Constant Force Spring Extractor for Aircraft Galley Baskets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crew members in commercial aircraft face difficulties accessing storage areas above shoulder height or deep within the galley due to existing extractors' limited cycle life and subsequent loss of bias, posing hazards and reducing operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A rigid frame extractor with a grip and cable system, utilizing constant force springs to move storage containers from deep within the galley to a proximal opening, allowing easy retrieval by crew members, with the springs designed to withstand tens of thousands of cycles without losing bias.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional springs and spring configurations are used in extractors, then the extractor can be manufactured with conventional components, but the extractor loses its bias after 4000 to 5000 cycles and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of spring design by transitioning from conventional coil springs to constant force springs. This parameter change enables the extractor to withstand tens of thousands of cycles without losing bias, directly resolving the reliability and service life contradiction by maintaining consistent mechanical properties over extended operational periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a low friction plate between the constant force spring and the rigid frame to prevent binding and reduce wear before failure can occur. This preliminary protective measure ensures smooth operation and extends the extractor's service life by preventing premature degradation from friction and binding
2Quantity of substance
If storage areas are positioned above shoulder height or deep in the galley to accommodate more containers, then storage capacity increases, but crew members cannot reach the containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an extractor mechanism as an intermediary device between the crew member and the stored containers. This extractor, equipped with a grip and cable system, extends the crew member's reach into deep or high storage areas, enabling access to containers that would otherwise be inaccessible while maintaining high storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cable running through a pulley system to transform the extraction motion into a different dimensional space. The cable routing allows the grip to be pulled in one direction while the extractor arm moves in another, enabling efficient retrieval from deep or elevated positions without compromising storage density
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 extractor enables efficient retrieval of storage containers from hard-to-reach areas, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing operational safety and efficiency by maintaining consistent performance over a long cycle life.
Implementation Method 1
at least one constant force spring, stored in a spring housing on or near a distal end of a rigid frame of the extractor, biases the extractor arm and grip distally to a rest position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an extractor for an airplane galley storage container. The extractor may include a rigid frame with a grip on a first end portion connected to an extractor arm on an opposite, second end portion of the rigid frame. When the grip is pulled, the extractor arm moves correspondingly proximally from its position on the opposite end of the rigid frame. When the grip is released, at least one constant force spring, stored in a spring housing on or near a distal end of a rigid frame of the extractor, biases the extractor arm and grip distally to a rest position.