Storage container and bed provided with a storage container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage containers integrated into beds in aircraft face challenges such as sudden movement due to aircraft forces, which can cause the mattress to shift and the storage container to open or close inadvertently, and lack reliable visual or tactile cues for secure locking during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design with a latching assembly and locking mechanism that includes a latching actuator and lock actuator, allowing the top to be selectively movable between closed and opened positions, featuring a locking pin and receptacle system, biasing members like gas struts, and tactile feedback mechanisms to ensure secure locking and prevent unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a storage container is integrated into a bed in an aircraft, then storage space is maximized, but the storage container may open or close inadvertently due to aircraft forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly includes a lock actuator that can be moved between a released position (allowing movement) and an actuated position (preventing movement). This dynamic locking mechanism adapts to the operational needs of the storage container, providing stability when locked and accessibility when unlocked, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage space utilization and container stability under aircraft forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly proactively prevents inadvertent opening or closing of the storage container by engaging the lock actuator in the actuated position before aircraft forces can cause unintended movement. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful effect of aircraft forces on the storage container's stability.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent movement, then storage container stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is integrated with the latching assembly, combining the functions of latching and locking into a single unified mechanism. The lock actuator works in conjunction with the latching actuator and locking pin, merging multiple functions into one compact assembly, thereby improving stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed to be operable by the user through simple actuation of the lock actuator. The mechanism provides visual and tactile cues to indicate its state, allowing the user to understand and control the locking function without complex operation procedures, thus maintaining ease of use despite the added complexity.
3Loss of information
If visual and tactile cues are provided for secure locking, then user awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly incorporates visual and tactile feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information to the user about the locking state. When the lock actuator is in the actuated position, the system provides cues (such as position indicators or tactile resistance) that confirm the storage container is securely locked, reducing information loss without requiring complex electronic feedback systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents the storage container from opening or closing inadvertently under aircraft forces up to 9G, providing reliable visual and tactile cues for secure locking, thus ensuring passenger safety and efficient storage access.
Implementation Method 1
The locking assembly locks the at least one biasing member in position when the lock actuator is in the released position. The at least one biasing member is two biasing members. The at least one biasing member is at least one locking gas strut.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container (100) has a base (102) defining at least one storage compartment (202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212), a top (104) movable between closed and opened positions, latching and locking assemblies. The latching assembly (500) has a latching actuator (110) movable between first and second positions. The latching assembly (500) locks the top (104) to the base (102) when the top (104) is in the closed position and the latching actuator (110) is in the first position and releases the top (104) from the base (102) when the latching actuator (110) is in the second position. The locking assembly has a lock actuator (801) having actuated and released positions. The top (104) is movable when the lock actuator (801) is in the actuated position. The locking assembly locking the top (104) in the open, closed, or an intermediate position when the lock actuator (801) is in the released position. The latching actuator (110) and the lock actuator (801) are operatively connected to the top (104) and move with the top (104) between the closed and the opened position.