Method and system for determining the mechanical strength of an aircraft overhead luggage bin and device for applying a mechanical load to an aircraft overhead luggage bin

Abstract

The invention provides a method for determining the mechanical strength of an aircraft overhead luggage box, which comprises causing a test body to repeatedly collide with a collision surface of the overhead luggage box with a predetermined collision force by means of a manipulator's mechanical arm and studying damage parameters of the overhead luggage box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for determining the mechanical strength of an aircraft overhead bin, a system for determining the mechanical strength of an aircraft overhead bin and a device for applying a mechanical load to an aircraft overhead bin. Background Art

[0002] Overhead luggage bins of aircraft are usually used to store hand luggage of passengers during the flight of the aircraft. Overhead luggage bins are usually located above the seat rows in the cabin of the aircraft and are attached to the fuselage structure or frame of the aircraft. Usually, passengers apply loads to the overhead luggage bins during boarding by simply placing their luggage items into the receiving space of the corresponding bin. Since hand luggage items are often very heavy and passengers are usually not aware of the load limits, the overhead luggage bins are subject to high mechanical loads or stresses during the service life of the aircraft.

[0003] Therefore, a robust box design is required to ensure reliable function of the overhead bin during the service life of the aircraft. Whether a proposed overhead bin design meets the mechanical requirements is usually investigated in field tests.

[0004] Document KR102010064561A describes a method for durability assessment of automotive interior materials, which method includes repeatedly applying a constant force or displacement to the automotive interior material. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient method for determining or investigating the mechanical strength of an overhead luggage bin of an aircraft.

[0006] The above-mentioned objects are achieved by a method according to claim 1 , a device according to claim 11 and / or a system according to claim 14 .

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for determining the mechanical strength of an overhead luggage bin of an aircraft is provided, the method comprising causing a test body to repeatedly impact an impact surface of the overhead luggage bin with a predetermined impact force by means of a manipulator arm and studying damage parameters of the overhead luggage bin.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a robotic device for applying a mechanical load to an overhead luggage bin of an aircraft. The robotic device comprises: a manipulator comprising at least one movable mechanical arm; and a guide device coupled to the mechanical arm. The guide device comprises a load-bearing portion attached to the mechanical arm and a guide mechanism mounted on the load-bearing portion, wherein the guide mechanism defines a guide track and comprises an attachment structure for attaching a test body thereto.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for determining the mechanical strength of an overhead luggage bin of an aircraft. The system comprises: a holding frame comprising an attachment interface for attaching the overhead luggage bin; a measuring device for measuring a physical quantity characterizing a damage parameter of the overhead luggage bin; and a robotic device according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0010] One concept of the present invention is to study the mechanical strength of an overhead luggage bin (OHSB) of an aircraft by means of a test body moved by a manipulator to simulate the loading and unloading of luggage into and from the OHSB and to study or detect damage to the OHSB caused by the simulation procedure. In particular, a plurality of collision cycles are performed, each of which comprises moving a test body or a collision body toward a surface of the OHSB by means of a manipulator until the test body collides with or pushes against the surface of the OHSB, and retracting the test body from the surface of the OHSB by retracting the manipulator. During and / or after the execution of the collision cycle, damage such as cracks, deformations and separation of the component are studied. By using the manipulator's manipulator to perform the movement of the test body relative to the OHSB, i.e., the movement toward and away from the collision surface, the method can be performed in an automated and reproducible manner. For example, the collision force or thrust applied to the collision surface can be precisely adjusted. Optionally, the thrust can be changed for different collision cycles. In addition, a plurality of collision cycles can be performed in a short time, each collision cycle simulating the loading of luggage into the OHSB. Therefore, the method significantly simplifies and accelerates the determination of the mechanical strength of the OHSB.

[0011] Another concept of the present invention is to further simplify the study of the mechanical strength of OHSB by providing a robot device, the robot device includes a guide device fixed or mounted to the manipulator's mechanical arm, wherein the guide device is configured to receive a test body or a collision body and allow the test body to move relative to the mechanical arm. In particular, a load-bearing portion or a base is coupled to a mounting portion of the mechanical arm, and a guide mechanism is mounted on the load-bearing portion, wherein the guide mechanism includes an attachment structure for attaching the test body and defines a guide track or a moving track for the attachment structure. The guide mechanism is configured to allow the attachment structure to move relative to the load-bearing portion along the guide track. Thus, the test body can be accelerated in the direction of the collision surface by the mechanical arm, and the collision can be achieved by stopping or braking the mechanical arm. Due to the inertial force acting on the test body attached to the attachment structure of the guide mechanism when the mechanical arm is braked, the attachment structure moves along the guide track defined by the guide mechanism and pushes against the collision surface of the OHSB. The benefit of this is that the reaction force acting on the manipulator when the test body collides with the collision surface is significantly reduced. Another advantage is that the actual loading process of an OHSB is simulated, since passengers usually lift their luggage items into the opening of the OHSB and push them into the OHSB until they touch the rear wall or side wall of the OHSB. Therefore, the mechanical strength of the OHSB can be determined with increased reliability.

[0012] Another concept of the present invention is to provide a complete system for testing the mechanical strength of an OHSB, the system comprising a frame or structure for mounting the OHSB thereon, a robotic device according to the second aspect of the present invention, and a measuring device, which is arranged and constructed to measure physical quantities characterizing damage parameters of the OHSB, such as vibration characteristics or geometric characteristics of the OHSB.

[0013] The device of the second aspect may advantageously be used, for example, in the system of the third aspect of the invention and optionally also in the method according to the first aspect of the invention to apply a mechanical load to the OHSB by pushing the test body towards the surface of the OHSB.

[0014] The device according to the second aspect of the present invention and the system according to the third aspect of the present invention can be advantageously used to perform the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. Therefore, the features and advantages disclosed for the method according to the first aspect of the present invention are also disclosed for the device according to the second aspect of the present invention and the system according to the third aspect of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the method, the collision of the test body is achieved by performing a collision cycle, the collision cycle comprising accelerating the test body relative to the collision surface to a predetermined speed by means of a manipulator arm towards the collision surface, the test body being coupled to the manipulator arm by a guide device, the guide device comprising a load-bearing portion attached to the manipulator arm and a guide mechanism, the guide mechanism defining a guide track and mounted on the load-bearing portion, wherein the test body is movably guided relative to the manipulator arm along the guide track by the guide mechanism; stopping the movement of the manipulator arm so that the test body moves away from the manipulator arm along the guide track and collides with the collision surface; and retracting the test body from the collision surface by retracting the manipulator arm. According to this embodiment, the test body is accelerated in the direction of the collision surface by the manipulator arm, and the collision of the collision body with the collision surface is achieved by stopping or braking the manipulator arm. Due to the inertial force acting on the test body when braking the manipulator arm, the test body moves away from the manipulator arm and thus pushes against the collision surface of the OHSB, wherein the guide mechanism guides the test body along the guide track during the movement of the test body relative to the manipulator arm. After the test body pushes against the collision surface, the test body is retracted from the collision surface by the manipulator arm. Thereby, a simple and effective crash cycle is provided which realistically simulates the loading process of the OHSB and increases the reliability of the method.

[0016] According to further embodiments, the guide mechanism defines a linear guide track. According to some embodiments, the guide mechanism of the guide device of the robotic device may include a guide rail assembly defining a linear guide track. For example, a first guide rail may be fixedly attached to the load-bearing portion and a second guide rail may be guided at the first guide rail, wherein the second guide rail forms or includes an attachment structure for attaching a test body. The linear guide track simplifies the mechanical design of the guide device.

[0017] Optionally, the collision cycle also includes releasing an interlocking mechanism that locks the test body to be stationary relative to the load-bearing part before the robot arm stops, and locking the test body relative to the load-bearing part by means of the interlocking mechanism after the test body is retracted from the collision surface. That is, during the acceleration of the test body towards the collision surface of the OHSB and optionally also when the robot arm starts to brake, the test body is kept stationary relative to the load-bearing part and therefore relative to the robot arm by means of an interlocking mechanism that mechanically blocks the movement of the test body. Before the robot arm stops, the interlocking mechanism is brought into a released state to allow the test body to move towards the collision surface relative to the load-bearing part and the robot arm. Thereby, the time point at which the test body is moved towards the collision body and the collision force can be controlled more accurately. After the test body is retracted from the collision surface, the test body is moved back to its initial position and locked again in its initial or retracted position by the interlocking device before being released.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the collision cycle further comprises pivoting the bearing part of the guide device relative to the direction of gravity after the collision of the test body with the collision surface, so that the test body moves back to the retracted position along the guide track towards the robot arm. After the collision or push against the collision surface of the OHSB, the bearing part is retracted and pivoted, for example by means of an actuator arranged at the robot arm, so that the test body moves back to its initial position or retracted position, in which position it can be locked again by an interlocking mechanism. Thereby, the degree of automation is advantageously further increased. For example, the test body can be retracted again to the retracted position relative to the bearing part by an interlocking mechanism as described above.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the method, the mass of the test body is between 3 kg and 23 kg. In particular, the mass of the test body may be between 5 kg and 20 kg. According to some embodiments, a plurality of crash cycles may be performed with various test bodies having different masses. For example, a first set of test cycles may be performed with a 5 kg test body, a second set of test cycles may be performed with a 12 kg test body, and a third set of test cycles may be performed with a 20 kg test body. The range between 5 kg and 20 kg covers various possible carry-on luggage weights.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the volume of the test body is 15 dm 3 and 70dm 3 This range covers practically every possible hand luggage volume. Generally, the test body is a rigid body comprising a three-dimensional extension of approximately greater than 10 liters and less than or equal to 70 liters, wherein the test body is optionally substantially cubic or substantially cylindrical.

[0021] Optionally, the test body is a hardtop box. That is, the method can use a commercially available suitcase as a test body, wherein the suitcase is connected to the robot arm via an interface, for example by means of a guide device, wherein a flange or a similar fixing structure for attachment to the guide mechanism is formed or provided at the suitcase. Thus, a very realistic collision scenario is advantageously simulated.

[0022] The impact surface of the overhead luggage box may for example be formed by one of the following: an inner surface of a wall defining the interior of the overhead luggage box, a surface of a lid for closing the overhead luggage box, a surface of a reinforcement frame of the overhead luggage box and a surface of an edge cover covering the front edge of the bottom wall of the luggage box.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the method, studying the damage parameters of the overhead luggage box comprises capturing a vibration signature of the overhead luggage box at least after a predetermined number of collisions and / or measuring a geometrical feature of the overhead luggage box at least after a predetermined number of collisions. For example, an optical sensor (e.g., a camera) that captures the motion of the OHSB, an acoustic sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor, etc.) that captures the sound waves reflected by the OHSB, or a force sensor (e.g., a strain gauge or a pressure sensor) that captures the development of the force when a test force is applied to the OHSB can be used to capture the vibration signature of the overhead luggage box. The OHSB is a non-ideal rigid body. Therefore, applying a force to the OHSB, for example by causing a test body to collide with the OHSB, generates a vibration in the OHSB, which vibration can be captured as a development of the force or the development of the motion of the OHSB. When the collision force applied by the test body to the OHSB remains constant over multiple collision cycles (advantageously possible due to the use of a manipulator's mechanical arm), damage to the OHSB can be detected by changes in the captured vibration signature. For example, a reference vibration of the OHSB can be achieved by applying a specific test force to the OHSB before performing a collision cycle to capture a reference vibration feature, and then the same test force is applied to the OHSB after a predetermined number of collision cycles to capture a new vibration feature of the OHSB, and the new vibration feature is compared with the reference vibration feature to determine whether there is damage. Since the damping characteristics of the OHSB change when cracks appear, the vibration feature of the OHSB characterizes the damage parameters of the OHSB. Alternatively or in addition, the collision surface can be optically scanned by an optical sensor to detect cracks or dents or other geometric changes as geometric features of the OHSB. Of course, the geometric features can also be defined by the spatial relationship between the components of the OHSB, such as the angle between the bottom wall and the side wall of the OHSB or the distance between the bottom wall and the top wall of the OHSB. Such geometric features can be measured optically, for example, with the aid of a laser distance sensor, a camera or the like.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the robot device, the guiding device includes an interlocking mechanism, which locks the attachment structure of the guiding mechanism in a static position relative to the load-bearing portion in a locked state, and allows the attachment structure to move relative to the load-bearing portion along the guide track in a released state. The interlocking mechanism is configured to mechanically block the movement of the attachment structure relative to the load-bearing portion. In particular, the interlocking mechanism can lock the attachment structure in a retracted position in a locked state. For example, when the attachment structure is installed and guided to the guide rail provided at the load-bearing portion as a guide rail, the interlocking mechanism can lock these guide rails to each other. In the released state, the interlocking mechanism allows the relative movement between the attachment structure and the substrate, for example, by allowing relative movement between the guide rails. Optionally, the interlocking mechanism may include a blocking element that is movably guided at a structure that is fixed statically relative to the load-bearing portion, wherein the blocking element contacts the attachment structure in the locked state of the interlocking mechanism, for example, is inserted into the receiving recess of the attachment structure, and wherein the blocking element is retracted from the attachment structure in the released state of the interlocking mechanism, for example, retracted from the receiving recess of the attachment structure. An advantage of the interlocking mechanism is that the point in time at which the attachment structure and thus the test body is released towards the collision surface of the OHSB can be precisely controlled. This further increases the flexibility of the method. For example, in order to vary the collision force, the point in time at which the test body is released can be easily varied during braking or deceleration of the robot arm.

[0025] Within the scope of the present invention, with respect to directions and axes, in particular directions and axes relating to the extension or expansion of physical structures, an axis, direction or structure extending "along" another axis, direction or structure particularly includes that the axes, directions or structures (in particular tangents generated at specific parts of the corresponding structure) enclose an angle of less than 45°, preferably less than 30°, and particularly preferably extend parallel to each other.

[0026] Within the scope of the present invention, with respect to directions and axes, in particular directions and axes related to the extension or expansion of physical structures, the extension of one axis, direction or structure to "cross", "span", "intersect" or "transverse" another axis, direction or structure particularly includes that the axes, directions or structures (in particular tangents generated at specific parts of the corresponding structure) enclose an angle greater than or equal to 45°, preferably greater than or equal to 60°, and particularly preferably extend perpendicularly to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, are used to illustrate the principles of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the expected advantages of the present invention will be readily understood as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale with respect to each other. The same reference numerals represent corresponding similar parts.

[0029] Figure 1 A system for determining the mechanical strength of an aircraft overhead bin according to an embodiment of the invention is schematically illustrated during the execution of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the further progress of the method Figure 1 system.

[0031] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the further progress of the method Figure 1 system.

[0032] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the further progress of the method Figure 1 system.

[0033] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the further progress of the method Figure 1 system.

[0034] Figure 6 An overhead luggage bin of an aircraft is schematically shown.

[0035] In the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals refer to the same or functionally identical components. Any directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "vertical", "rear", "front" and similar words are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments to the specific arrangements shown in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the invention. In general, this application is intended to cover any adjustments or changes to the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0037] Figure 1The system 200 for determining the mechanical strength of an overhead luggage bin 1 of an aircraft is shown by way of example. The system 200 comprises a holding frame 30 for holding an overhead luggage bin (OHSB) 1 , a measuring device 40 and a robotic device 100 .

[0038] exist Figure 6 FIG. 2 schematically shows an OHSB 1 for an aircraft (not shown). Figure 6 As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 , the OHSB includes a bottom wall 3, a top wall 8 opposite to the bottom wall 3, opposite side walls 4 connecting the bottom wall 3 and the top wall 8, and a rear wall 2 extending between the side walls 4 and between the bottom wall 3 and the top wall 8. The walls 2, 3, 4, 8 together define an interior 1 of the OHSB 1. The opening of the OHSB 1 is defined by the bottom wall 3, the top wall 8, and the front edges of the side walls 4. A cover or lid 5 may be hingedly or pivotally attached to the top wall 8 or the side walls 4 to pivot between a closed position covering the opening of the OHSB 1 and an open position where the lid 5 exposes the opening of the OHSB 1, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 5 Optionally, the reinforcement frame 6 may extend within the interior I of the OHSB 1 between the bottom wall 3 and the top wall 8. Also optionally, an edge cover 7 covering the front edge of the bottom wall 3 may be provided, for example in the form of a metal profile attached to the front edge.

[0039] The OHSB 1 is configured to be assembled in a passenger cabin of an aircraft. Typically, the OHSB 1 is mounted on the fuselage structure of the aircraft above the passenger seats arranged in the passenger cabin and is used to store passenger hand luggage items and / or equipment required by the crew during flight.

[0040] exist Figure 1 The holding frame 30 of the system 200 exemplarily shown in FIG. 2 is used to hold the OHSB 1. The holding frame 30 may include various carrier profiles 34, 35, 36, such as aluminum or other metal profiles, which are provided with attachment interfaces 31, 32 for attaching the OHSB 1 thereto. Figure 1 The illustrated holding frame 30 comprises a first horizontal profile 34 , a vertical profile 35 transverse to and extending from the horizontal profile 34 , and a second horizontal profile 36 extending transversely from the vertical profile 35 , the second horizontal profile 36 preferably being parallel to the first horizontal profile 34 . Figure 1 The exemplarily shown frame 30 comprises a first attachment interface 31 arranged at a vertical profile 35 and a second attachment interface 32 arranged at a second horizontal profile 36. The attachment interfaces 31, 32 may be realized, for example, as holes or apertures.

[0041] like Figure 1As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the OHSB 1 can be attached to the attachment interfaces 31, 32 of the holding frame 30 by bolts, screws or similar fixing devices 37. The OHSB 1 can include corresponding mounting structures 9A, 9B for mounting the OHSB 1 to the attachment interfaces 31, 32. The mounting structures 9A, 9B can be implemented, for example, as attachments extending from the top wall 8 and the rear wall 2 of the OHSB 1, such as Figure 1 Shown schematically.

[0042] The measuring device 40 is used and constructed and arranged to capture or measure physical quantities that characterize damage parameters of the OHSB 1. For example, the measuring device 40 may include an optical sensor such as a camera for capturing the movement of the OHSB 1 when a force is applied to the OHSB 1 or for scanning the surface of the OHSB 1. In addition or alternatively, the measuring device 40 may include one or more force sensors, such as strain gauges, piezoresistive sensors, or pressure sensors, for capturing the forces generated at the OHSB 1 when the force is applied to the OHSB 1. The movement captured or the forces generated when the force is applied to the OHSB 1 are physical quantities that characterize damage parameters of the OHSB 1, because the vibration characteristics of the OHSB 1 can be determined according to each of these quantities and the vibration characteristics of the OHSB 1 change when the OHSB 1 is damaged. Geometric characteristics of the OHSB 1, such as surface cracks or changes in the spatial relationship of components of the OHSB 1 (e.g., the angle or distance between the corresponding walls 2, 3, 4, 8 of the OHSB 1), characterize damage parameters and can therefore be optically detected by the measuring device 40.

[0043] The robot device 100 includes a manipulator 10 and a guide device 20. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown in , the manipulator may include an axially movable first robotic arm 11, a second robotic arm 12 movably coupled to the first robotic arm 11 and pivoting about a first axis, and a third robotic arm 13 movably coupled to the second robotic arm 12 and pivoting about a second axis. Typically, the manipulator 10 includes at least one robotic arm 11, wherein the manipulator 10 is configured to move the at least one robotic arm 11 in at least one spatial dimension. Optionally, the manipulator 10 may be configured to implement movement of a manipulator interface 14 in more than one spatial dimension, preferably in three spatial dimensions. The manipulator interface 14 may be implemented as a flange that is mounted to the end of the first robotic arm 11 and is preferably movable around Figure 1 At least one pivot axis shown schematically moves.

[0044] The guiding device 20 is coupled to the robot arm 11 of the manipulator 10, for example, via the manipulator interface 14. Figure 1As shown schematically, the guide device 20 includes a load-bearing portion 21, a guide mechanism 22 and an optional interlocking mechanism 23. The load-bearing portion 21 can be implemented as a platform member, including a plate-like base 21A and a connecting portion 21B extending transversely to the base 21A. The load-bearing portion 21 can be made of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. The connecting portion 21B can be attached to the manipulator interface 14. In general, the guide device 20 is coupled to the robot arm 11.

[0045] The guide mechanism 22 is mounted on the carrier 21, for example Figure 1 As shown in the example, the guide mechanism can be mounted on the base 21A of the carrier 21. For example, the guide mechanism can include a guide rail assembly defining a linear guide track. Figure 1 As exemplarily and schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the guide rail assembly may include a base guide rail 25 fixed to the carrier 21 or formed integrally with the carrier 21 (e.g., with the base 21A of the carrier 21) and a slide rail 26 movably guided by the base guide rail 25. The guide rail assembly thus defines a linear guide track. The slide rail 26 includes or forms an attachment structure 24 configured to mount the test body T thereon. For example, the attachment structure 24 may be formed as a flange, a receiver, etc. In FIG. Figure 1 In the embodiment, a hard top box generally used as a carry-on luggage item is provided as a test body T. The test body T is fixed to an attachment structure 24 provided at a slide rail 26. Thus, the test body T can be moved relative to the load-bearing portion 21 along a guide track defined by a guide rail assembly. In general, the guide mechanism includes an attachment structure 24 for attaching the test body T thereto, and defines a guide track for moving the attachment structure 24 relative to the load-bearing portion 21. Optionally, the guide mechanism 22 defines a linear guide track, for example, by means of the above-mentioned guide rail assembly.

[0046] Since the carrier 21 is mounted or coupled to the robot arm 11, the attachment structure 24, and thereby the test body T, can be moved relative to the robot arm 11. In particular, the attachment structure 24 can be moved along the guide rail between a retracted position and an extended position. Figure 1 shows the retracted position and Figure 4 The extended position is shown as an example. In the retracted position, the attachment structure 24 is disposed at a first distance from the robot arm 11, in particular from a mounting location where the load-bearing portion 21 is coupled to the robot arm 11 (e.g., coupled to the manipulator interface 14). In the extended position, the attachment structure 24 is disposed at a second distance from the robot arm 11, in particular from a mounting location where the load-bearing portion 21 is coupled to the robot arm 11, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0047] The optional interlocking mechanism 23 is used to maintain the attachment structure 24 in a stationary position relative to the load-bearing portion 21. For example, the interlocking mechanism 23 may include a locking element 28, such as a bolt or a hook, which is movably mounted to a structure that is stationary relative to the base 21 (e.g., the base 21 itself or the base rail 25). A receiving structure (not shown), such as a hole, is provided at a structure that is stationary relative to the attachment structure 24 (e.g., the slide rail 26). In the locked state of the interlocking mechanism 23, the locking element 28 is inserted into the receiving structure. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in the example in FIG. 2 , the locking element 28 can contact the slide rail 26 in the locked state. As a result, the movement of the mounting structure 24 and the test body T fixed thereon is mechanically blocked by the interlocking mechanism 23. In the released state, the locking element 28 is Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the interlocking mechanism 23 is retracted or separated from the slide rail 26, thereby allowing the attachment structure 24 to move along the guide track relative to the carrier 21. In general, the interlocking mechanism 23 is configured to lock the attachment structure 24 in a stationary position relative to the carrier 21 in a locked state, and allow the attachment structure 24 to move along the guide track relative to the carrier 21 in a released state.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown by way of example in FIG. 8 , the robotic device 100 is arranged opposite a holding frame 30 , wherein at least one robot arm 11 is movable relative to the holding frame 30 , in particular towards and away from the attachment interfaces 31 , 32 .

[0049] The system 200 and the robotic device 100 as described above may be used in an automated method of determining the mechanical strength of an aircraft's OHSB 1. This method is described below with reference to the system 200 and the device 100 as exemplarily described above.

[0050] In order to determine the mechanical strength of the OHSB 1 or the ability of the OHSB 1 to withstand mechanical stress, the test body T is repeatedly subjected to a collision with a predetermined collision force against the collision surface 1a of the overhead luggage box 1 by means of the robot arm 11 of the manipulator 10. In addition, damage parameters representing damage to the OHSB 1 are studied or determined. Generally, the collision of the test body T is performed by performing a plurality of collision cycles. One collision cycle generally includes moving the test body T toward the collision surface 1a of the OHSB 1 by means of the robot arm 11 so that the test body T is subjected to a predetermined collision force. Figure 4 As shown in the example, it is pushed against the surface 1a and then Figure 5As shown in the example, the test body T is retracted from the collision surface 1a by retracting the robot arm 11. As a result, a mechanical load can be applied to the OHSB 1 in an automated manner by a reliable and reproducible collision force or thrust. This significantly simplifies the investigation of the causes or conditions of damage to the OHSB 1. For example, the damage can be the appearance of cracks in the walls 2, 3, 4, 8 of the OHSB 1, deformation of the OHSB 1 or the optional frame 6 of the OHSB 1, etc.

[0051] exist Figures 1 to 5 In the method shown, a hard-top box is used as the test body T. In general, the test body T is a rigid body including a three-dimensional extension of approximately greater than 10 liters and less than or equal to 70 liters, wherein the test body is optionally substantially cubic or substantially cylindrical. Preferably, the volume of the test body T is within 15 dm 3 and 70dm 3 For example, the mass of the test body T may be between 3 kg and 23 kg.

[0052] The impact surface 1a of the overhead luggage box 1 may be formed by an inner surface 2a, 3a, 4a of one of the walls 2, 3, 4 defining the interior I of the OHSB 1. Figures 1 to 5 In the example shown, the inner surface 2a of the rear wall 2 forms the impact surface 1a. Of course, other surfaces can also be used as the impact surface 1a, for example, the surface 5a of the cover 5, the surface 6a of the reinforcement frame 6 or the surface 7a of the edge cover 7.

[0053] As already discussed above, the damage parameter may be given, for example, by a vibration characteristic of the OHSB1 or a geometric characteristic of the OHSB1 that can be captured or measured by the measuring device 40. When the test body T collides with the collision surface 1a of the OHSB1 with a predetermined collision force, the generated force may be captured by the measuring device 40. In particular, the collision of the test body T with the OHSB1 causes the OHSB1 to vibrate, which vibration may be captured by the measuring device 40 as the development of the generated force. When the collision force applied by the test body to the OHSB1 remains constant over a plurality of collision cycles, damage to the OHSB1 may be detected by the captured change in the generated force. For example, when cracks or other damage occur, the damping characteristics of the OHSB1 may change. Alternatively, for example, a reference vibration of the OHSB1 may be achieved by applying a specific test force to the OHSB1 by means of the test body T or another collision body before performing the collision cycle, thereby capturing a reference vibration characteristic, and then applying the same test force to the OHSB1 after a predetermined number of collision cycles, thereby capturing a new vibration characteristic of the OHSB1, and comparing the new vibration characteristic with the reference vibration characteristic to determine whether damage exists. Thus, studying the damage parameters of the OHSB 1 may include capturing the vibration characteristics of the OHSB 1 at least after a predetermined number of impacts of the test body T on the impact surface 1a. Another possibility is to scan the impact surface before and after performing the loading or impact cycle to optically detect changes in the geometrical characteristics of the OHSB 1, such as the presence of cracks, etc. Thus, studying the damage parameters of the OHSB 1 may include measuring the geometrical characteristics of the OHSB 1 at least after a predetermined number of impacts.

[0054] Optionally, the collision cycle is performed as follows. First, the test body T is accelerated to a predetermined speed relative to the collision surface 1 a by means of the robot arm 11 of the manipulator 10 toward the collision surface 1 a. Figure 1 1a, which is symbolically indicated by arrow A1, indicating the movement of the test body T towards the surface 1a. In this step, the robot arm 11 accelerates the guide device 20, in particular the carrier 21, wherein the attachment structure 24 of the guide mechanism 22 is locked stationary relative to the carrier 21, optionally by an interlocking mechanism 22. In general, the robot arm 11 alone or in combination with other robot arms 12, 13 of the manipulator 10 moves the test body T in the direction of the collision surface 1a. The manipulator 10 can move the test body T along a straight trajectory, a curved trajectory or a trajectory including straight and curved parts, such as Figure 1 In general, the manipulator 10 is configured to move the test body T relative to the collision surface 1a along a predetermined trajectory. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the robot 11 has accelerated the test body T to the required speed relative to the collision surface 1a and made it contact with the collision surface 1a. Figure 1 The position of the test body T shown is shifted further towards the collision surface 1 a .

[0055] In a further step of the collision cycle, the robot arm 11 is braked, i.e. its speed is reduced, preferably to zero. Before the movement of the robot arm stops, the interlocking mechanism 23 is released. For example, the locking element 28 is retracted to allow the slide rail 26 and the test body T attached thereto via the attachment structure 24 to move along the guide rail relative to the carrier 21. When the robot arm 11 and thus the carrier 21 are braked, inertial forces act on the test body T. This inertial force causes the test body T to move along the guide rail away from the robot arm 11, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown by arrow A2 in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the guide mechanism 22 guides the test body T until it collides or pushes against the collision surface 1a. Specifically, the slide rail 26 moves along the base rail 25 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0056] After the test body T collides with the collision surface 1a, Figure 4 As symbolically shown by arrow A3 in FIG. 1 , the test body T is retracted from the collision surface 1 a by retracting the robot arm 11. Optionally, the support portion 21 is further pivoted relative to the gravity direction G so that the test body T moves back to its retracted position along the guide rail toward the robot arm 11. By pivoting the support portion 21 relative to the gravity direction G, for example, Figure 5 As symbolically indicated by the arrow A4, the base 21A is positioned obliquely relative to the gravity direction G. Due to the weight of the test body T, gravity acts on the test body T and the attachment structure 24, so that it causes the slide rails 26 to slide backwards at the base rails 25. For example, the pivoting of the carrier 21 can be achieved by pivoting the manipulator interface 14 relative to the first robot arm 11 and / or by pivoting the first robot arm 11 by pivoting the second robot arm 12.

[0057] Optionally, when the test body T or the attachment structure 24 has reached its retracted position, the interlocking mechanism 23 is activated to enter an interlocking state, so as to lock the test body T or the attachment structure 24 in the retracted position relative to the carrying portion 21 .

[0058] In the foregoing detailed description, various features are combined together in one or more examples for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure. It should be understood that the above description is illustrative and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, variants and equivalents. After reviewing the above description, many other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, the embodiments and configurations described for the seat module and the aircraft infrastructure can be applied accordingly to the aircraft or spacecraft according to the present invention and the method according to the present invention, and vice versa.

[0059] The embodiments are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. In the appended claims and throughout the specification, the terms "comprising" and "in which" are used as concise equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "wherein", respectively. Furthermore, in the present case, "the" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0060] Reference numerals list

[0061] 1 Overhead luggage compartment

[0062] 1a Collision surface

[0063] 2 Back wall

[0064] 2a Inner surface of rear wall

[0065] 3 bottom wall

[0066] 3a Inner surface of bottom wall

[0067] 4 Sidewall

[0068] 4a Inner surface of the side wall

[0069] 5. Cover

[0070] 5a Cover surface

[0071] 6. Strengthen the frame

[0072] 6a Reinforce the surface of the frame

[0073] 7 Edge Covering

[0074] 7a Surface of edge covering

[0075] 8 Top wall

[0076] 8a Inner surface of top wall

[0077] 9A, 9B Mounting Structure

[0078] 10 Operator

[0079] 11 Robotic Arm

[0080] 12 Second Robotic Arm

[0081] 13. The third robotic arm

[0082] 14 Control device interface

[0083] 20 Guidance Device

[0084] 21 Load-bearing part

[0085] 21A Base

[0086] 21B Connection

[0087] 22 Guidance Agency

[0088] 23 Interlocking mechanism

[0089] 24 Attachment structure

[0090] 25 Base rail

[0091] 26 Slide rail

[0092] 28 Locking element

[0093] 30 Keep the frame

[0094] 31 Attachment interface

[0095] 32 Attachment interface

[0096] 34 First horizontal profile

[0097] 35 Vertical Profiles

[0098] 36 Second horizontal profile

[0099] 37 Fixtures

[0100] 40 Measuring device

[0101] A1-A4 Arrow

[0102] G direction of gravity

[0103] I Internal

[0104] T Test Body

Claims

1. A method for determining the mechanical strength of an overhead luggage bin (1) of an aircraft, the method comprising: Using a mechanical arm (11) of a manipulator (10), the test body (T) is caused to repeatedly collide with a collision surface (1a) of the overhead luggage box (1) with a predetermined collision force; as well as Studying damage parameters of the overhead luggage box (1); The collision of the test body is performed by executing a collision cycle, wherein the collision cycle comprises: The test body (T) is accelerated relative to the collision surface (1a) to a predetermined speed by means of a mechanical arm (11) of the manipulator (10), the test body (T) being coupled to the mechanical arm (11) via a guide device (20), the guide device comprising a bearing portion (21) and a guide mechanism (22), the bearing portion (21) comprising a plate-shaped base (21A) and a connecting portion (21B) extending transversely to the plate-shaped base (21A), the connecting portion (21B) being attached to the mechanical arm (11), the guide mechanism (22) defining a guide track and being mounted on the plate-shaped base (21A) of the bearing portion (21), the guide mechanism (22) comprising an attachment structure (24) for attaching the test body (T) thereto, wherein the test body (T) is moved relative to the collision surface (1a) along the guide track by the guide mechanism (22). The mechanical arm (11) is movably guided, wherein the guiding device (20) comprises an interlocking mechanism (23), wherein the interlocking mechanism (23) locks the attachment structure (24) of the guiding mechanism (22) in a static position relative to the bearing part (21) in a locked state, wherein the movement of the attachment structure (24) and the test body (T) is mechanically blocked by the interlocking mechanism (23), and wherein the interlocking mechanism (23) allows the attachment structure (24) to move along the guiding track relative to the bearing part (21) between a retracted position and an extended position in a released state, wherein in the retracted position, the attachment structure (24) is arranged at a first distance from a mounting position where the bearing part (21) is coupled to the mechanical arm (11), and in the extended position, the attachment structure (24) is arranged at a second distance from the mounting position, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; Stopping the movement of the robot arm (11), wherein the interlocking mechanism (23) is released before the robot arm (11) stops to allow the attachment structure (24) to move along the guide track relative to the carrier (21), so that the inertial force acting on the test body (T) when braking the robot arm (11) causes the test body (T) to move away from the robot arm (11) along the guide track and collide with the collision surface (1a), wherein the attachment structure (24) moves from the retracted position to the extended position; and The test body (T) is retracted from the collision surface (1a) by retracting the robot arm (11), and after the test body (T) is retracted from the collision surface (1a), the test body (T) is locked relative to the carrier (21) by means of the interlocking mechanism (23).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The guide mechanism (22) defines a linear guide track.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The collision cycle also includes: After the test body (T) collides with the collision surface (1a), the bearing portion (21) is pivoted relative to the gravity direction (G) so that the test body (T) moves back to the retracted position along the guide track toward the robot arm (11).

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: The mass of the test body (T) is between 3 kg and 23 kg.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: The volume of the test body (T) is 15 dm 3 and 70dm 3 between.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: The test body (T) is a hardtop box.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: The collision surface (1a) of the overhead luggage box (1) is formed by one of the following: an inner surface (2a, 3a, 4a, 8a) of a wall (2, 3, 4, 8) defining the interior (I) of the overhead luggage box (1); a surface (5a) of a cover (5) for closing the overhead luggage box (1); a surface (6a) of a reinforcement frame (6) of the overhead luggage box (1); and a surface (7a) of an edge cover (7) covering the front edge of a bottom wall (3) of the overhead luggage box (1).

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Studying the damage parameters of the overhead luggage box (1) includes capturing vibration characteristics of the overhead luggage box (1) at least after a predetermined number of collisions and / or measuring geometric characteristics of the overhead luggage box (1) at least after a predetermined number of collisions.

9. A robotic device (100) for applying a mechanical load to an overhead luggage bin (1) of an aircraft, comprising: A manipulator (10) comprising at least one movable mechanical arm (11); as well as A guide device (20) coupled to the robot arm (11), the guide device comprising a load-bearing portion (21) and a guide mechanism (22), the load-bearing portion (21) comprising a plate-like base (21A) and a connecting portion (21B) extending transversely to the plate-like base (21A), the connecting portion (21B) being attached to the robot arm (11), the guide mechanism (22) being mounted to the plate-like base (21A), wherein the guide mechanism (22) defines a guide track and comprises an attachment structure (24) for attaching a test body (T) thereto; The guide device (20) comprises an interlocking mechanism (23), wherein the interlocking mechanism (23) locks the attachment structure (24) of the guide mechanism (22) in a stationary position relative to the bearing portion (21) in a locked state, and the movement of the attachment structure (24) and the test body (T) is mechanically blocked by the interlocking mechanism (23), and the interlocking mechanism (23) allows the attachment structure (24) to move along the guide track relative to the bearing portion (21) between a retracted position and an extended position in a released state, wherein in the retracted position, the attachment structure (24) is arranged at a first distance from a mounting portion of the bearing portion (21) coupled to the mechanical arm (11), and in the extended position, the attachment structure (24) is arranged at a second distance from the mounting portion, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; wherein the mechanical arm (11) of the manipulator (10) is configured to accelerate the test body (T) toward a collision surface (1a) of the overhead luggage box (1) to a predetermined speed relative to the collision surface (1a); The guide mechanism is configured to allow the attachment structure to move relative to the bearing portion along the guide track when the interlocking mechanism (23) is in the released state, so that when the robotic arm is braked, the inertial force acting on the test body attached to the attachment structure causes the test body (T) to move away from the robotic arm (11) along the guide track and collide with the collision surface (1a), wherein the attachment structure (24) moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

10. The robotic device (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The guide mechanism includes a guide rail assembly (25, 26) defining a linear guide track.

11. A system (200) for determining the mechanical strength of an overhead luggage bin (1) of an aircraft, the system comprising: A holding frame (30) comprising an attachment interface (31; 32) for attaching the overhead luggage box (1); A measuring device (40) for measuring a physical quantity representing a damage parameter of the overhead luggage box (1); as well as The robotic device (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 10.

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