Aircraft Overhead Luggage Bin Modification for Larger Opening Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft overhead luggage bins often have insufficient storage capacity, leading to issues where luggage does not fit despite conforming to applicable dimensions and weight requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method to modify the overhead luggage bin by removing the existing bullnose, cutting the belly wall and side walls to create a larger opening clearance, and mounting a new bullnose and hinge brackets to accommodate a door displacement mechanism for increased space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the opening clearance of the overhead luggage bin is increased to accommodate larger luggage, then the storage capacity is improved, but the structural integrity and safety of the bin may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bin structure is divided into modular components including the bucket, door, bullnose, and reinforcement members that can be independently designed and assembled. This allows the opening clearance to be increased while maintaining structural integrity through properly designed connection points and reinforcement elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement members are strategically positioned at critical stress points such as the forward edge of the belly wall and connection points for the door and bullnose. This localized reinforcement maintains structural integrity in high-stress areas while allowing the overall opening clearance to be enlarged for better storage capacity.
2Ease of operation
If a door displacement mechanism is added to improve door operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door displacement mechanism converts the simple rotational motion of door opening into a more complex but user-friendly motion pattern. The mechanism includes a displacement member with a pivot point that allows the door to move along a controlled path, improving ease of operation while managing the added complexity through clever mechanical design.
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead luggage bin includes: a bucket including side walls and a belly wall defining a luggage bin interior, a door displaceable between open and closed positions, and a bullnose extending along a forward edge of the belly wall; a hinge bracket fixedly mounted to one of the side walls, the hinge bracket extending between a lower portion mounted to the bullnose and an upper portion having a pivot; and a door displacement mechanism mounted to the door and mounted to the pivot of the hinge bracket, to displace the door to the open position. The hinge bracket has a rear mounting extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, the rear mounting mounted to a forward edge of said one of the side walls of the bucket.