Pivot Bin Assembly with Two-Part Axle for Aircraft Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft overhead storage bins face challenges in efficiently accommodating and securing passenger luggage due to space constraints and the need for minimal hand loads to close the bins, while maintaining safety and comfort within weight and cost restraints.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivot bin assembly with a bucket that pivots about a pivot axis, where the center of gravity is positioned below the axis in the closed position, allowing for easy loading and unloading of luggage, and features a clamshell design with a rotary damper and assist spring for controlled opening and closing, reducing the force required to close the bin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the bin is designed with a traditional pivot mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the force required to close the bin is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the center of gravity of the bucket below the pivot axis, creating a counterbalancing effect that reduces the force required to close the bin. This gravitational counterweight mechanism allows the bin to close with minimal manual effort while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the pivot mechanism by using a two-part pivot axle system with specific dimensional parameters (e.g., axle diameter, length, and positioning) that optimize the mechanical advantage and reduce closing force while maintaining structural integrity.
2Force
If the center of gravity is positioned below the pivot axis, then the force to close the bin is reduced, but the bin stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The center of gravity is strategically positioned below the pivot axis to create a counterbalancing effect that assists closure while the pivot mechanism design ensures stability during operation. The two-part axle system provides rotational stability despite the offset center of gravity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the pivot mechanism to maintain equipotential conditions during rotation, ensuring that the bucket remains stable throughout its motion range. The mechanical design compensates for the offset center of gravity to prevent unwanted oscillations or instability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a two-part pivot axle is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axle is divided into two separate parts that are assembled together, allowing for improved manufacturing precision of each individual component. This segmentation enables tighter tolerances and better quality control while the modular design simplifies assembly and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-part pivot axle system is designed to function as a unified mechanism, combining the advantages of precision manufacturing with simplified assembly. The parts are engineered to fit together with precise tolerances, achieving high manufacturing precision without excessive complexity.
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 configuration increases storage capacity, reduces the force needed to close the bin, and enhances passenger safety by ensuring easy access and secure storage of luggage while minimizing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary damper for controlled opening and closing
Implementation Method 2
assist spring for controlled opening and closing
Implementation Method 3
the center of gravity is positioned below the axis in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft storage bin that includes an upper housing with first and second side panels, a bucket that includes a bottom and first and second sides, a first clevis assembly that includes a first inner plate and a first outer plate that extend between the first side panel and the first side wall, and a second clevis assembly that includes a second inner plate and a second outer plate that extend between the second side panel and the second side wall. The first inner plate includes a first outer protrusion and the first outer plate includes first inner protrusion that cooperate to form a first pivot axle. The second inner plate includes a second outer protrusion and the second outer plate includes second inner protrusion that cooperate to form a second pivot axle.