Aircraft Overhead Bin Hinge Assembly to Maximize Storage Volume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hinge mechanisms in aircraft fixed overhead storage bins occupy valuable space, limiting the capacity for luggage storage.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a housing, pivotable arm, and dampener system that allows the door to open fully, optimizing space by being flush with the bin's interior and enabling two open positions: a normal open angle for ergonomic access and a fully open position for larger items, using a spring-loaded dampener to bias the arm from a closed to an open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used in the fixed bin, then the door can be opened and closed, but the hinge mechanism occupies valuable bin space
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is extracted from the traditional location within the bin structure and repositioned to the outer surface of the bin. This removes the hinge mechanism from the valuable bin interior space, allowing the entire bin volume to be used for storage while the hinge mechanism occupies only the external surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is transitioned from occupying three-dimensional interior space to being mounted on the two-dimensional outer surface of the bin. This dimensional shift allows the hinge to function without encroaching on the bin's storage volume, effectively moving the mechanism from the internal volume to the external surface area.
2Volume of stationary object
If the hinge mechanism is minimized to save space, then bin space is maximized, but the door may not open fully or maintain proper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded dampener is introduced as an intermediary component between the hinge mechanism and the door. This dampener provides the necessary force to push the door open to the desired angle and maintains it in position, compensating for the minimized hinge mechanism's reduced capability while preserving both space and operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the door opening is changed from relying solely on hinge geometry to being controlled by the spring-loaded dampener's mechanical force. The dampener adjusts the door's position parameter by applying controlled pressure, enabling full opening and proper positioning without requiring a complex hinge mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the door opens to a fixed angle for ergonomic access, then user convenience is improved, but larger items cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The door positioning system is made dynamic through the spring-loaded dampener, which can accommodate variable door opening angles. Unlike fixed-angle hinges, the dampener allows the door to be positioned at different angles as needed - maintaining the ergonomic angle for normal access while permitting full opening for larger items, thus providing adaptability while preserving ease of operation.
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
The solution maximizes bin space by allowing the door to open fully, accommodating larger items while maintaining ergonomic closure, thus optimizing storage capacity and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The dampener includes a cylinder having a spring or springs, dampening fluid or the like therein and a spring that extends from the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The dampener includes a cylinder having a spring or springs, dampening fluid or the like therein
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hinge assembly for an aircraft overhead storage bin that includes a housing having a hinge space and a hinge opening defined therein, an arm pivotably connected to the housing within the hinge space, and a dampener. The hinge opening communicates the hinge space with an exterior of the housing. The arm is pivotable between a closed position and an open position and extends through the hinge opening such that the first end of the arm is positioned outside of the housing. The dampener includes first and second ends. The first end is connected to the housing and the second end is connected to the arm. The dampener biases the arm from the closed position to the open position.