Variable Opening Overhead Storage Bin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead storage bins on commercial aircraft, particularly pivot bins, face challenges with article retention, ergonomics, and ease of access due to limitations in their design, with many retention devices being incompatible, expensive, or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
The development of variable opening overhead storage bins that automatically open to an initial position and can be further opened by exerting force, featuring rate control devices and article retention features like grooves and wedges, allowing for improved retention, ergonomic access, and wider opening capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pivot bins are used with fixed opening positions, then the structure is simple and reliable, but article retention is poor and ergonomics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable opening mechanism that allows the bin to be opened to different positions (first open position and second open position) rather than a fixed position. This dynamic capability enables the bin to adapt between a more closed position for better article retention and a more open position for improved ergonomics, resolving the contradiction between retention and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the opening parameter of the bin by introducing a variable opening mechanism with multiple stop positions. The bin can be opened to a first position that maintains good article retention or to a second position that improves passenger ergonomics, allowing the same structure to optimize different parameters under different operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If pivot bins open to a fixed stop position, then the mechanism is simple, but ergonomics and access to stored items are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic opening mechanism with variable stop positions that allow the bin to be opened to different degrees. This enables passengers to choose between a first open position for secure retention and a second open position for better ergonomics and easier access to items, improving ease of operation without compromising the basic mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism is segmented into distinct stop positions (first and second open positions), allowing the bin to be opened in stages. This segmentation provides discrete ergonomic options for passengers while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical implementation through indexed stops.
3Reliability
If article retention devices are added to pivot bins, then article retention improves, but the devices are incompatible, expensive, or complex
Solution Approach 1:
The variable opening mechanism itself serves as a universal solution that addresses article retention needs. By allowing the bin to be opened to different positions, the same mechanism provides both secure retention (when closed to the first position) and easy access (when opened to the second position), eliminating the need for separate, complex retention devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The bin's opening mechanism provides self-service article retention by allowing passengers to select the appropriate opening position based on their needs. When passengers need secure retention, they leave the bin at the first open position; when they need access, they open it further to the second position, making the retention function inherent to the opening mechanism itself.
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
The variable opening mechanism enhances article retention, improves passenger ergonomics during retrieval, and allows for easier access to stored items by enabling a wider opening and lower height operation, addressing the limitations of traditional bins.
Implementation Method 1
As a pivot bin opens, the storage bin pivots downward out of the overhead support structure
Implementation Method 2
The rate control mechanism also typically includes a stop that limits the extent to which the pivot bin may be lowered
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved overhead storage system for use in an aircraft may include a variable opening overhead storage bin that is configured to automatically open to an initial open position when a latch mechanism is released and to open further to a second open position when a force is applied to the bin. Such improved overhead storage systems and variable opening overhead storage bins may improve article retention of articles or loads stored within the storage bins during flight. For example, when in the initial open position, the variable opening overhead storage bin may be angled to decrease chances of stowed articles falling out of the bin. When the variable opening overhead storage bin is further opened to the second open position, such as by pressing down on the bin, the passenger's hands may be in a better position to control articles stowed within the bin.