Overhead Stowage Bin Electronic Latching for Boarding Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft overhead stowage bins face issues with limited space management, lack of locking mechanisms, and potential delays during boarding and emergencies due to passengers accessing luggage, which can hinder evacuation procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controlled locking system for overhead stowage bins, featuring an electromechanical actuator to secure the bin door, a bin controller to manage passenger inputs, and a master controller for flight crew control, along with sensors to monitor space and obstruction, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system is added to the overhead stowage bin, then safety during emergencies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an automated electromechanical actuator system controlled by controllers. The actuator automatically engages or disengages the latch mechanism based on control signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining safety during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controllers as intermediary components between the user and the locking mechanism. The controllers process inputs and generate control signals that automatically manage the latch engagement, providing intelligent control while isolating the complex control logic from the simple mechanical locking action.
2Ease of operation
If an electromechanical actuator is used to control the latch, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the actuator automatically responds to control signals without requiring manual manipulation of the latch mechanism. The controller monitors conditions and autonomously actuates the latch, making the system easier to operate while the added complexity is managed through automated control logic.
3Productivity
If bin space availability is monitored and displayed, then productivity during boarding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors detect bin space availability and the controllers process this information to generate display outputs. This real-time feedback loop provides passengers with immediate information about bin availability, enabling faster boarding decisions without manual inspection of each bin.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual indicators such as color-coded displays to communicate bin status information. Different colors represent different availability states, allowing passengers to quickly assess bin status at a glance, thereby improving boarding efficiency through intuitive visual feedback.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking system for an overhead stowage bin may comprise a latch (116) and an electromechanical actuator (114) configured to actuate the latch. A bin controller (112) may be electrically coupled to the electromechanical actuator. A passenger input (110) and a master controller (154) may be in operable communication with the bin controller.