Container extraction assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intermediate retainers in aircraft galleys are difficult to operate due to small knobs and lack of visual distinction between locked and unlocked positions, especially when stowed or positioned behind equipment.
Innovation Solution
A pull-activated container extraction assembly with a retainer assembly that includes hingedly connected leg members and an extractor member, allowing the retainer to move between deployed, folded, and finish positions, facilitating easy operation and visibility by a user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small knob is used to operate the intermediate retainer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a retainer body, a rotatable member with indicator, and a pull member system. This segmentation allows the small knob function to be separated from the indication function, enabling easy operation through the pull member while maintaining simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull member acts as an intermediary between the user and the retainer mechanism. Instead of directly manipulating the small retainer knob, the user pulls the cord member which transmits force through the extractor assembly to operate the retainer, making operation easier while the indicator provides visual feedback.
2Device complexity
If the retainer is positioned behind stowed equipment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of detecting and measuring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable member with visual indicator provides immediate feedback about the retainer's locked or unlocked state. When the retainer is operated, the rotatable member rotates to display different positions, giving users clear visual confirmation of the retainer's status even when the retainer itself is not directly visible behind equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable member serves as an intermediary indicator that communicates the retainer's state to the user. Instead of requiring direct visual access to the retainer mechanism behind equipment, the indicator is positioned to be visible from the user's location, providing remote visual feedback about the locked/unlocked state.
3Productivity
If the extractor member is moved from distal to proximal position, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is pre-loaded to store energy that automatically drives the extractor member from the distal to proximal position when activated. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for complex motorized or manually-operated extraction mechanisms, achieving efficient container extraction through simple pull member activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded extractor assembly is self-actuating. When the pull member is pulled to release the retainer, the stored spring energy automatically propels the extractor member forward to extract the container, requiring no additional power source or complex control system. The system uses its own stored energy to perform the extraction work.
Data Source
AI summary
A container extraction assembly that includes an extractor assembly and a retainer assembly. The extractor assembly includes a pull member and an extractor member. The extractor member is movable between a distal position and a proximal position and the pull member is movable between first, second third positions. Moving the pull member from the first position to the third position moves the extractor member from the distal to the proximal position. The retainer assembly includes a proximal leg member and a distal leg member that are hingedly connected to one another. The retainer assembly is movable between a deployed position, a folded position and a finish position. Moving the pull member from the first position to the second position moves the retainer assembly from the deployed to the folded position, and moving the pull member from the second position to the third position moves the retainer assembly from the folded to the finish position.