Frameless Aircraft Stowage Bin Supporting Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stowage bin systems on aircraft are heavy due to their framed design, which increases the overall weight of the aircraft without necessarily enhancing performance, and are complex to install.
Innovation Solution
A frameless stowage bin system design featuring two disjoint supporting panels that attach to vertical and horizontal frame members, with a stowage bin bucket positioned between them, allowing for direct load transfer to the fuselage and independent installation of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional framed design is used for the stowage bin system, then the structural strength and load-bearing capability are ensured, but the weight of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frame structure from the stowage bin system, retaining only the essential supporting panels that attach directly to the fuselage. This extraction of the frame eliminates unnecessary weight while maintaining load-bearing capability through direct panel-to-fuselage load transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin panel structures instead of bulky frame constructions. The supporting panels are designed as relatively thin structural elements that can bend and deform elastically under load, providing both weight reduction and structural integrity through their geometric configuration and material properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional framed design is used for the stowage bin system, then the structural stability is maintained, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stowage bin system into discrete supporting panels that can be independently installed and positioned. Each panel is a separate component that attaches to the fuselage and supports the bucket, allowing for modular assembly and simplified installation compared to assembling multiple frame members.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the frame structure entirely, the patent eliminates the complex assembly of multiple frame members, joints, and connections. The supporting panels are installed directly to the fuselage, significantly reducing installation steps and complexity while maintaining structural stability.
3Weight of stationary object
If a frameless design with disjoint supporting panels is used, then the weight is reduced by 10-30%, but the load transfer mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, transfer loads to the fuselage, define the boundaries of the stowage bin, and attach the bucket to the aircraft structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall load transfer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting panels act as intermediary elements between the stowage bin bucket and the fuselage structure. They directly interface with both the bucket and the fuselage, providing a straightforward load transfer path without requiring additional frame members or complex connection mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If disjoint supporting panels are used instead of a frame, then the fabrication complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate, modular supporting panels that can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes. Each panel is a discrete component with standardized attachment features, simplifying fabrication compared to constructing and assembling multiple frame members with precise joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standardized attachment parameters and geometric configurations on the supporting panels, such as standard hole patterns, mounting flanges, or attachment mechanisms. These standardized parameters simplify manufacturing while ensuring precise and consistent installation to the fuselage structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are stowage bin systems for use on aircrafts and other like vehicles. A stowage bin system may include two disjoint supporting panels and a stowage bin bucket disposed between and pivotally supported by these panels after installation. The supporting panels may be attached to vertical frame members and, in some embodiments, to other frame members, such as adjacent vertical frame members or to horizontal frame members. In some embodiments, a supporting panel may include a gusset extending substantially normal to the main surfaces of the panel. The gusset may provide additional rigidity to the panel and, in some embodiments, include one or more open channels for attaching to a horizontal frame member. The supporting panels transfer all loads generated during operation of the aircraft from the stowage bin bucket and to the fuselage or, more specifically, to vertical and other frame members.