Aircraft Cabin Partition Element Sliding and Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin partition elements are often fixed, wasting space that could be used for catering or other purposes, as they do not adapt well to varying flight lengths and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A partition element with a sliding wall member and pivotable upper panel that can change positions to optimize space usage, allowing for flexible configuration and adaptation to different storage needs by sliding along guide rails and using foldable seats to create additional storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If partition elements are fixedly mounted in the cabin, then structural stability is improved, but space flexibility and adaptability to varying storage needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The partition element is designed with movable components including a wall member that can slide along guide rails and an upper panel member that can pivot between positions. This dynamic design allows the partition to transition between fixed and movable states, providing both structural stability when needed and space flexibility when required, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition element is divided into separate functional segments: a wall member with coupling arrangement for sliding movement, an upper panel member for pivoting, and support members for stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the overall structure to achieve both stability through proper positioning and flexibility through component movement.
2Ease of operation
If fixed monuments such as galleys and lavatories are installed, then service functionality is improved, but available cabin space for other purposes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The partition element incorporates movable features including a wall member that can be repositioned along guide rails and an upper panel member that can pivot to create storage space. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve as both a service monument and a space-efficient partition, reducing the permanent space occupation compared to fixed monuments while maintaining service functionality.
3Quantity of substance
If storage space for catering food is provided in the cabin, then catering capability is improved, but space for other purposes during short flights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The upper panel member can pivot between a first position (parallel to wall member) and a second position (away from wall member), creating storage space only when needed. This dynamic configuration allows the cabin to provide catering food storage capacity when required while maintaining space for other purposes during short flights, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member can be positioned to create storage space beneath the upper panel member when the panel is in the second position. This nesting arrangement allows storage functionality to be integrated within the existing cabin structure without permanently occupying additional space, enabling flexible accommodation of catering food based on flight requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If partition element is moved to accommodate storage needs, then space adaptability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition element uses simple mechanical movements including sliding the wall member along guide rails and pivoting the upper panel member on a horizontal axis. These basic dynamic operations provide space adaptability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple, avoiding excessive operational complexity through straightforward movement principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling arrangement on the wall member serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables sliding movement along guide rails. This intermediary component simplifies the overall operation by providing a straightforward sliding interface, reducing the complexity of repositioning the partition element while maintaining space adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A partition element for an aircraft cabin is disclosed comprising a wall member (19) having a lower edge (21) and extending upwards from the lower edge (21) which is provided with a coupling arrangement (25), that is designed such that it is capable of slidingly engaging a guide rail arrangement (3) in a floor (1), an upper panel member (37) pivotably mounted on the wall member (19) with respect to a horizontal axis (39) which is spaced from the lower edge (21), wherein the upper panel member (37) is pivotable between a first position in which the upper panel member (37) extends from the horizontal axis (39) towards the lower edge (21) parallel to the wall member (19), and a second position in which the upper panel member (37) extends away from the wall member (19), and a support member (41, 43) movably mounted on the wall member (19) such that it is movable between a support position in which it supports the upper panel member (37) when being in the second position so as to prevent it from pivoting towards the wall member (19) to the first position, and a storage position in which it extends parallel to the wall member (19). In addition, an aircraft cabin arrangement is disclosed as well.