Overhead Stowage Bin Locking System with Electromechanical Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft overhead stowage bins lack a locking mechanism, leading to boarding delays and safety concerns during emergencies, as passengers struggle to determine available space and access luggage, potentially hindering evacuation procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controlled locking system for overhead stowage bins, featuring a latch actuated by an electromechanical actuator, a bin controller, and a master controller, allowing flight crew to lock and unlock bins, with sensors and displays to manage space and status information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to overhead stowage bins, then safety during emergencies is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual locking mechanisms with an electromechanical actuator system controlled by a bin controller. The electromechanical actuator uses electrical signals to engage and disengage the latch, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving emergency safety while maintaining manageable complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin controller automatically manages the locking state based on received commands from the master controller, without requiring passenger intervention. The system self-regulates the latch position according to flight crew inputs or automatic conditions, improving safety while reducing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If electronic control systems with sensors and displays are added, then boarding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bin controller receives feedback from sensors that detect bin status and communicates this information to the master controller and display systems. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring of bin availability, improving boarding efficiency by guiding passengers to appropriate bins while managing complexity through automated information exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin controller serves multiple functions: it controls the electromechanical actuator for locking, receives commands from the master controller, processes sensor inputs, and communicates with display systems. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple subsystems into a single controller, improving boarding efficiency while containing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If locking capability is implemented, then evacuation safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical actuator replaces manual locking mechanisms, allowing flight crew to control bin access electronically during emergencies. This substitution improves evacuation safety by ensuring bins remain securely closed when needed, while the electronic control interface maintains ease of operation for crew members through simple button or switch inputs.
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 restricting access during emergencies and reduces boarding times by clearly indicating available space, thus improving passenger flow and evacuation efficiency.
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.