Aircraft Storage Bin Sensor with VOC Fire Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage bin sensors in aircraft do not monitor the status of materials stored, particularly lithium batteries, which can cause fires, and lack integrated fire or smoke detection, making closed compartments vulnerable to in-flight incidents.
Innovation Solution
An overhead storage bin sensor system that includes VOC sensors to detect outgassing, odors, and fires by monitoring air quality, with a microcontroller, radio, and time-of-flight sensors to measure volume and report events to the flight crew, providing early detection and rapid response capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current bin sensors are used to monitor volume occupancy, then volume information is provided to crew and ground systems, but the storage bin remains vulnerable to fire and smoke incidents because fire/smoke detection is not integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines volume occupancy sensing and fire/smoke detection into a single integrated sensor assembly installed in the storage bin. The sensor unit includes both optical sensors for volume measurement and fire/smoke detection capabilities, allowing dual functionality from one device rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: monitoring storage bin occupancy volume and detecting fire or smoke conditions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate detection systems and provides comprehensive safety monitoring within the same device structure.
2Reliability
If storage bins monitor only volume occupancy, then space utilization is tracked, but early detection of hazardous materials like lithium batteries is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The fire and smoke detection sensors are positioned within the storage bin to detect hazardous conditions before they escalate into full-scale incidents. The system performs preliminary detection of smoke particles and thermal changes that indicate lithium battery or capacitor issues, enabling early warning before visible fire occurs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If closed compartment storage bins are used, then passenger belongings are secured, but fire and smoke can propagate undetected within the enclosed space
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly continuously monitors conditions within the closed storage bin and provides feedback to the aircraft safety system. When fire or smoke is detected, the system immediately communicates the hazard condition to crew alerting systems, enabling rapid response. The closed bin structure contains the hazard while the sensor provides real-time information about internal conditions.
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 early detection of overheated materials and potential fires, preventing their propagation and potentially avoiding emergency landings by providing timely alerts to the cabin crew.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor assembly including a time of flight sensor
Implementation Method 2
VOC sensors monitor for outgassing of materials or smoldering material by monitoring air quality within storage bin space
Data Source
AI summary
Operation of an overhead storage bin sensor used to monitor the volume consumed within the bin including a VOC sensor to monitor for material that may become overheated within the bin such as lithium ion batteries in electronics products is provided. Currently, fire or smoke detectors are not integrated into the storage bins leaving this area vulnerable to developing fires and outgassing of electronic components often stored by passengers. Early detection of such events can prevent propagation of fire on board an aircraft by rapidly reporting the event and giving the location of the event. The system described leverages other patents applied for including a wireless sensor network and storage volume sensors. The sensor monitors for outgassing of materials or smoldering material by monitoring the air quality within the bin space.