PSU Pod Assembly with Integrated Lighting for Aircraft Overhead Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft face challenges in maximizing overhead stowage volume and passenger comfort within weight and structural constraints, as existing overhead storage bin designs often result in reduced stowage capacity and increased weight due to redundant paneling and complex attachment systems.
Innovation Solution
The pivot bin assembly employs a 'clamshell design' with a single piece bucket and upper housing that minimizes overlap when closed, integrating environmental control system ducting and electrical components, and features a PSU pod assembly with integrated reading lights and cabin lighting, allowing for increased stowage volume and reduced weight by eliminating redundant paneling and simplifying attachment points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional overhead storage bin designs are used with multiple panels and complex attachment systems, then structural integrity is maintained, but stowage volume is reduced and weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate panels into a single integrated panel structure that serves both structural and attachment functions. The single panel design eliminates the need for multiple separate attachment systems while maintaining structural integrity, thereby increasing stowage volume and reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, enabling attachment to the aircraft, and defining the storage bin boundaries. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall attachment system.
2Weight of stationary object
If traditional overhead storage bin designs with redundant paneling are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges redundant paneling into a single integrated panel that maintains all necessary structural functions. By eliminating duplicate panels and their associated fasteners, the overall weight of the bin assembly is reduced while structural integrity is preserved through the unified design.
3Volume of stationary object
If overhead storage bins are designed to maximize stowage volume, then passenger utility is improved, but headroom space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement of the storage bin by changing the orientation and positioning of panels in three-dimensional space. The integrated panel design allows for more efficient use of vertical and lateral space, maximizing stowage volume without encroaching on passenger headroom.
Data Source
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AI summary
A personal service unit pod assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The personal service unit pod assembly includes a personal service unit pod and a panel positioned directly above and affixed to the personal service unit pod. The pod includes a housing with a lens assembly and a pod interior, a first reading light positioned within the pod interior and configured to shine light below the bottom of the housing, and cabin lighting positioned in the housing and configured to shine light through the lens assembly and above the housing. The panel includes connectors that are configured to secure the personal service unit pod assembly to a component within the aircraft.