Aircraft Storage Bin Corner Joint for More Usable Bucket Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft storage bins face space constraints due to unfinished edges from L-joint corner joints and the space inefficiency of T-joints, which require minimum distance from the joint to the edge of panels, resulting in lost space within the bin.
Innovation Solution
A space-efficient corner joint design featuring side panels with first and second sections of varying widths and a transition section, where the second section is received in a slot on the bottom panel, allowing the side panels to extend upward closely and creating a smooth, curved edge, thereby optimizing space usage without the need for adhesive bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If L-joint corner joints are used, then structural connection is achieved, but unfinished edges require filling and sanding and do not provide for shaped corners
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, and transition section) with different functions. The first section provides the outer edge, the second section is received in the slot for structural connection, and the transition section creates the curved corner profile, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing finishing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the side panel are given different widths and functions: the first section has a greater transverse width for the outer edge, the second section has a lesser width for slot reception, and the transition section provides the curved profile. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural connection and corner shaping.
2Ease of manufacture
If T-joint is used, then structural connection is achieved, but minimum distance from joint to edge of panel is required, resulting in lost space in the bin
Solution Approach 1:
The second section of the side panel is nested within a slot defined in the bottom panel. This nesting arrangement allows the joint to be positioned at the very edge of the bin without requiring the minimum clearance distance that T-joints require, thereby maximizing bin interior volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint connection is achieved through vertical nesting (second section received in slot) rather than horizontal offset, eliminating the need for minimum edge distance in the horizontal plane and maximizing usable bin space.
3Strength
If traditional corner joints are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but additional space around joints is required, reducing space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The side panel incorporates a transition section that creates a curved corner profile, dynamically adapting the geometry to eliminate wasted space while maintaining structural integrity through the slot-received second section.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse width of the side panel changes along its length, with the first section having a greater width and the second section having a lesser width. This parameter change allows the joint to be positioned at the edge without compromising structural integrity while maximizing space utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft storage bin that includes an upper housing and a bucket that cooperate to define a bin interior. The bucket is movable with respect to the upper housing between open and closed positions and includes a bottom and right and left side panels. The bottom includes lower and upper surfaces and right and left outer edges. The right and left side panels each include a first section having a first transverse width, a second section having a second transverse width, and a transition section that is located between the first and second sections. The second transverse width is less than the first transverse width. At least a portion of the second section of each of the side panels is received in a slot defined in the upper surface of the bottom of the bucket, such that the right and left side panels extend upwardly from the bottom.