Pivotable Aircraft Luggage Compartment Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers face difficulties in storing and retrieving luggage in aircraft storage compartments due to the need for excessive force to lift and maneuver luggage into fixed receptacles, especially when the compartments are designed as chutes, which can be cumbersome and require significant effort.
Innovation Solution
A storage compartment configuration with a pivotably or rotatably mounted suspension system that allows the compartment to rotate around its geometric center point, reducing the effort required for loading and unloading luggage and enabling easier access with a lower loading edge height, along with a flap mechanism that moves opposite to the compartment's opening direction to simplify access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage compartment is fixed to the aircraft structure, then the compartment is stable and secure, but passengers must exert enormous force to lift luggage into the compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically movable one, suspended by straps that allow it to pivot and rotate. This enables the compartment to move freely to accommodate loading operations while maintaining secure attachment during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational movement around a horizontal axis, allowing the compartment to tilt downward and position its loading edge at a lower height. This dimensional change in movement capability reduces the vertical lifting distance for passengers.
2Ease of operation
If the storage compartment is designed as a rotatable chute, then luggage can be placed more easily, but passengers must apply large force to close the chute
Solution Approach 1:
The entire storage compartment is made dynamically movable rather than fixing only the chute mechanism. The suspension system allows the whole compartment to rotate and position itself, eliminating the need for forceful closing of a rigid chute.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system acts as a counterbalance mechanism, supporting the weight of the compartment and its contents. This reduces the effort needed to manipulate the compartment during closing operations.
3Reliability
If the storage compartment is fixed at high position, then it is securely mounted, but the loading edge height requires passengers to heave luggage to great height
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment transitions from a statically fixed position to a dynamically adjustable one. The suspension allows the compartment to pivot and rotate, enabling the loading edge to be positioned at optimal heights during loading while maintaining secure mounting during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds rotational freedom around a horizontal axis, allowing the compartment to tilt in a new dimension. This enables the loading edge to reach lower positions without compromising the secure attachment to the aircraft structure.
4Ease of operation
If the storage compartment is suspended with pivot capability, then loading effort is reduced, but the compartment structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex rigid mounting structure and complex closing mechanisms are extracted and replaced with simple flexible suspension straps. This reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining or improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting system from rigid fixed connections to flexible pivotable suspensions. This parameter change enables simple rotational movement without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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 physical effort needed for opening and closing the storage compartment, making it accessible to smaller passengers and enhancing safety by stabilizing the compartment in turbulent conditions, while maintaining a visually appealing and integrated cabin design.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension is designed in such a manner that the geometric center point of the storage space and preferably also the center of gravity of the homogeneously loaded storage compartment is in the area of a pivot or rotational axis of the suspension
Data Source
AI summary
A storage compartment configuration and an aircraft having a storage compartment configuration according to the invention are proposed. The storage compartment configuration has a storage compartment having a storage space and a suspension. The storage space is designed to receive pieces of luggage. The suspension is used for the attaching the storage compartment to a load-bearing structure of the aircraft. The suspension is designed in such a manner that the storage compartment can be pivoted essentially around a geometrical center point of the storage space.