Curved Transition Stowage Bin for Aircraft Cabin Cross-Section Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft storage bin systems face challenges in transitioning between constant and non-constant cross-sectional areas of passenger cabins, resulting in abrupt and aesthetically unpleasing angles, loss of space, and complex installation issues due to the need for additional wedge or pie-shaped components and seals.
Innovation Solution
Positioning symmetrical, functional storage bins at angles in transition areas between standard bin rows, with curved top surfaces blending into straight bottom edges to align with PSU modules, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If abrupt angled transitions are used between constant and non-constant cross-sectional bin rows, then installation is simpler, but space is lost and appearance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The transition bin incorporates a curved top surface that smoothly blends between the constant and non-constant cross-sectional bin rows. This curved geometry eliminates the need for abrupt angled transitions and wedge-shaped components, maximizing space utilization while maintaining aesthetic appearance. The curved surface allows the transition bin to fit seamlessly into the tapering fuselage geometry without creating gaps or requiring additional sealing components.
2Area of stationary object
If wedge or pie-shaped components are added to span transition areas, then space coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the transition area coverage function into a single integrated transition bin that combines the storage function with the geometric transition function. Instead of using separate wedge-shaped components and seals to cover the transition area, the transition bin itself is shaped to span and close out the space between adjacent angled bin rows, eliminating the need for additional parts and simplifying the overall structure.
3Reliability
If additional seals and components are used in transition areas, then sealing is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from separate seal components and integrates it directly into the transition bin structure. The transition bin is designed with surfaces that directly contact and seal against the adjacent bin rows and ceiling structures, eliminating the need for separate seal components. This integration maintains reliable sealing while significantly reducing installation time by reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled and aligned.
4Ease of manufacture
If mitered ceiling elements are used at transitions, then installation is simpler, but architectural appearance is abrupt
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling elements are designed to follow the curved top surface of the transition bin, creating a smooth blended architectural appearance. Instead of using abrupt mitered joints, the ceiling elements are shaped to conform to the curved geometry of the transition bin, providing a continuous and aesthetically pleasing transition that matches the overall curved architecture of the aircraft interior.
Data Source
AI summary
Storage bins for architectural transitions in passenger cabins of airplanes and other vehicles. A transition storage bin is positioned between adjacent rows of straight storage bins and at the location where the fuselage or cabin changes cross-sectional dimensions. The front surface of the transition storage bin is curved to merge smoothly with the front surfaces of the adjacent storage bins.