Aircraft Overhead Bin Hinge Assembly Relocated to Outer Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Overhead storage bins in aircraft cabins face a reduction in available storage space due to hinge assemblies being located within the bin, limiting the amount of luggage that can be stored, as existing solutions either place the hinges inside the bin or do not effectively utilize the space around the door's movement.
Innovation Solution
The hinge assembly is designed to be located outside the storage bin's lateral walls, with detachable wall panels and a pivot mechanism that allows the hinge arm to move vertically, maintaining the door's open position with a damper, thus minimizing obstruction within the bin and maximizing storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hinge assembly is located inside the storage bin, then the door can be supported and operated, but the available storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is extracted from the interior of the storage bin and relocated to the exterior, specifically mounted on the outer surface of the bin wall. This extraction removes the space-consuming component from the storage environment while preserving its essential function of supporting door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is repositioned from a three-dimensional space within the bin to a two-dimensional plane on the outer wall surface. This dimensional transition allows the hinge to function without occupying valuable interior volume, effectively moving the mechanism outside the functional storage envelope.
2Volume of stationary object
If the hinge assembly is located outside the storage bin, then the storage space is maximized, but the door connection and operation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting portion attached to the outer wall surface, a connecting portion that bridges the wall thickness, and a door-connected portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall external configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion of the hinge assembly acts as an intermediary element that transfers rotational motion and support forces between the outer wall mounting and the door. This intermediary structure simplifies the connection mechanism by providing a dedicated interface that spans the wall thickness.
3Device complexity
If traditional hinge placement is used, then the structure is simple, but the storage capacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is extracted from the interior of the storage bin and relocated to the exterior, specifically mounted on the outer surface of the bin wall. This extraction removes the space-consuming component from the storage environment while preserving its essential function of supporting door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is repositioned from a three-dimensional space within the bin to a two-dimensional plane on the outer wall surface. This dimensional transition allows the hinge to function without occupying valuable interior volume, effectively moving the mechanism outside the functional storage envelope.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge assembly for receiving a door, for example for an aircraft storage bin, and including a wall having opposed inner and outer surfaces, an edge of the wall including two spaced apart wall panels extending from a respective one of the inner and outer surfaces and defining part of a perimeter of an opening closable by the door; a pivot located between the wall panels, the pivot defining a pivot axis intersecting the wall panels; and a hinge arm having a portion received between the wall panels and engaged to the pivot, the hinge arm extending away from the wall panels and configured for attachment to the door, the hinge arm pivotable about the pivot axis to be movable between open and closed positions of the door, the hinge arm movable between the open and closed position within a plane extending between the opposed inner and outer surfaces.