Retractable Ceiling Storage for Train Luggage

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicles with limited ceiling height, such as high-speed trains, traditional storage devices cannot accommodate cabin-type luggage, forcing travelers to place bulky luggage at ground level, reducing seat capacity and requiring luggage to be removed from passenger proximity.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a retractable auxiliary part that extends from a main part, allowing the device to change from a compact retracted position suitable for small items to an extended position suitable for larger items, facilitating the storage of cabin-type luggage by adjusting its inclination and distance from the wall, thus optimizing space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional storage units are installed in vehicles with limited ceiling height, then the storage device can be fixed to the wall, but it cannot accommodate cabin-type luggage due to insufficient extension space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacity for cabin-type luggageVSAvoiddistance from wall to ceiling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device employs a movable auxiliary part that can transition between retracted and extended positions. The auxiliary part is hinged to the main part and can be moved manually or automatically to extend the storage capacity when needed, then retracted to maintain a compact profile. This dynamic mechanism allows the storage device to adapt to the limited ceiling height while still accommodating cabin-type luggage when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device is divided into a main part fixed to the wall and an auxiliary part that can be moved independently. The auxiliary part includes support members and connecting members that allow it to extend outward to support larger items, then retract to a compact position. This segmentation enables the storage device to provide both compact storage for small items and extended storage for cabin-type luggage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the auxiliary part is extended to support larger items, then storage capacity increases, but the device occupies more space and may interfere with passenger movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacity for large itemsVSAvoidfootprint of storage device
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary part is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. When not in use, it retracts to minimize the footprint and avoid interfering with passenger movement. When needed, it extends to provide additional storage capacity for larger items. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to adapt its footprint based on actual storage needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary part extends in a direction perpendicular to the wall, utilizing the vertical and lateral space efficiently. By hinging the auxiliary part along an axis parallel to the wall, it extends outward without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional approach allows the storage device to provide extended storage capacity while minimizing interference with passenger movement in the horizontal plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the storage device is designed to extend far from the wall, then it can accommodate larger luggage, but it reduces the number of seats that can be positioned near the storage area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluggage storage capabilityVSAvoidseat capacity of vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device uses a movable auxiliary part that can be extended only when needed for storing larger items. During normal operation with smaller items, the auxiliary part remains retracted, maximizing the space available for seating. This dynamic mechanism allows the vehicle to maintain high seat capacity while still providing the capability to store larger luggage when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary part is designed to extend only as much as necessary to accommodate cabin-type luggage, rather than extending to the maximum possible distance. This partial extension approach provides sufficient storage capability for larger items while minimizing the reduction in available seating space. The extension distance is optimized to balance storage needs with passenger capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3421319B1Storage device near the ceiling of a transport vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 SNCF MOBILITES
  • EP3421319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3421319B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3421319B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A storage device (1) intended to be mounted near the ceiling of a transport vehicle, the storage device (1) comprising at least a main part (2), adapted to be fixed to a wall of a transport vehicle, and at least an auxiliary part (3), adapted to support a personal item, the auxiliary part (3) being connected to said main part (2) by means of movement so as to allow the auxiliary part (3) to move between a retracted position in which the auxiliary part (3) extends close to the wall of the vehicle in order to allow the storage of a small personal item and an extended position (M2) in which the auxiliary part (3) extends away from the wall of the vehicle in order to allow the storage of a large personal item.