Aircraft Headrest Storage Compartment Securement Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin attendant seats lack a secure storage mechanism for equipment like personal breathing apparatuses, where the headrest compartment must be securely closed during flight without unintentionally opening, and existing solutions face challenges due to limited space above the seat.
Innovation Solution
A securement mechanism featuring a biasing member that applies torque to latches to secure the headrest compartment, combined with a collapsible bulb seal to prevent rattling and a release button mechanism that allows easy access, ensuring the compartment remains closed during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a securement mechanism with latches is installed in the headrest compartment, then the reliability of securing equipment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securement mechanism is divided into two independent latches (first latch and second latch) that can be engaged or disengaged separately. Each latch operates independently to secure the compartment, allowing partial securing if one latch cannot be fully engaged, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically applies torque to the latches to maintain them in the engaged position without requiring continuous manual intervention. The mechanism self-regulates to keep the compartment secured, reducing the operational complexity while ensuring reliable closure through automatic biasing force
2Ease of operation
If a release button mechanism is added for quick access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release button is integrated with the existing latch mechanism such that a single button press simultaneously disengages both latches through the shared pivot shaft connection. This merging of release functions into one simple interface improves ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of separate release mechanisms for each latch
Solution Approach 2:
The release button serves multiple functions: it can release both latches simultaneously, and the biasing member provides both securing force and return force for the button. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity
3Volume of stationary object
If space above the seat is constrained by attendant module, then the volume available for mechanism installation is reduced, but this limits the design options for securement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is nested within the headrest compartment structure itself, with latches mounted on the pivot shaft that rotates within the compartment housing. The biasing member is positioned within the same housing space, allowing the entire securement mechanism to be contained within the existing headrest volume without requiring additional space above the seat
Solution Approach 2:
The latches are designed to rotate about a pivot shaft axis, utilizing rotational motion in a different dimension rather than linear movement that would require more vertical space. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to function effectively within the constrained volume above the seat while maintaining full securing capability
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 securement mechanism effectively secures the storage compartment, preventing unintentional opening and providing quick access while optimizing space usage, even in constrained areas above the seat.
Implementation Method 1
A first biasing member may be in operable communication with the first latch and may bias the first latch toward a first latch position that secures the securement mechanism
Implementation Method 2
In various embodiments, a collapsible bulb seal may be disposed between the headrest door and the housing tray
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A securement mechanism (140; 220; 300) for a storage compartment (101) in a seat headrest may comprise a housing tray (110; 310) and a first latch disposed in the housing tray (110; 310). A release button (116; 316) may be disposed in the housing tray (110; 310) and may contact the first latch. The release button (116; 316) may be configured to be substantially coplanar with the housing tray (110; 310) when the securement mechanism (140; 220; 300) is in a secured position.