Aircraft Cabin Monument for Wheelchair and Stretcher Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger cabins lack efficient systems for securing wheelchairs and stretchers for passengers with reduced mobility, leading to time-consuming and potentially injurious transfer processes, damage to wheelchairs, and discomfort for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-use monument system installed in the aircraft cabin that can transition between configurations to securely accommodate both wheelchairs and stretchers, providing dedicated space and securement assemblies, and includes compartments for storage and amenities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional transfer procedures are used (wheelchair to seat transfer), then passengers with reduced mobility can board the aircraft, but the process is time-consuming and prone to injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a monument structure as an intermediary element between the wheelchair and the seat. This monument includes a base structure with a wheelchair restraint system that secures the wheelchair in place, and a seat assembly that can be positioned adjacent to it. The monument acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for manual transfer by providing a stable, fixed structure that accommodates both the wheelchair and the seat simultaneously, thereby improving both boarding speed and transfer safety.
2Area of stationary object
If wheelchair stowage is located outside the passenger cabin, then space is saved inside the cabin, but accessibility and convenience for passengers are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wheelchair stowage function with the passenger seating function by integrating both within the monument structure located in the passenger cabin. The monument includes both a wheelchair restraint system and a seat assembly, merging two previously separate functions (wheelchair stowage outside cabin and seating inside cabin) into a single integrated structure. This allows wheelchair users to remain in their devices while boarding, improving accessibility without significantly reducing cabin space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TTOL compliant seats are used, then passengers can be accommodated during taxi, take-off and landing, but they cannot accommodate the particular needs of passengers with reduced mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seating system into two distinct components: a standard TTOL-compliant seat assembly and an integrated wheelchair restraint system. This segmentation allows the seat to maintain its certification for taxi, take-off, and landing while the adjacent wheelchair restraint system provides specialized accommodation for passengers with reduced mobility. The monument structure divides the space to accommodate both functions independently, enabling the system to meet both regulatory requirements and special needs simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurations are provided in the monument, then both wheelchairs and stretchers can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal monument structure that can accommodate multiple types of mobility devices (wheelchairs and stretchers) through a single integrated design. The monument includes a base structure with restraint systems that can be configured for different device types, and seat assemblies that can be positioned to work with various mobility aids. This multi-functional approach allows the same monument structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized structures for each device type, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A monument for installation in an aircraft passenger cabin comprises a housing extending from the floor upwardly toward the ceiling, the housing including a first configuration configured to receive a wheelchair in a first unfolded condition, and a second configuration configured to receive a stretcher in a second unfolded condition, a first interior space formed in the housing, a staircase disposed within the interior space; a second interior space formed in the housing, a first entrance into the first interior space through a door; a second entrance into the second interior space of the housing, and a securement assembly positionable on the floor, the securement assembly configured to secure one of the wheelchair or the stretcher in place within the interior space.