Aircraft Overhead Bin Space Management Using Optical Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing overhead bin space in aircraft fail to accurately detect the availability of space and the types of items stored, leading to stress for passengers and crew, as they often rely on visual indicators or force-sensitive devices that do not provide precise information on space usage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sensors, including cameras and Laser Time of Flight distance measurement devices, embedded in overhead bins to detect and report the status of bins as empty, partially full, or full, along with the remaining available space, using machine vision algorithms to compute the volume and dimensions, and communicate this information to crew and passengers through user interfaces and reservation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual indicators or force-sensitive devices are used to detect bin status, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of available space and item types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force-sensitive devices with optical sensing systems including cameras and light sources. This substitution enables precise measurement of bin contents, item types, and available space through image processing and machine vision algorithms, while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces machine vision algorithms and image processing systems as intermediaries between the physical bin contents and the digital representation. These algorithms analyze camera images to determine item types, quantities, and available space, providing precise measurement without requiring direct physical contact or complex mechanical sensors.
2Ease of operation
If overhead bin space is filled on a first come, first serve basis, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of time for passengers and crew increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback systems that provide passengers and crew with accurate information about available bin space through user interfaces. This feedback enables informed decision-making about where to place bags, reducing unnecessary searching and last-minute bag checking, while maintaining the simple first-come-first-served operation model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary detection and reporting of bin status before passengers board or before overhead bins are fully utilized. By providing advance information about available space, the system allows passengers to plan their bag placement in advance, reducing time spent searching for space during boarding and preventing last-minute bag checking.
3Productivity
If advanced reservation of bin space is implemented, then the productivity of luggage storage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where the same optical sensing infrastructure supports both real-time monitoring for first-come-first-served operations and advanced reservation capabilities. The machine vision algorithms and user interface can serve multiple purposes: providing immediate bin status information and enabling pre-boarding reservations, without requiring separate hardware 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
This solution reduces stress by providing accurate information on available space, allowing for advanced reservations and efficient luggage storage, enhancing passenger and crew experience by minimizing the need for last-minute bag checking and optimizing bin usage.
Implementation Method 1
Laser Time of Flight distance measurement devices
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for managing overhead bin space in an aircraft or other vehicle. An available space or the used space with an overhead bin can be measured using a set of sensors. Using information from the set of sensors, a dongle can determine a shape and volume of the used or unused space within the overhead bin. With this information, the available space can then be reported including the number of roller bags that would fit in the overhead bin or whether there are objects that are not roller bags within the overhead bin.