Thu, Feb 10, 2011
Tracked Bin Design Leverages Physics, Reduces Weight, Increases
Passenger Space
As a further step in its "track record" of innovation, Airbus
claims to have developed a revolutionary new stowage compartment
design that saves weight and provides more room for passengers,
while also easing the installation of aircraft cabin systems. With
this unique "tracked bin" design, stowage compartments slide on a
system of runners and track that is shaped much like a snake trail,
allowing it to leverage pure physics - particularly the interplay
of kinetic and potential energy - for a new-generation stowage
solution.
As soon as the tracked bin's latch is released, the stowage
compartment slides forward. However, due its ingenious kinematics,
the bin stops automatically rather than tumbling down. In addition,
it requires much less effort to close when compared to other
movable bins.
To ensure optimal performance through physics, the Airbus
development team calculated and experimented; moved intersections,
centers of gravity and pivot points on paper; and even had
computations and designs confirmed by experts from the Technical
University of Munich.
The advantages of these new bins are not restricted to their
practical handling, however. The compartments also are lighter,
prioritise much less space and provide cabin crews a better view of
passengers than predecessor systems. In addition, the sliding bins'
box-like housing has large openings that permit easy access to
supply channels. If necessary, the actual tracked bins can be
installed just before an aircraft is delivered, and also can be
taken out just as quickly to enable easier maintenance at later
dates.
Airbus says this wide range of operational benefits makes the
tracked bin, which currently is in its pre-design phase, an ideal
candidate for all of its aircraft families.
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