Retainment assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current intermediate retainer system in aircraft galleys is difficult to operate due to a small knob and the inability to visually distinguish between locked and unlocked positions, especially when equipment is stowed, requiring removal and repositioning of multiple retainers during meal service.
Innovation Solution
A retainment assembly with a proximal and distal retainer member that uses a gear assembly to allow the proximal retainer member to move between deployed and retracted positions, controlling the distal retainer member's movement, providing tactile and visual feedback through a longer arm mechanism, and coupling the front and intermediate retainers for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small knob is used for the intermediate retainer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the front retainer and intermediate retainer into a single integrated retainment assembly. The front retainer member and intermediate retainer member are structurally merged with shared components (housing, gear assembly), allowing both functions to be performed by one unified device rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The front retainer member serves multiple functions: it can independently secure the front row of equipment, and when rotated, it can also control the intermediate retainer member to secure the second row of equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate small knob on the intermediate retainer.
2Device complexity
If the retainer is positioned out of view due to stowed equipment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms including color-coded indicators (red for locked, green for unlocked) and tactile feedback through the rotation mechanism. These feedback elements are positioned on the front retainer member which remains accessible and visible to the user during operation.
3Device complexity
If multiple retainers must be removed and repositioned during meal service, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the front and intermediate retainers into one integrated assembly, the system reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled. A single rotation of the front retainer member can simultaneously control both the front and intermediate retainers, streamlining the meal service process.
Solution Approach 2:
The front retainer member acts as a universal control for both rows of equipment. One component performs the function of what would traditionally require two separate retainers, allowing flight attendants to secure or release equipment more efficiently during meal service.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainment assembly that includes a proximal retainer member that is movable between a first retracted position, a second retracted position and a deployed position, a distal retainer member that is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. When the proximal retainer member moves from the deployed position to the first retracted position the distal retainer member does not move, and when the proximal retainer member moves from the deployed position to the second retracted position the distal retainer member moves from the deployed position to the retracted position.