Overhead Stowage Bin Pivot Alignment for Low Closing Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cabin stowage systems require high forces to open and close overhead bins due to their design, leading to potential injuries for flight attendants and increased complexity and weight with added assist mechanisms, which are not intuitive for passengers to operate.
Innovation Solution
The stowage bin is designed with a pivot axis aligned with its center of gravity, featuring a minimized inboard corner radius and rotational bearings that counterbalance the bin contents, allowing the bin to open easily and stay open for loading, reducing the forces required for operation and simplifying the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If pivot type bins with increased capacity are used to accommodate more carry-on baggage, then the stowage capacity is improved, but the force required to lift and close the bins increases to 40-60 lbs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pivot axis at the center of gravity of the bin in the closed position, creating a counterbalancing effect where the bin's own weight is distributed equally on both sides of the pivot. This reduces the moment arm and minimizes the force required to open and close the bin, resolving the contradiction between increased stowage capacity and reduced closing force.
2Force
If structural assist mechanisms such as mechanical springs or gas springs are added to help with bin load, then the force required to operate the bin is reduced, but the device complexity, weight, and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for external assist mechanisms by strategically positioning the pivot axis at the bin's center of gravity. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall system, reducing complexity, weight, and maintenance requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin's own weight and geometry are utilized to provide the balancing effect that would otherwise require external springs or assist mechanisms. The center of gravity alignment creates a self-balancing system that naturally reduces operating force without requiring additional active components.
3Force
If assist springs are used to provide structural assist, then the operating force is reduced, but the bin requires additional dampers and lock mechanisms which add expense, weight, and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for dampers, locks, and detent mechanisms by using the pivot-at-center-of-gravity design. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces the total number of parts, lowering expense, weight, and maintenance requirements while maintaining safe and intuitive operation.
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
This design significantly reduces the forces needed to open and close the bin, enhancing ergonomics and reducing maintenance and operational costs by allowing the bin to open automatically and stay open, while maintaining a simple and intuitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
the bin contents act as a counter balance to reduce the mass the user must lift to close the overhead bin
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomically improved stowage system includes a supporting structure, a bin having a volume with an opening to receive a load, the bin being movable with respect to the supporting structure from a closed to an open position, and an attaching mechanism for attaching the bin to the structure. The attaching mechanism includes a bin pivot axis that is located in substantial alignment with a center of gravity of the bin in the closed position.