Spring-Biased Galley Retaining Arm for Variable-Size Item Restraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retaining assemblies in galleys, such as aircraft galleys, struggle to securely retain items of varying sizes due to movement during use, as they are typically fixed in place without adjustable mechanisms to accommodate different item dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A retaining assembly comprising a movable retaining arm, a mounting rod, and a biasing device, where the retaining arm is adjustably mounted to the mounting rod and biased to maintain a secure position, allowing for adjustment to accommodate items of different sizes by moving the retaining arm along the mounting rod.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed retaining arm is used in the retaining assembly, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate items of varying sizes as the position cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate items of varying sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of the retaining assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining arm is made adjustable along the mounting rod, transforming a static fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one. The retaining arm can be positioned at different locations on the mounting rod to accommodate items of varying sizes, while the spring provides automatic positioning and retention forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameter of the retaining arm along the mounting rod can be changed to adapt to different item sizes. The spring mechanism enables this parameter change by allowing the retaining arm to be moved to different positions and then biased to maintain secure retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable retaining arm mechanism is added to accommodate varying item sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for different item dimensionsVSAvoidease of manufacturing the retaining assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rod is segmented with multiple positions or features that allow the retaining arm to be adjusted to different locations. This segmentation enables adaptability for different item sizes while keeping each individual position simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring acts as an intermediary element that simplifies the adjustment mechanism. Instead of requiring complex locking mechanisms or motors, the spring provides automatic biasing forces that help position and secure the retaining arm at selected locations on the mounting rod.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the retaining arm is made movable and biased with a spring, then ease of operation and adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjusting retaining arm positionVSAvoidcomplexity of movable retaining mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring provides self-service by automatically providing biasing forces that help position and secure the retaining arm. When the retaining arm is moved to a desired position, the spring automatically exerts forces to maintain that position and secure the item, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or additional actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The adjustable retaining assembly effectively secures items of various sizes by allowing the retaining arm to be positioned optimally along the mounting rod, ensuring items remain stable during movement, enhancing storage flexibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing device; wherein the retaining arm is movable between a non-retaining position and a retaining position; wherein when in the retaining position, the retaining arm is arranged to prevent movement in a retaining direction; wherein the retaining arm is adjustably mounted to the mounting rod such that its position on the mounting rod is adjustable in the retaining direction; and wherein the biasing device is arranged to provide a biasing force on the retaining arm to bias its position on the mounting rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250162790A1retainer

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BE AEROSPACE (UK) LTD

AI summary

A retaining assembly, for a galley, including a retaining arm, a mounting rod and a biasing device. The retaining arm is movable between a non-retaining position and a retaining position. When in the retaining position, the retaining arm is arranged to prevent movement of an item in a retaining direction. The retaining arm is adjustably mounted to the mounting rod, such that its position on the mounting rod is adjustable in the retaining direction. The biasing device is arranged to provide a biasing force on the retaining arm to bias its position on the mounting rod.