Aircraft Stowage Bin Assembly With Touch-Free Locking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft stowage bins pose hygiene risks due to frequent handling and difficulty in operation, and passengers can inadvertently open them during restricted flight periods, leading to hazardous situations.
Innovation Solution
A stowage bin assembly with a control unit, weight sensor, and light-emitting elements that allow for touch-free operation and remote control by flight personnel, preventing passengers from opening bins during restricted periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stowage bin latch is made accessible for manual operation, then passengers can easily open and close bins, but hygiene risks increase due to frequent contact and germ accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical latch operation with an automated motorized system. The latch is actuated by a motor driven by a control unit that responds to sensor inputs (proximity sensors, weight sensors) or remote control signals, eliminating the need for passengers to physically grasp and manipulate the latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components between the user and the latch mechanism. These include proximity sensors that detect passenger presence, weight sensors that monitor bin contents, and a control unit that processes sensor data and actuates the latch accordingly, thereby eliminating direct contact with the latch.
2Ease of operation
If the stowage bin latch is made accessible for manual operation, then passengers can open bins when needed, but safety risks increase during restricted flight periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor bin status and communicate with the control unit. Weight sensors detect when the bin is open or closed, and proximity sensors detect passenger presence. The control unit uses this feedback to automatically lock bins during restricted flight periods and unlock them when appropriate, ensuring safety while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the latch system dynamic by enabling it to change its operational state automatically based on flight conditions. The control unit receives signals about the flight phase (takeoff, landing, turbulence) and dynamically adjusts the latch state accordingly - locked during restricted periods, unlocked during permitted periods - without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If automated control systems are added to prevent unauthorized opening, then safety during flight is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control unit to perform multiple functions: it processes data from weight sensors, proximity sensors, and remote control signals; it controls the motorized latch actuation; and it implements the safety logic for restricted flight periods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity.
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
Enhances hygiene by reducing direct contact with potentially contaminated latches and ensures passenger safety by preventing bin openings during turbulence or takeoff/landing.
Implementation Method 1
one or more interior light-emitting elements configured to illuminate a baggage retaining chamber of the stowage bin assembly
Implementation Method 2
a weight sensor configured to detect the weight of the stowage bin assembly and/or any baggage placed within the stowage bin assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A stowage bin assembly of a vehicle includes one or more interior light-emitting elements that are configured to illuminate a baggage retaining chamber of the stowage bin assembly. The stowage bin assembly is within an interior cabin of the vehicle.