Rotating Luggage Bin with Offset Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead compartment designs in aircraft face challenges in passenger safety, comfort, and weight management, with a need for efficient storage solutions that minimize downtime and complexity while accommodating various luggage types without increasing weight or cost.
Innovation Solution
A rotating luggage bin structure with a J-shaped cross-section and adjustable axis of rotation, allowing for upright storage of roller luggage and featuring a flange to retain items, which transitions between open and closed states to optimize space and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a C-shaped luggage bin rotates about an axis of rotation positioned to prevent unsafe dump angle, then passenger safety is improved, but the opening position becomes less accessible and passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the axis of rotation offset from the centerline of the luggage bin, creating an asymmetric rotational path that allows the opening to reach a lower, more accessible position while maintaining safety through controlled rotation geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the opening motion by allowing the luggage bin to rotate downward toward a lower opening position, rather than simply swinging horizontally. This dimensional change improves accessibility while the rotation control mechanism maintains safety
2Adaptability or versatility
If overhead compartment designs include complex mechanisms to accommodate various luggage types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single rotating luggage bin mechanism that can accommodate multiple types of luggage (roller upright, wheeled, soft-sided) through its versatile opening and closing motion, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for different luggage types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using a rotating mechanism with controlled motion that can adapt its opening position and angle dynamically, allowing the same structure to accommodate various luggage sizes and types without complex adjustments
3Stability of the object's composition
If the axis of rotation is positioned to prevent unsafe dump angle, then luggage retention is improved, but the opening becomes less accessible and operational force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the axis of rotation and defining the rotational path in advance to ensure the opening reaches an optimally accessible position before use, while the rotation control mechanism ensures safety conditions are met throughout the motion
4Reliability
If overhead compartment designs use heavier structures to ensure durability and safety, then reliability is improved, but weight increases affecting aircraft performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a rotating mechanism that provides motion control and safety through controlled movement rather than heavy static reinforcement, reducing overall structure weight while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the axis of rotation position and rotation control parameters to achieve both safety and weight efficiency, rather than using excessive structural mass
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a structure having a cavity with an opening configured to receive a piece of baggage and a flange configured to retain the piece of baggage when the structure is in an open state, wherein the structure is configured to move between the open state and a closed state about an axis of rotation for the structure, and wherein the opening has a horizontal position when the structure is in the closed state and the opening has a vertical position when the structure is in the open state.