Abstract: A power assist device for use in a luggage bin with a drop-down shell has a load measuring mechanism, a power assist mechanism, and an actuation mechanism. The load measuring mechanism is changed from the inactive operating state to the active operating state by the actuation mechanism when the load determined by the load measuring mechanism exceeds a specified threshold that is larger than an assist force. The actuation mechanism has cooperating locking elements of which a first element is connected to a first abutment point and a second element is connected to a second abutment point. The locking elements can move relative to one another such that, in an inactive operating state, the one locking element meshes with a friction fit into the cooperating other locking element and releases it in an active operating state.