Aircraft Overhead Bin Latch Mechanism for Easier Closing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead luggage compartments require excessive manual force to close due to strong spring forces designed for unloaded states, making it difficult to initiate the closing process without accidentally closing the compartment in unloaded states.
Innovation Solution
An overhead luggage compartment with a dual holding device system, where a force transmission device connected to an operating element switches the second holding device from a holding to a release position, reducing the holding force needed to close the compartment, allowing for easier operation and support during the closing process without relying solely on manual force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If strong lifting springs are used to support the closing process, then the closing process is better supported, but excessive manual force is required to close the compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device dynamically changes its holding force based on the operational state. In the open position, it provides strong holding force to counteract the lifting springs. During closing, the operating element actuates the holding device to reduce holding force, allowing easier closure while still maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element is actuated in advance to switch the holding device from holding to release position before the closing action is completed. This preliminary action reduces the holding force proactively, making the closing process easier while maintaining the support function of the springs.
2Reliability
If strong spring force is designed for unloaded state, then the compartment remains open when unloaded, but excessive force is required to close
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device transitions from a static strong-holding design to a dynamic system that adjusts holding force based on operational needs. The operating element enables switching between strong holding (open position) and reduced holding (closing process), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding force parameter is changed dynamically through the operating element. The holding device maintains high holding force for reliability in open position, then switches to low holding force parameter during closing to reduce required manual force, achieving both reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a holding device is used to maintain open position, then the compartment stays open reliably, but it requires additional force to overcome the holding force during closing
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed with dynamic holding force capability through the operating element. It provides reliable holding in the open position, then allows switching to a release state during closing operation, reducing the force barrier while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's closing action and the holding device. It mediates the transition from strong holding to release, enabling the user to close the compartment easily without directly overcoming the full holding force, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables smoother and more intuitive operation by reducing the force required to close the compartment, allowing the luggage compartment to remain open under load and unloaded conditions without accidental closure, while supporting the closing process with stronger lifting springs.
Implementation Method 1
The spring force of the lifting springs is usually designed for the unloaded state of the luggage compartment
Implementation Method 2
For the unloaded tray to swing up only a gas spring thus provides a lift moment resulting from the spring force and the lever arm
Implementation Method 3
A weighing system is provided on both sides of the tray, consisting of a weighing lever, a spring and a weighing pin connected to the tray
Data Source
AI summary
Overhead luggage compartment for an aircraft, having an upper luggage compartment element, having a lower luggage compartment element which is movable between an open and a closed position, having a first holding device for holding the lower luggage compartment element in its closed position, and having a second holding device for holding the lower luggage compartment element in its open position, wherein an operating element is provided which is connected via a force transmission device to the second holding device to hold the lower luggage compartment element in its open position, wherein the second holding device can be switched by arrangement of the operating element from a holding position into a release position.