Trolley Holder Guiding Elements for Aircraft Stowage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trolley handling systems in transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, are inefficient in utilizing space and require manual guidance around obstacles, leading to potential clashes during turbulence and limited flexibility in stowing trolleys.

Innovation Solution

A trolley handling device with a U-shaped trolley holder and guiding elements that securely position and guide trolleys between defined positions, allowing for flexible stowing and retrieval, including the use of slides and pivoting arms to navigate obstacles, and can be retrofitted to existing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional latch mechanisms are used to secure trolleys, then trolleys can be secured against displacement, but the space utilization is inefficient and manual guidance around obstacles is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrolley securityVSAvoidspace efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley holder is divided into separate functional elements: a holder body with latch mechanism and guiding elements that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the guiding function to be integrated without interfering with the security function, enabling both efficient space utilization and reliable trolley securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trolley holder is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: securing the trolley via latch mechanism, guiding the trolley along a defined path using guiding elements, and optimizing space utilization through its structural design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual guidance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual guidance is used to navigate trolleys around obstacles, then flexibility is maintained, but potential clashes during turbulence occur and user effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser effortVSAvoidcollision prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding elements are pre-installed on the trolley holder and structural parts to define the movement path in advance. This preliminary configuration ensures that the trolley automatically follows a collision-free trajectory during insertion and removal, eliminating the need for manual guidance and preventing clashes during turbulence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding elements act as intermediaries between the trolley and obstacles, providing a defined movement path that prevents direct contact between the trolley and potential obstacles. This intermediary guidance mechanism ensures reliable collision prevention while reducing user effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If guiding elements are integrated into the trolley holder, then space efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding elements are merged with the trolley holder structure, integrating the guidance function into the existing security mechanism. This combination optimizes space utilization by eliminating separate guidance components while managing complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trolley holder is designed as a multi-functional device that combines security (latch mechanism) and guidance (guiding elements) functions. This universality improves space utilization by consolidating functions into a single device while managing complexity through integrated design principles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the trolley holder is designed with U-shaped cross-section to prevent displacement, then security improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped cross-section is implemented as a standard structural profile that can be manufactured using conventional processes. The holder body and guiding elements are designed as separate manufacturable components that are subsequently assembled, balancing displacement prevention requirements with manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10569796B2Trolley handling device, trolley cabinet, transportation means, and method of guiding a trolley

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A trolley handling device for guiding a trolley into and out of a trolley stowage, comprising a trolley holder adapted to interact with and secure the trolley against displacement relative to the trolley holder in at least a first direction, and a guiding device comprising a first guiding element attached to the trolley holder and a second guiding element adapted to be provided on a structural part arranged near the stowage. The first and second guiding elements are configured to engage with each other and to guide the trolley between a first position, in which the trolley is essentially arranged inside of the stowage, and a second position, in which the trolley is at least partially arranged outside the stowage. The trolley, in its second position, is arranged offset relative to its first position in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.