Container Extraction Assembly with Folding Retainer for Galley Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intermediate retainers in aircraft galleys are difficult to operate due to small knobs and lack of visual distinction between locked and unlocked positions, especially when stowed or rotated equipment obstructs visibility.
Innovation Solution
A container extraction assembly with a pull member and retainer assembly that includes hingedly connected leg members and slots, allowing the retainer to move from a deployed to a folded position via a sliding mechanism, enabling easy access and securement of containers by a user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small knob is used to operate the intermediate retainer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is divided into multiple leg members (first leg member, second leg member, third leg member) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the retainer to transition between deployed and folded positions while maintaining operational simplicity through the pull member mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A pull member is introduced as an intermediary element between the user and the retainer mechanism. This pull member, connected to the leg members through slots and hinges, mediates the force application to move the retainer between positions, making operation easier than directly manipulating small knobs or components.
2Reliability
If the retainer is positioned to secure containers, then the reliability of container securing is improved, but the visibility of the retainer's position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly transitions from a static position to a dynamic folded position when activated. The leg members can pivot and slide relative to each other, allowing the retainer to move from a deployed state (securing containers) to a folded state (out of the way), making the position change visually detectable while maintaining securing reliability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly utilizes spatial reconfiguration by folding the leg members into different dimensional arrangements. When folded, the retainer moves from a horizontal securing position to a vertical or compact configuration, changing its spatial footprint and making its state visually apparent while maintaining its container-securing function when deployed.
3Reliability
If the retainer remains in deployed position, then the container securing function is maintained, but the accessibility for extraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is designed with dynamic leg members that can pivot and slide to transition between deployed and folded positions. This dynamic capability allows the retainer to maintain container securing when needed while providing easy accessibility for extraction when folded, resolving the contradiction between securing reliability and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull member mechanism enables the retainer assembly to self-transition between deployed and folded states through simple user input. When the pull member is actuated, the leg members automatically fold through the slot and hinge mechanism, providing self-service functionality that improves accessibility without compromising securing reliability when deployed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container extraction assembly that includes an extractor assembly and a retainer assembly. The extractor assembly includes a pull member and an extractor member. The extractor member is movable between a distal position and a proximal position and the pull member is movable between first, second third positions. Moving the pull member from the first position to the third position moves the extractor member from the distal to the proximal position. The retainer assembly includes a proximal leg member and a distal leg member that are hingedly connected to one another. The retainer assembly is movable between a deployed position, a folded position and a finish position. Moving the pull member from the first position to the second position moves the retainer assembly from the deployed to the folded position, and moving the pull member from the second position to the third position moves the retainer assembly from the folded to the finish position.