Aircraft Baggage Compartment with Raised Lower Face for Diagonal Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft cabin baggage storage spaces are limited in volume and must not obstruct passenger movement, making it difficult to accommodate larger bags efficiently within the existing dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A baggage compartment with a lower face that rises near the back and features a groove for diagonal placement of suitcases, allowing for increased storage volume without hindering aisle movement, and a movable design that pivots to conceal the storage space when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If the storage space is designed with a standard flat lower face, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the storage volume is limited and cannot accommodate larger bags efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower face of the compartment is transformed from a flat two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional surface with a raised portion. This dimensional change creates additional vertical space that can be utilized for storage, allowing larger bags to be accommodated diagonally without increasing the external footprint of the storage unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The raised portion is created by nesting an additional structural element within the compartment's lower face area. This nested structure effectively adds volume to the storage space without requiring additional external space or significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the compartment is designed to accommodate larger bags diagonally, then the storage capacity increases, but the compartment structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebag accommodation flexibilityVSAvoidcompartment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of redesigning the entire compartment structure, only the lower face is modified with a localized raised portion. This local quality change provides the necessary diagonal accommodation space while keeping the rest of the compartment structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of stationary object

If the lower face has a significant raised portion, then more storage volume is available, but the entry threshold height increases making it difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The raised portion is designed to be partial rather than excessive - occupying only 15-40% of the lower face area. This partial action provides sufficient additional volume for diagonal bag placement while maintaining a low enough entry threshold for easy accessibility by passengers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8011618B2Storage device for baggage for an aircraft cabin

Publication Date: 2011.09.06 AIRBUS (SAS)

AI summary

A storage device for baggage for an aircraft cabin includes a compartment having a lower face and an upper face, an open face allowing access to the compartment for the depositing and removal of baggage inside same and a back, opposite the open face of the compartment. The lower face of the compartment is substantially plane on the side of the open face and rises up near the back. A groove, the concavity of which is positioned toward the upper face of the compartment, is implemented in the joining zone between the raised portion of the lower face and the back.