Aircraft Storage Bin Hinge for Volume Expansion and Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Older commercial aircraft have limited overhead stowage bin space due to smaller storage bins, making it difficult to accommodate modern carry-on luggage, and existing solutions require costly modifications that compromise maintenance access.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit storage bin door hinge system that increases storage volume by at least 5-10% by reorienting the bin door with a pivotable attachment to the ceiling, allowing for larger carry-on bags while maintaining access to ceiling panels during maintenance through a downward pivoting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the storage bin ceiling panels are made fully accessible and removable during maintenance, then maintenance access is improved, but the outer envelope of the storage bin cannot be modified to increase space
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into separate components: a pivot mount attached to the ceiling panel, a hinge body member with first and second portions, and an extension member. This segmentation allows the hinge to be installed without removing ceiling panels, while still enabling storage bin envelope modification through the extension member that bridges the gap created by the pivoting door.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension member acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the door and the storage bin upper surface. This intermediary component enables the door to pivot downward for maintenance access while maintaining the structural integrity and enclosed volume of the storage bin, thus allowing both maintenance access and storage space enhancement.
2Volume of stationary object
If the door is hinged to increase storage volume by extending outward, then storage capacity is improved, but the door blocks access to ceiling panels during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The hinge body member can pivot downward relative to the pivot mount, and the extension member can be positioned to bridge the gap only when needed. This dynamic configuration allows the door to extend outward for increased storage volume while being movable out of the way to provide access to ceiling panels during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism introduces a new dimension of movement by allowing the door to pivot downward in addition to its normal opening motion. This additional degree of freedom enables the door to be positioned in multiple locations: extended outward for storage optimization, or pivoted downward to clear the ceiling panel access path, thus resolving the spatial conflict between storage volume and maintenance access.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed hinge assembly is used to maintain door position, then structural stability is improved, but the door cannot be repositioned to allow ceiling panel access
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly transitions from a fixed to a dynamic system. The pivot mount provides a stable mounting point on the ceiling panel, while the hinge body member is designed to pivot downward on demand. This dynamic capability allows the door to maintain stable positions during normal operation (either closed or extended for storage) while being repositionable when ceiling panel access is required for maintenance.
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 enhances storage capacity without altering the existing bin structure, accommodating larger luggage and preserving maintenance access, thus providing a cost-effective upgrade to older aircraft stowage bins.
Implementation Method 1
installing a piston member carried by the hinge body member, the piston member having a first end coupled to the hinge body member and a second end coupled to the door such that the piston member is carried downwardly when the hinge body member pivots downwardly, wherein the piston member actuates as the door is moved from the closed position to an open position
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
In a preferred embodiment, a retrofit storage bin door hinge includes an extension member than increases the storage volume of the bin by at least 5 percent or 10 percent, thereby permitting the storage of larger carry-on bags. Required access to the ceiling panels during maintenance operations is preserved by the hinges pivotable attachment to a pivot mount attached to the ceiling of a storage bin. In this manner, the hinge assembly and door may be readily translated downwardly to provide full access to the ceiling panels during a maintenance operation.