Deployable Aircraft Handle System for Turbulence Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft interiors lack features for passengers and flight attendants to grab and hold onto during abrupt changes in motion, such as turbulence, which can disrupt balance, yet existing support structures like rails and grab bars compromise the sleek design.
Innovation Solution
A deployable handle system with a support structure that moves from a stowed position to a deployed position in response to vehicle motion exceeding a threshold rate, using sensors and an actuator to extend a handle accessible to passengers during abrupt changes, maintaining the aircraft's aesthetic while providing support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support structures such as rails, handles, or grab bars are introduced within the aircraft's interior cabin to provide a surface for individuals to grab and hold onto for support, then passenger safety and support during abrupt motion changes is improved, but the overall harmony of the aircraft's sleek interior design is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system transitions from a static design to a dynamic one by deploying handles only when needed during abrupt motion changes. The support structure remains hidden during normal operations and automatically extends when sensors detect turbulence or rapid acceleration, providing temporary support without permanently altering the sleek interior design.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system employs a nested configuration where the support structure is concealed within the aircraft's interior surfaces during normal operations. The handles are stored in recessed positions and only extend outward when deployed, allowing the interior design to remain unbroken while support functionality is available when required.
2Ease of operation
If the support structure is made accessible to passengers at all times, then passenger support availability is improved, but the aircraft's sleek interior design and space utilization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts handle accessibility based on real-time detection of abrupt motion changes. During normal flight conditions, handles remain concealed to preserve cabin space and design. When sensors detect turbulence or rapid acceleration, the handles automatically extend to provide immediate support, optimizing both accessibility and space utilization at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system prepares for potential passenger support needs by pre-positioning the support structure in a concealed state. When abrupt motion changes are detected, the handles are already in place and can be immediately grabbed by passengers, eliminating the need for manual deployment while maintaining a clean interior design during normal operations.
3Reliability
If the handle system is deployed continuously, then passenger support is always available, but energy consumption increases and the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system operates periodically rather than continuously, deploying only when sensors detect abrupt motion changes such as turbulence or rapid acceleration. This on-demand operation significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous deployment while maintaining reliable support availability when passengers actually need it during abnormal flight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system automatically detects when deployment is needed through integrated sensors that monitor flight conditions. The system self-activates during abrupt motion changes without requiring manual intervention, and automatically retracts when conditions normalize, minimizing energy consumption while ensuring support is available when needed.
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 handle system effectively provides support to passengers during turbulence and other abrupt movements without compromising the aircraft's interior design, ensuring passenger safety while maintaining a harmonious and sleek cabin environment.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors configured to obtain data indicative of vehicle motion
Implementation Method 2
an actuator operably coupled to the support structure and configured to move the support structure between the stowed position and the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A handle system for a vehicle is disclosed and includes a support structure defining a handle. The support structure is movable between a stowed position where the handle is inaccessible by a passenger and a deployed position where the handle is accessible by the passenger. The handle system also includes an actuator operably coupled to the support structure and configured to move the support structure between the stowed position and the deployed position. The handle system further includes one or more sensors configured to obtain data indicative of vehicle motion and a controller. The controller is configured to determine the vehicle exceeds a threshold rate of movement based on the data obtained by the one or more sensors. In response to determining the vehicle exceeds the threshold rate of movement, the controller instructs the actuator to move the support structure from the stowed position into the deployed position.