Adjustable Galley Retaining Arm for Variable Item Sizes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining assemblies in galleys, such as aircraft galleys, struggle to securely retain items of varying sizes due to movement during use, as they are typically fixed and unable to adjust for different item dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A retaining assembly comprising a movable retaining arm, a mounting rod, and a biasing device, allowing the retaining arm to be adjusted along the mounting rod to accommodate items of different sizes, with limiter mechanisms to control movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed retaining assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate items of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining arm is made adjustable along the mounting rod, transforming a fixed structure into a dynamic one that can be repositioned. The arm can slide to different locations on the rod and be secured at various positions, enabling adaptation to different item sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining assembly is divided into separable components: the mounting rod with multiple positioning locations, the retaining arm that can be positioned at different locations, and the biasing device. This segmentation allows the arm to be independently adjusted to different positions along the rod to accommodate various item dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate retainer is provided to retain items at different depths, then items of different sizes can be retained, but the structure becomes more complex and requires multiple fixed components
Solution Approach 1:
The single retaining arm serves multiple functions by being adjustable to different positions on the mounting rod. Instead of requiring separate fixed retainers for different depths, one universal retaining arm can be positioned at various locations to retain items of different sizes and depths, simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining arm transitions from a fixed position to an adjustable position system. By allowing the arm to move along the mounting rod and be secured at different locations, a single dynamic component replaces multiple static components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retaining arm is made adjustable, then it can accommodate various item sizes, but the mechanism becomes more complex requiring biasing devices and limiters
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device automatically pushes the retaining arm toward the extended position, providing self-adjustment capability. When an item is placed in the storage unit, it naturally pushes the retaining arm to the appropriate position against the biasing force, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while still achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a biasing device that applies force to change the position parameter of the retaining arm. By adjusting the biasing force and the arm's position along the mounting rod, the system achieves adaptability through parameter changes rather than complex mechanical adjustments, simplifying the overall mechanism.
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
Enables secure retention of items by allowing adjustable positioning of the retaining arm, effectively managing movement and accommodating various item sizes within the galley storage units.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device; wherein the retaining arm is movable between a non-retaining position and a retaining position; wherein when in the retaining position, the retaining arm is arranged to prevent movement in a retaining direction; wherein the retaining arm is adjustably mounted to the mounting rod such that its position on the mounting rod is adjustable in the retaining direction; and wherein the biasing device is arranged to provide a biasing force on the retaining arm to bias its position on the mounting rod
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~3d
AI summary
A retaining assembly (200), for a galley, including a retaining arm (201), a mounting rod (202) and a biasing device (203). The retaining arm (201) is movable between a non-retaining position and a retaining position. When in the retaining position, the retaining arm (201) is arranged to prevent movement of an item in a retaining direction (206). The retaining arm (201) is adjustably mounted to the mounting rod (202), such that its position on the mounting rod (202) is adjustable in the retaining direction (206). The biasing device (203) is arranged to provide a biasing force on the retaining arm (201) to bias its position on the mounting rod (202).