System and method for electronically latching compartments
First Claim
1. An electronic latching system adapted for use on a moveable compartment, the moveable compartment moving relative to a support structure from an opened to a closed position, the latching system comprising:
- a switch operably associated with the moveable compartment to receive an input signal indicative of a desired operation of the moveable compartment;
a latch pin operably associated with the moveable compartment;
a latch receiver operably associated with the support structure, the latch receiver adapted to receive the latch pin to secure the moveable compartment in the closed position, and to release the latch pin to enable the moveable compartment to enter the opened position; and
a control system in communication with the switch and the latch receiver to receive the input signal, the control system signaling the latch receiver to release the latch pin based on the input signal.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interactive switch system for a stowage compartment system for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is provided. An electronic latching system adapted for use on a moveable compartment that moves relative to a support structure from an opened to a closed position is provided. The electronic latching system includes a switch coupled to the moveable compartment for receiving an input signal indicative of a desired operation of the moveable compartment, and a latch pin coupled to the moveable compartment. The system also includes a latch receiver coupled to the support structure to receive the latch pin to secure the moveable compartment in the closed position, and for releasing the latch pin to enable the moveable compartment to enter the opened position. The system further includes a control system in communication with the switch and the latch receiver to receive the input signal. The control system signals the latch receiver to secure or release the latch pin based on the input signal.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An electronic latching system adapted for use on a moveable compartment, the moveable compartment moving relative to a support structure from an opened to a closed position, the latching system comprising:
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a switch operably associated with the moveable compartment to receive an input signal indicative of a desired operation of the moveable compartment; a latch pin operably associated with the moveable compartment; a latch receiver operably associated with the support structure, the latch receiver adapted to receive the latch pin to secure the moveable compartment in the closed position, and to release the latch pin to enable the moveable compartment to enter the opened position; and a control system in communication with the switch and the latch receiver to receive the input signal, the control system signaling the latch receiver to release the latch pin based on the input signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A mobile platform comprising:
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a body structure having an interior cabin area; an overhead stowage compartment system mounted within the interior cabin area, the overhead stowage compartment system including; at least one stowage compartment; a latch pin operably associated with the stowage compartment; a latch receiver operably associated with the stowage compartment or the interior cabin area, the latch receiver operating to receive the latch pin to secure the stowage compartment in a closed position; a control system in communication with the latch receiver, the control system adapted to signal the latch receiver to release the latch pin to enable the stowage compartment to enter an opened position; a switch coupled to the stowage compartment and enabling the generation of a signal to release the stowage compartment, the switch being in communication with the control system to transmit the signal; and at least one display surface in communication with the control system to display a status of the stowage compartment. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for operating an overhead stowage compartment in an interior area of a mobile platform using a switch and a latch system, the method comprising:
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providing a latch system for securing the stowage compartment in a closed position; transmitting an operational signal to a switch associated with the stowage compartment; transmitting the operational signal from the switch to the latch system; and using the latch system to release the stowage compartment from the closed position upon receipt of the operational signal. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for remotely, independently controlling a plurality of overhead stowage compartments in a cabin area on a commercial aircraft, the method comprising:
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providing an independently controllable, electrically controllable latching system for each one of the plurality of overhead stowage compartments, the latching system being operable to latch its associated overhead stowage compartment in a closed position; and remotely monitoring the operation of each overhead stowage compartment and generating electrical signals from a location remote from the overhead stowage compartments that are used by the latching system to independently latch a selected subquantity of the overhead stowage compartments in the closed position.
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Specification