Articulating Aircraft Overhead Bin With Spring-Assisted Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead bins in aircraft are difficult to access due to their high height, posing challenges for passengers, especially those with mobility issues, in lifting and placing luggage.
Innovation Solution
An articulating storage bin assembly with a movable portion that can articulate downward and laterally for easier loading, coupled with a biasing member to assist in lifting and a spring and damper system for smooth movement, allowing the bin to be returned to a closed position for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If conventional overhead bins are mounted at high height to maximize storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead bin incorporates a movable articulating portion that can dynamically change position between a closed storage position and an open access position. This articulating mechanism allows the bin to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing easy access when opened and maximizing storage when closed, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If overhead bins are positioned high to optimize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but lifting effort and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead bin is divided into a fixed portion and a movable articulating portion. This segmentation allows the articulating portion to be independently manipulated, reducing the effective weight and distance that passengers must lift luggage during the loading process, thereby reducing lifting effort while maintaining overall space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating portion moves along an arc-shaped path that combines vertical and horizontal displacement. This dimensional change in movement trajectory allows luggage to be placed at a more accessible intermediate position during loading, reducing the vertical lifting distance and effort required compared to conventional fixed high-position bins.
3Ease of manufacture
If the overhead bin structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but safety and secure storage capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating portion incorporates a return mechanism with biasing members that automatically returns the articulating portion to the closed storage position after use. This dynamic feature provides secure storage by ensuring the bin is reliably closed during flight, while the mechanism itself uses simple mechanical components that are easy to manufacture and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing members automatically return the articulating portion to the closed position without requiring manual intervention from passengers or crew. This self-service mechanism ensures secure storage is maintained while using simple, easily manufactured spring or elastic elements rather than complex motorized 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
Enhances accessibility and safety for passengers by reducing the effort required to load or unload luggage, improving comfort and safety, particularly for those with difficulty lifting into conventional bins.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member interposed between the fixed bin portion and the movable bin portion, configured to assist in lifting the movable bin portion from the closed position to the open position
Implementation Method 2
a spring and damper system for smooth movement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A storage bin assembly includes a fixed bin portion, an articulating bin portion, and an articulation system. The fixed bin portion is configured to be mounted to an aircraft, and has a cavity configured for storage of luggage. The articulating bin portion is coupled to the fixed bin portion, and includes a shelf configured for supporting luggage. The articulation system movably couples the articulating bin portion to the fixed bin portion. The articulating bin portion is movable from a first position in which the articulating bin portion is proximate to the fixed bin portion to a second position at which the articulating bin portion is separated from the fixed bin portion and lower than the fixed bin portion.