Touch-free Stowage Bin Control via Sensor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft stowage bins are prone to contamination and difficult to manage, as passengers can inadvertently open them during restricted flight periods, posing safety hazards and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
A wireless stowage bin control system that allows flight personnel to remotely control stowage bins using a master control device, incorporating sensors and light-emitting elements to automatically lock/unlock and open/close bins without physical contact, and prevent passengers from accessing them during takeoff, landing, or turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passengers physically touch and manually open stowage bins, then ease of operation is improved, but hygiene contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical latch operation with an automated electronic latch system. The latch is actuated by a motor or actuator controlled by a sensor that detects when a passenger approaches or gestures toward the bin, eliminating the need for direct physical contact with the latch mechanism while maintaining ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system between the passenger and the stowage bin latch. The sensor detects passenger intent through proximity or gesture recognition and triggers automated latch operation, serving as a mediator that translates passenger intent into bin opening action without requiring direct contact.
2Ease of operation
If stowage bins are left accessible during flight, then ease of operation is improved, but safety hazards increase during restricted periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of stowage bin accessibility based on flight phase. The system receives signals from the aircraft's flight management system regarding takeoff, landing, and turbulence conditions, and automatically adjusts latch engagement state accordingly - locked during restricted periods, accessible during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system where the automated latch mechanism receives real-time input from safety management systems about flight conditions. The system continuously monitors flight phase and adjusts bin accessibility in response, ensuring bins remain locked during critical safety periods while maintaining ease of access during normal flight.
3Reliability
If automated control systems are added to stowage bins, then safety and hygiene are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the stowage bin control system with existing aircraft systems, particularly the safety management system and cabin interior system. The latch mechanism serves multiple functions: normal operation, safety locking during restricted periods, and hygiene protection through contactless operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the stowage bin latch control with the aircraft's existing safety management and cabin control systems. The automated latch shares control infrastructure, power supply, and communication protocols with these existing systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving enhanced safety and hygiene control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A stowage bin assembly includes a latch that is configured to selectively lock and unlock the stowage bin assembly, and a sensor in communication with the latch. The sensor is configured to be engaged to lock, unlock, open, and/or close the stowage bin assembly without the latch or the sensor being touched.