This project was part of the Boeing X ASME 2023 CADathon event in which my team won 1st place in the beginner division. The design prompt, was to create a solution to help commercial passengers move their luggage from the ground into the overhead stow bins. Our solution was required to be a consumer product for an individual to buy, and can only stow luggage for one passenger.
Given Constraints:
1. Lifts 15 pounds to 35 pounds, up to 64 inches from the floor
2. Fits in aisles
3. The speed at which luggage items are lifted should be faster than an able-bodied person lifts luggage
1. Lifts 15 pounds to 35 pounds, up to 64 inches from the floor
2. Fits in aisles
3. The speed at which luggage items are lifted should be faster than an able-bodied person lifts luggage
Initial Thoughts
We originally wanted to design a scissor lift platform, but we quickly realized that this would be too heavy, bulky, and hard to stow in the overhead luggage compartments. We also considered pulley systems, but we were worried that they would be unstable with wires and might hit passengers who were sitting down already. Lastly, we thought of ramps, but these were too steep given the height of the aisles and narrowness of the walkways, and we also felt that ramps were too space-inefficient.
Final Design
Pictured to the left is the final design that we came up with. Our design is a collapsible device that hooks onto the lip of the overhead compartment and utilizes telescoping rails pulled by a winch to raise the luggage up to the bin. A handle at the bottom of the footplate allows the user to tip the luggage over and into the bin, unhook the device, collapse it, and then stow it away with the luggage or under a seat.
Key Features:
Some features that we decided to implement included a clamp, the Nema 34 with 870 in.-oz motor for the winch, a stable strap, guide flaps, slip-resistant covers, and a hinge. The clamp allows for an easy friction fit onto the lip of the overhead bin. This clamp is attached to a hinge that allows the device angle to be altered so that it can accommodate different seat heights and aisle levels. The motor is heavy-duty enough to carry the maximum load up to the bin quickly enough and without adding too much additional weight. A thick nylon strap allows for the luggage to be carried up with more support, stability, and less chance of sway. Guide flaps on the side of the footplate accommodate luggage of all sizes and shapes and prevent the bags from falling off the sides while ascending. A rubber cover over the base of the footplate decreases the risk of the luggage falling off of the device. Lastly, the device can be folded down into a compact shape that allows for it to be easily stowed away overhead, or under the seat.
Clamp and hinge
Winch and strap
Guide flaps
Rubber cover
