Aircraft Cargo Airflow Diffusers for Stable Livestock Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft cargo compartment airflow distribution systems fail to maintain consistent airflow conditions, particularly temperature, humidity, and velocity, leading to stress and discomfort for livestock due to cycling conditions during transport.

Innovation Solution

A modified airflow distribution system with a sub-assembly that includes a flexible conduit and diffuser, allowing for targeted delivery of conditioned airflow to specific regions within the cargo compartment, maintaining consistent conditions for animals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a primary aircraft airflow distribution system is used to service the entire cargo compartment, then the coverage area is large, but the airflow conditions (temperature, humidity, velocity) are not consistent and cycle during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidairflow condition consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cargo compartment into multiple zones served by separate airflow distribution assemblies, each with its own diffuser. This segmentation allows each assembly to maintain consistent airflow conditions within its specific zone while collectively covering the entire compartment, resolving the contradiction between large coverage area and airflow condition consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If airflow is distributed to the entire cargo compartment, then all regions receive airflow, but targeted regions cannot receive customized airflow conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow condition customizationVSAvoidserviceable region

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by allowing different airflow distribution assemblies to be configured with different diffusers that deliver customized airflow conditions (temperature, humidity, velocity) to specific targeted regions. Each assembly can be independently configured to meet the specific needs of different cargo types or regions within the compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If a sub-assembly with flexible conduit and diffuser is added to target specific regions, then airflow condition consistency is improved in targeted areas, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow condition consistencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested structure where sub-assemblies with flexible conduits and diffusers are integrated within the existing airflow distribution system. The sub-assemblies connect to the primary distribution assembly through flexible conduits, allowing them to be nested within the cargo compartment structure and positioned to target specific regions without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Speed

If airflow velocity is increased to improve circulation, then air movement is enhanced, but livestock experience more stress and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow velocityVSAvoidlivestock stress

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using diffusers that modify airflow characteristics (velocity, temperature, humidity) to deliver optimized airflow conditions to livestock. The diffusers transform high-velocity airflow from the primary system into lower-velocity, more comfortable airflow patterns that reduce livestock stress while maintaining effective air circulation and conditioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250382057A1Cooling and Humidification System and Method for Animals Carried in an Aircraft Compartment

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Aircraft cargo compartment airflow distribution system and aircraft cargo compartment airflow distribution sub-assemblies configured to modify a primary aircraft compartment airflow distribution assembly and methods are presently disclosed.