Overhead Stowage Lid Latch Layout for Lower Weight Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead stowage compartments in aircraft are complex structures due to the need for a single latch and handle installation in a recess, requiring thick materials to withstand forces, leading to increased weight and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a plurality of smaller, lighter latches and locking members mounted to the bottom of the compartment, allowing for a simpler lid design using thinner materials and eliminating the need for moving parts, which can be made of thermoplastic or flexible materials, and enabling a frameless design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single latch is used to secure the lid, then the lid can be securely locked, but the lid requires thick materials and complex structure to withstand concentrated forces at a single point
Solution Approach 1:
The single latch is divided into multiple smaller latches (at least two) distributed across the lid. Each latch handles a portion of the securing force, allowing the lid to use thinner, lighter materials while maintaining overall locking strength through distributed load bearing.
2Reliability
If a single latch mechanism is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into multiple independent latches that can be manufactured separately and assembled more efficiently. This modular approach simplifies the manufacturing process for each individual latch component while achieving reliable locking through the collective action of multiple latches.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the lid complex to accommodate a single latch, the invention inverts the approach by making the lid simpler and adding multiple latches to the support structure below. This reverses which component bears the manufacturing complexity, allowing the lid itself to be simpler and faster to produce.
3Strength
If thick materials are used in the lid to accommodate a single latch, then the latch can withstand forces, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking function into multiple latches, the lid can use thinner, lighter materials that reduce overall weight. This weight reduction directly decreases fuel consumption while the distributed latch system maintains the necessary force withstanding capability through collective load bearing.
4Ease of operation
If moving parts are installed in the lid for latch operation, then unlocking functionality is achieved, but the lid design becomes complex and harder to customize
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the latch mechanism from the lid to the support structure below. The lid only needs simple locking members (protrusions or recesses) without moving parts, while the latches with their moving components are located in the support structure. This inversion simplifies the lid design for customization while maintaining full unlocking functionality through the latches positioned elsewhere.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a latch mechanism (140) for a lid (150) of an overhead stowage compartment (100). The latch mechanism (140) comprises a plurality of locking members (155), and a plurality of latches (141). Each latch (141) is configured to engage one of the locking members (155), wherein the plurality of latches (141) is configured to be mounted into a bottom (111, 171) of the overhead stowage compartment (100), and wherein the plurality of locking members (155) is associated with a single lid (150) of the overhead stowage compartment (100).