Spring-Biased Pin Fastening for Overhead Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fastening systems for overhead containers in aircraft require multiple persons and specialized tools for assembly and disassembly, leading to long assembly times, loss of flexibility in cabin configuration, and potential for loose parts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a compression spring and transversely movable locking element within the pin guide, allowing for spring-biased pin extension and retraction without loose parts, facilitated by a hinged lever for manual operation, enabling assembly and disassembly with fewer personnel and no special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loose bolts are used for connecting support lugs, then the fastening system achieves secure mounting and light weight, but assembly requires multiple persons and special tools, and disassembly is complicated with long time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is segmented into a fixed portion in the first support lug and a movable portion in the second support lug. The movable portion can be independently manipulated to control connection and disconnection, allowing one person to perform assembly and disassembly operations without requiring multiple persons or special tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin transitions from a static, fixed connection element to a dynamic element with movable portions. The second movable portion can be pulled out to disengage from the receptacle sleeve, enabling quick disconnection without tools, while still providing secure fastening when engaged.
2Reliability
If traditional fastening systems are used, then overhead containers can be securely mounted, but the system requires more than three persons for assembly and special tools for disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to be self-servicing during assembly and disassembly. The movable portions of the pin can be manually manipulated by one person to engage or disengage the connection, eliminating the need for special tools or multiple persons. The spring mechanism automatically returns the pin to its engaged position after manual displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin structure incorporates movable portions that can be independently manipulated, transforming a complex multi-person assembly task into a simple one-person operation. The dynamic design allows the second movable portion to be pulled out for disengagement and automatically returns to the engaged position through the spring mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loose parts are used in the fastening system, then the system achieves flexibility in configuration, but loose parts can be lost and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pin structure merges the first portion (fixed in the first support lug) with the second movable portion (in the second support lug) into a single integrated connection element. This eliminates loose bolts that could be lost, while the movable second portion provides the necessary flexibility for assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second movable portion of the pin is received within the receptacle sleeve of the second support lug when engaged, creating a nested configuration. This ensures that the pin components remain contained and cannot be lost, while still allowing manual manipulation for connection and disconnection operations.
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
Facilitates quicker and easier assembly and disassembly of overhead containers, reducing personnel effort, enhancing safety by eliminating loose parts, and increasing flexibility in cabin configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (34) for biasing and retraction of the pin is arranged in the pin guide (40)
Implementation Method 2
a lever (60) is hinged to manually pull back the pin (30) into the pin guide (40) and for further extension of the pin (30) into the receptacle sleeve (26)
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening system (10) for hanging mountable overhead containers (12) is provided. The system includes at least one pair of support lugs (20, 22) mounted on a support structure (14) or on the overhead container (12). The support lugs (20, 22) can be detachably connected to each other by a pin (30) that can be drawn back in a pin guide (40) and thereby spring-loaded in the exit direction. When the support lug (22) attached to the overhead container (12) is inserted into the support lug (20) having the pin guide (40) when installing the container, the pin (30) is unlatched in the pin guide (40) and automatically moves out into the support eye (22) attached to the overhead container (12). Using a lever joined (60) to the pin guide (40) by a hinge, the pin (30) can be moved out completely into an end position, and locked in said position. In order to remove the overhead container (12), the lever (60) must simply be pivoted back.