Aircraft PSU Pod Assembly for Space-Saving Overhead Bin Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft overhead storage bins face challenges in maximizing stowage volume and reducing weight while integrating systems like environmental control and electrical components within confined spaces, necessitating a design that enhances baggage capacity and reduces redundant paneling.
Innovation Solution
The pivot bin assembly employs a 'clamshell design' with a single piece bucket and upper housing that minimizes overlap when closed, integrating ECS ducting and electrical components, and features a PSU pod assembly with adjustable positioning to optimize passenger space and reduce unnecessary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional overhead storage bin design is used with separate panels and components, then structural integrity is maintained, but stowage volume is reduced and weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (upper housing, lower housing, and paneling) into an integrated clamshell structure where the bucket and housing form a unified assembly. This merging eliminates redundant paneling and increases stowage volume by removing structural overlaps while maintaining integrity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead bin is segmented into modular components including the bucket, upper housing, lower housing, and clamshell assembly that can be manufactured separately and then integrated. This segmentation allows for optimized manufacturing of each component while achieving weight reduction and volume increase when assembled.
2Weight of moving object
If multiple separate components and panels are used in overhead bin assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate panels and structural components are merged into an integrated clamshell assembly where the upper and lower housings form a unified structure. This reduces the total number of parts and eliminates redundant paneling, thereby reducing weight while the modular integration maintains manufacturing ease through standardized assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Redundant paneling and unnecessary structural components are extracted and removed from the design. The patent eliminates overlapping panels and non-essential structural elements that added weight without providing functional benefit, keeping only the essential clamshell structure and integrated components.
3Volume of moving object
If integrated clamshell design is used, then stowage volume increases and weight reduces, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the bucket, upper housing, and lower housing into a unified clamshell assembly requires precise manufacturing tolerances to ensure proper fit and function. The design incorporates features such as interlocking joints and alignment mechanisms that accommodate manufacturing variations while maintaining the integrated structure's integrity and maximizing stowage volume.
4Area of stationary object
If PSU pod assembly is integrated into overhead bin, then passenger space is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PSU pod assembly is merged with the overhead bin structure, integrating personal service units directly into the bin assembly. This integration optimizes passenger space by eliminating separate mounting structures and redundant components, while the modular design of the PSU pod allows for straightforward integration without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A PSU pod assembly that is configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The PSU pod assembly includes a PSU pod that includes a housing that includes a top, a bottom and first, second, third and fourth sides that cooperate to define a pod interior and a panel positioned above and connected to the PSU pod. The PSU pod includes at least first and second reading lights positioned within the pod interior that are configured to shine light below the housing and cabin lights positioned on or in the housing that are configured to shine light above the housing. The panel includes connectors that are configured to secure the PSU pod assembly to a component within the aircraft.