Aircraft Storage Compartment Spring Activation for Assisted Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage compartments in aircraft require significant manual force to close, especially when fully loaded, and existing power-assisted solutions are costly, complex, and prone to accidental activation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically operated storage compartment with a spring unit that can be switched between active and passive states using a push-button mechanism, utilizing a gas spring for power assistance during closure and automatic deactivation upon reaching the closed position, without requiring electrical components or weighing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power-assisted closing system is implemented, then the manual force required to close the storage compartment is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical power-assisted closing systems with a purely mechanical spring-based assistance system. The spring unit (14) connected to the swivel compartment (10) provides closing force through mechanical energy storage and release, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control electronics while still reducing the manual force required to close the compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring unit is pre-loaded with potential energy during the opening phase when gravity and user force compress the spring. This preliminary action stores energy that is automatically released during the closing phase to assist the closing motion, reducing the manual force needed without requiring active control systems.
2Ease of operation
If an electrical power-assisted closing system is used, then closing assistance is provided, but the risk of accidental activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing electrical actuators with a passive mechanical spring system, the patent eliminates electronic switches, sensors, and control circuits that are prone to malfunction or accidental activation. The spring unit responds purely to mechanical conditions (compression during opening) and provides assistance during closing without any electrical activation risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based system is self-regulating and responds automatically to the mechanical state of the compartment without requiring external control signals. The spring compresses during opening and releases during closing based purely on physical conditions, eliminating the need for electrical controls that could accidentally activate.
3Force
If existing power-assisted systems are implemented, then closing force is provided, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electrical power-assisted closing systems with a simple mechanical spring unit that provides sufficient closing force. The spring mechanism, connected via a ball (20) to the swivel compartment, delivers the necessary force to assist closing without requiring motors, power supplies, or control electronics, thereby reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining the required closing force.
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
Provides convenient and efficient power assistance for closing and opening storage compartments, reducing manual effort and avoiding the costs and complexities of electrically powered systems, while ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the support force unit has a coil spring for generating the support force
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a gas spring for power assistance during closure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A storage compartment (4) for an aircraft (2) comprises a base body (8) and a pivotable swivel compartment (10) therein, and a spring unit (14) coupled between them, wherein in an active state (AZ) a spring element (16) generates a closing force on the swivel compartment (10) by relaxing its spring unit (14), which is prevented in a passive state (PZ), and an activation unit (30) with an activation element (34) which activates the passive state (PZ) in a pre-tensioned zero position (NP) and the active state (AZ) in an activation position (ZP), wherein the activation unit (30) has a locking element (50) for the activation element (34) that is pre-tensioned to a locking position in the activation position (ZP), and wherein the activation unit (30) has a release element (60) for the locking element that can be actuated from a pre-tensioned rest position (RS) to a release position (LS). (50) exhibitswherein in the rest position (RS) locking of the switching element (34) in the switching position (ZP) by the locking means (50) is enabled and prevented in the release position (LS). An aircraft (2) with a base structure (6) contains the storage compartment (4), wherein the base body (8) is fixed to the base structure (6).