and the other member  126 ,  127  includes an extension that fits into the receptacle when the panel  20  is attached to the support structure  120 . 
     In one example, the lanyards  75  also protect wiring of the PSU  80  that are attached to the panel  20 . The wires of the PSU  80  include a pig tail connection that is longer than the lanyard  75 . When the lanyard  75  is extended, the lanyard  75  carries the weight/force of the panel  20  without putting stress/strain on the wiring and connectors of the PSU  80 . 
     In the open position, a technician is able to access the access space  121 . This can include servicing the PSU  80  and/or components of the PSU  80 . For example, the technician can access an oxygen system and replace/repair a canister. The lanyards  75  maintain the position of the panel  20  thus freeing the technician to use both hands of their work within the access space  121 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a method of releasing a panel  20  from an overhead support structure  120 . In the stowed position, the first body  40  contacts against a ramped surface  55  of a second body  50 . This positions the second body  50  at a first angular position with a catch  53  on the second body  50  engaged with a latch pin  29  to maintain the panel  20  in a stowed position (block  300 ). To release the panel  20 , the first body  40  is moved away from a perimeter edge  23  of the panel  20  and moves the first body  40  along the ramped surface  55  of the second body  50  (block  302 ). In response to the first body  40  moving along the ramped surface  55 , the second body  50  pivots and releases the catch  53  from the latch pin  29  thereby releasing the panel  20  from the stowed position (block  304 ). 
     The assembly  10  can be used on a variety of vehicles  100 . Vehicles  100  include but are not limited to manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, manned spacecraft, unmanned spacecraft, manned rotorcraft, unmanned rotorcraft, satellites, rockets, missiles, manned terrestrial vehicles, unmanned terrestrial vehicles, manned surface water borne vehicles, unmanned surface water borne vehicles, manned sub-surface water borne vehicles, unmanned sub-surface water borne vehicles, and combinations thereof. 
     By the term “substantially” 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. 
     The present invention may be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.