Pivotable Aircraft Cargo Containers for Seat Revenue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Empty seats on aircraft result in lost revenue and reduced profitability, particularly affecting smaller airlines and charter operators serving isolated communities.
Innovation Solution
A cargo system comprising multiple storage containers connected via a pivotable mechanism, allowing them to transition from a stacked to a seated arrangement, enabling the system to occupy passenger seats and generate revenue from otherwise unused space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cargo is loaded in stacked arrangement for storage, then storage efficiency and space utilization are improved, but accessibility and loading/unloading convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo system is divided into multiple independently movable containers (first container, second container) connected by a connector. This segmentation allows the containers to be moved independently between stacked and seated arrangements, enabling efficient storage when stacked and easy access when separated and placed on seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to allow relative movement between containers, transitioning from a fixed stacked arrangement to a dynamic seated arrangement. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt between storage efficiency (stacked) and loading convenience (seated with direct seat access).
2Quantity of substance
If multiple containers are used to maximize cargo capacity, then revenue potential is improved, but system complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple containers are merged into a single integrated cargo system through the connector, allowing them to function as one unit during storage (stacked arrangement) while maintaining the capacity of multiple separate containers. This reduces handling complexity compared to managing completely separate containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo system is designed to perform multiple functions: storage (stacked arrangement) and active cargo carrying (seated arrangement on passenger seats). The same connector and container assembly serve both purposes, eliminating the need for separate storage and transport systems.
3Speed
If containers are designed for direct placement on seats, then loading speed is improved, but storage space utilization and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector enables dynamic reconfiguration of the container arrangement. Containers can be quickly transitioned from the stable stacked storage arrangement to the seated arrangement on passenger seats, providing both storage stability and fast loading capability through a single movable system.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a cargo system for storage in a seating area of an aircraft is described. The cargo system includes a plurality of storage containers including a first container operably connected to a second container via at least one connector. The connector(s) is/are configured to allow relative movement of the first container to the second container between a first and second position. Based on the first container being in the first position, the plurality of storage containers are in a stacked arrangement in which the second container supports the first container. And based on the first container being in the second position, the plurality of storage containers are in a seated arrangement in which (i) the first container is positioned relative to the second container and configured to sit on a passenger seat in an aircraft and (ii) the second container abuts or sits adjacent to the passenger seat.