Locking aircraft storage compartment and bed platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger compartments face challenges in utilizing storage space efficiently due to the limitations of traditional drawer mechanisms, which leave unused volume and hinder easy access to storage under bed platforms during aircraft operations.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a hinged top portion with a secure locking mechanism and gas strut support, allowing the top portion to rotate and provide full access to the storage volume while maintaining security, utilizing a latch mechanism and retention hooks for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drawers are used to provide secure storage under the bed platform, then security of stored items is improved, but unused storage volume increases and accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the drawer mechanism from the storage system and replaces it with a hinged access door. This removes the problematic drawer structure that created unused volume while maintaining the security function through the locking mechanism on the hinged door, allowing full utilization of the storage space under the bed platform
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using drawers that slide out horizontally, the invention inverts the access concept by using a hinged door that opens vertically or laterally, similar to a cabinet door. This inversion eliminates the need for drawer clearance space while providing the same security through a locking mechanism, thereby maximizing storage volume utilization
2Reliability
If drawers are used to provide secure storage under the bed platform, then security of stored items is improved, but ease of access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the drawer mechanism entirely and replaces it with a hinged door system. This extraction eliminates the complexity of drawer slides and mechanisms, providing simpler and easier access to the storage space while maintaining security through the locking mechanism on the hinged door
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional drawer approach by using a hinged door similar to cabinet doors. This provides more intuitive and easier access compared to drawers, as users can simply open the door to access items without having to pull out drawers, while the locking mechanism ensures security when closed
3Ease of operation
If a hinged top portion with locking mechanism is used, then accessibility to storage space is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism on the hinged door serves multiple functions: it secures the storage space, provides a clear visual indicator when locked, and integrates with the gas strut to assist in holding the door open. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The gas strut acts as an intermediary element between the hinged door and the storage space. It assists in holding the door open during access and works in conjunction with the locking mechanism to provide smooth operation. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by providing mechanical assistance rather than requiring a complex motorized or multi-component locking system
4Volume of moving object
If maximum storage space utilization is achieved under the bed platform, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility without moving mattress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bed platform structure by introducing a hinged access door that provides independent access to the storage space underneath. This segmentation allows users to open the door and access stored items without needing to move or remove the mattress, thereby maintaining both maximum storage utilization and ease of access
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged door serves as an intermediary access point between the user and the storage space under the bed platform. This intermediary structure enables direct access to stored items without requiring movement of the mattress, solving the contradiction between maximizing storage space utilization and maintaining 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
Enables convenient and secure access to all storage space within the aircraft, maximizing usable volume and ensuring items remain secure during flight operations.
Implementation Method 1
a locking gas strut coupled between the upper portion and the lower portion having a locking mechanism wherein the locking gas strut is locked when the locking mechanism is engaged and the locking gas strut is unlocked when the locking mechanism is disengaged
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to providing an aircraft storage container including a lower portion having a horizontal bottom and a plurality of vertical sides configured to form a storage volume, an upper portion rotationally coupled to one of the plurality of vertical sides, a gas piston having a locking mechanism wherein the gas piston is coupled between the lower portion and the upper portion, the gas piston being configured to support the upper portion when the locking mechanism is engaged, a rotational member operative to disengage the locking mechanism when rotated and to engage the locking mechanism when released, and a latch mechanism having a rotational lever, wherein the latch mechanism is operative to rotate the rotational member in response to a pressure on the rotational lever.