Floor-Supported Overhead Storage Bin for Aircraft Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft interiors face challenges in maximizing passenger seating and storage efficiency within weight and space constraints, requiring innovative solutions to enhance passenger comfort and utility while maintaining safety and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of laterally positioned overhead storage bins supported by the aircraft floor, which can be secured to the floor or seat shells, allowing for flexible arrangement and easy access, thereby optimizing space usage and passenger convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If overhead storage bins are mounted from the ceiling of the aircraft, then storage capacity is provided, but floor space is occupied and seating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bin is repositioned from a ceiling-mounted configuration to a floor-supported configuration. The bin is now supported by posts extending upward from the floor rather than being mounted from the ceiling, effectively moving the support structure to a different dimension (from overhead to floor-based) and eliminating the need for ceiling mounting space that would otherwise be available for seating.
2Ease of operation
If overhead storage bins are positioned laterally above seats, then passenger access to storage is improved, but structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the seat structure and transferred to separate floor-mounted posts. Instead of requiring the seat shell to support the overhead bin, independent posts extend from the floor to support the bin, separating the storage support function from the seating function and allowing each to be optimized independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seat shells are designed to support overhead bins, then integration is improved, but seat design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated storage system is segmented into separate functional components: the seat shell for passenger seating, floor-mounted posts for structural support, and overhead bins for storage. This segmentation allows each component to be designed and optimized independently, with the posts providing modular support structures that can be configured without complicating the seat shell design.
Data Source
AI summary
A lounge assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The lounge assembly includes a first seat shell configured to at least partially surround a passenger seat, and an overhead storage bin assembly. The overhead storage bin assembly includes first and second posts configured to be secured to a floor of the aircraft, and an overhead bin housing supported by the first and second posts. The overhead bin housing includes at least a first overhead storage bin that is positioned generally above the first seat shell.