Aircraft Cabin Divider With Movable View Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dividers in commercial aircraft passenger cabins, particularly those with bucket-style luggage compartments, interfere with the operation of the compartments, are difficult to use, or do not function well due to the repositioning of the luggage bucket when opened.
Innovation Solution
A divider system comprising a support arm attached to the aircraft frame and luggage stowage compartment, with a curtain and a rigid view block that repositions to avoid interference with the bucket's operation, allowing for flexible positioning and operation without obstructing the view or interfering with passenger service units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed divider is installed above the luggage stowage compartment, then visual separation between passenger sections is achieved, but the divider interferes with the operation of the bucket-style luggage compartment when it is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The divider system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one where the view block can pivot and the curtain can move. The view block is hinged to the support arm, allowing it to rotate between different positions to clear the path of the opening luggage compartment while maintaining visual separation when the compartment is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider is segmented into multiple independent components: a support arm, a movable view block, and a curtain. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the view block provides visual separation when needed while the curtain can be positioned to avoid interfering with luggage compartment operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid divider structure is used to maintain visual separation, then structural stability is achieved, but the divider becomes difficult to adjust and position
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing it to be moved along the aircraft structure and secured at different locations. This dynamic positioning feature enables the divider to be easily installed and repositioned while maintaining structural stability through proper attachment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the view block is positioned to maintain visual separation, then cabin section privacy is achieved, but it obstructs the passage of the luggage compartment face when opened
Solution Approach 1:
The view block is hinged to the support arm, enabling it to pivot dynamically. When the luggage compartment is closed, the view block maintains visual separation. When the compartment is opened, the view block can rotate out of the way to allow the compartment face to pass freely, thus adapting to both positions without obstruction.
4Ease of operation
If a curtain is used instead of a rigid structure, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but the visual separation effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges both rigid and flexible elements into a single divider system. The rigid support arm with the hinged view block provides structural stability and effective visual separation, while the flexible curtain attached to the support arm adds adaptability in positioning and can be adjusted to avoid interfering with luggage compartment operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a divider providing part of a separation between sections of a passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft, the divider comprising several components. One component may be a support arm connected to the frame of an aircraft above a passenger seat, the support arm having an outer edge facing the aisle of the passenger cabin, and an inner edge which is adjacent the face of a luggage compartment when the bucket is in an open position. Another component may be a curtain attached to a lower edge of the support arm and projecting vertically below the support arm. Yet another component may be a rigid view block adjacent the face of the compartment and configured to reposition such that the view block is adjacent the face of the compartment while the compartment is in a closed position, and repositions when the compartment is opened.