Aircraft Cabin Object Holder With Rotating Magnetic Retention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object holders in aircraft cabins are unaesthetic, limit space, and provide imperfect object retention during aircraft movement phases, requiring passengers to stow objects manually, which is tedious and uncomfortable.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a mobile object that rotates between an installation and attachment position, using interference surfaces and magnetic interactions for secure attachment, allowing easy placement and removal of objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cylindrical nests are used to hold objects, then objects can be received and held to some extent, but the device becomes unaesthetic, space is limited, and object retention is imperfect during aircraft movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject retentionVSAvoidholder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder incorporates a rotatable object that can move between a first position (for placement) and a second position (for secure attachment). This dynamic mechanism allows the holder to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing both ease of access and secure retention during aircraft movement phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is divided into distinct functional components: an interface portion attached to the cabin wall, a rotatable object with attachment region, and interference surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If objects are placed in traditional nests, then they can be accessed during passenger stay, but manual stowing is required during taxiing, take-off, and landing phases which is tedious and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject handlingVSAvoidstowing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable holder provides self-service functionality by automatically securing objects in the attachment position during critical flight phases. The mechanical design ensures that once the object is placed and the holder is rotated to the second position, the object is passively secured without requiring active passenger intervention for stowing or securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the object is fixed in one position on the attachment region, then attachment is simple, but the object cannot be securely held during aircraft movement phases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject retentionVSAvoidobject position

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the holder are designed with different properties: the attachment region provides a flat surface for stable object placement, while the interference surfaces provide mechanical engagement for secure retention. This local differentiation of properties allows the single device to fulfill multiple functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 a compact, aesthetic, and robust object retention system that simplifies handling during aircraft movement, ensuring objects remain securely attached without manual stowing.

Implementation Method 1

the interface includes a first magnetic interaction zone including a first permanent magnet and/or a first zone configured to be magnetized by a permanent magnet, the object having at least a second magnetic interaction zone, the second magnetic interaction zone including a second permanent magnet, or a second zone configured to be magnetized by a permanent magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the interface includes a first interference surface protruding from the attachment region, a second interference surface protruding from the attachment region, the object having a peripheral surface with, in the attachment position, a first contact region with the first interference surface and a second contact region with the second interference surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12552536B2Device for holding objects in an aircraft cabin and associated method for holding

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 DASSAULT AVIATION SA

AI summary

A device for holding objects in an aircraft cabin includes at least one interface, intended for being attached to a wall of the cabin, or for being formed in a wall of the cabin, the interface defining an attachment region for the object, the object being suitable for being placed in contact with the attachment region. The object can be rotated over the attachment region between a position for placing the object on the attachment region, wherein the object can be moved away from the attachment region, and an attachment position of the object on the attachment region, wherein the object is held on the attachment region.