Aircraft Stowage Bin Translating Pivot for Low-Force Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger stowage bins in aircraft require more force to open and close, making them difficult for passengers to use, and their positioning in the cabin is inefficient for maximizing space and easy access.
Innovation Solution
A translating pivot mechanism is used to couple the bucket of the stowage bin to its support assembly, allowing the bucket to translate and rotate, which reduces the force required to open and close the bin and optimizes its position for easier access by shifting the center of gravity and maintaining a constant interference gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If larger stowage bins are designed to store more luggage, then storage capacity is improved, but the force required to open or close the bins increases making them difficult for passengers to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a translating pivot mechanism that converts the static hinge connection into a dynamic system. The bucket translates vertically during rotation, changing the moment arm and mechanical advantage throughout the motion range. This dynamic adjustment reduces the peak force required to open and close the bin while maintaining large storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The translating pivot mechanism changes the geometric parameters of the connection between the bucket and support assembly. By allowing vertical translation in addition to rotation, the mechanism alters the relationship between applied force and torque, effectively reducing the force needed to operate the bin while preserving its large volume
2Area of stationary object
If the stowage bin is positioned as high within the cabin as possible in closed position to maximize cabin space, then space utilization is improved, but access for inserting and removing luggage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The translating pivot mechanism creates a dynamic motion path for the bucket that includes both rotation and vertical translation. As the bin opens, the bucket translates downward, automatically lowering the access opening to a more convenient height for passengers. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing high position when closed and low position when open
Data Source
AI summary
A stowage bin is provided. The stowage bin includes a bucket, a support assembly, and at least one translating pivot mechanism rotatably coupling the support assembly to the bucket, the at least one translating pivot mechanism including a first component integrally formed with the bucket and comprising a first pin and a first slot, and a second component integrally formed with the support assembly and including a second pin and a second slot, wherein the first and second components engage one another such that the first pin is received in the second slot and the second pin is received in the first slot. The first pin is static with respect to the bucket, and the second pin is static with respect to the support assembly.