Overhead Stowage Bin Electronic Locking for Emergency Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft overhead stowage bins face issues with limited space management, first-come-first-serve storage, lack of locking features, and potential delays during emergencies due to passengers accessing luggage.
Innovation Solution
A locking system for overhead stowage bins featuring an electromechanical actuator, bin and master controllers, sensors, and displays to manage bin space and locking states, allowing flight crew to control access and passenger inputs for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system is added to overhead stowage bins, then safety is improved by preventing unauthorized access during emergencies, but device complexity increases due to additional components like electromechanical actuators and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking mechanisms with an electromechanical actuator system controlled by controllers. The electromechanical actuator uses electrical signals to engage or disengage the latch, eliminating the need for manual intervention and providing automated control over bin access, thereby improving safety during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces controllers as intermediary devices between the user and the locking mechanism. The bin controller and master controller process signals and coordinate the electromechanical actuator's operation, providing intelligent control logic that manages the complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
2Productivity
If space availability information is provided to passengers, then boarding efficiency is improved by reducing delays, but device complexity increases due to sensors and display systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors detect the amount of space available in overhead bins and transmit this information to display devices. These displays provide real-time visual feedback to passengers about bin availability, enabling them to make informed decisions and reducing boarding delays caused by searching for empty bins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables passengers to independently assess bin availability through the display interface without requiring assistance from crew members. This self-service capability allows passengers to autonomously determine where to place their luggage, improving boarding efficiency while distributing the informational function across the system rather than requiring manual intervention.
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
Enhances safety by preventing unauthorized access during emergencies and reduces boarding delays by optimizing storage space utilization and communication.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical actuator configured to actuate the latch
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system for an overhead stowage bin may comprise a latch and an electromechanical actuator configured to actuate the latch. A bin controller may be electrically coupled to the electromechanical actuator. A passenger input and a master controller may be in operable communication with the bin controller.