Interactive Overhead Bin Switch With Status Feedback Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased size and load capacity of stowage compartments in aircraft cabins, combined with higher ceilings, make it difficult for passengers to close overhead compartments and determine their operational status, such as being fully loaded or overweight.
Innovation Solution
An electronic interactive switch system is introduced, featuring an indicator surface for user input and display, a control system for receiving local and remote inputs, and light generating elements to communicate operational conditions, facilitating easier operation and status monitoring of stowage compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If stowage compartments are placed higher in the cabin to increase personal space, then headroom is improved, but it becomes difficult for passengers to close the compartments and determine their operational status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electronic system. A sensor detects when the compartment door is properly closed and sends this information to a control system, which then activates an indicator light to confirm proper closure. This eliminates the need for passengers to physically ensure proper closure, solving the problem of difficult operation at high placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor monitors the compartment door position and communicates this status to an indicator light. The indicator light provides visual feedback to passengers about whether the compartment is properly closed, locked, or overloaded, solving the problem of determining operational status at high placements.
2Length of moving object
If stowage compartments are placed higher in the cabin to increase personal space, then headroom is improved, but it becomes difficult for passengers to determine operational status such as fully loaded, locked, or overweight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor monitors the compartment door position and communicates this status to an indicator light. The indicator light provides visual feedback to passengers about whether the compartment is properly closed, locked, or overloaded, solving the problem of determining operational status at high placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded indicator lights to communicate compartment status. Different colors indicate different operational states (e.g., green for properly closed, red for overloaded or improperly locked), providing clear visual information to passengers about the compartment's operational status without requiring them to physically inspect it.
3Loss of information
If electronic indicator systems are added to stowage compartments, then operational status visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single multi-functional indicator light system that communicates multiple compartment statuses (closed, locked, overloaded) through different colors or patterns. This consolidates multiple information channels into one component, providing comprehensive status information while minimizing the addition of complex separate indicators for each status condition.
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 system enables easier opening and closing of stowage compartments while providing clear operational data to users, enhancing passenger convenience and safety by clearly indicating loaded, locked, or overweight conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light generating element responsive to the controller. The light generating element is disposed adjacent the second side of the indicator surface, in order to generate light that is transmitted via the display surface to the user
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive switch system for a stowage compartment system for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is provided. The switch system is mounted to a moveable structure, such as an overhead stowage bin, and is responsive to a local input from a user, as well as to a remote input from an external control/monitoring panel. The switch system has at least one indicator surface responsive to the local input and the remote input to display indicator data. The indicator surface has a portion that forms at least one user input device for enabling the local input. The switch system further comprises a control system disposed behind the indicator surface. The control system is responsive to the local input and the remote input to transmit the indicator data to the indicator surface.