Aircraft Divider Assembly Removable Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

In aircraft cabin arrangements, changing the appearance of class dividers typically requires replacing the entire divider assembly, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A divider assembly with a removable upper panel that can be slid down and secured with mechanical fasteners, allowing for easy reconfiguration of cabin décor without replacing the entire assembly, utilizing a U-shaped aluminum trim to capture the panel edges and maintain structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire class divider is replaced to change appearance, then the cabin décor can be updated, but the time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabin décor customizationVSAvoidtime for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The class divider is divided into a main body portion and a removable panel. The removable panel can be detached from the main body and replaced with a different panel to change the appearance, eliminating the need to replace the entire divider assembly. This segmentation allows for quick updates of cabin décor by simply swapping panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire class divider is replaced to change appearance, then the cabin décor can be updated, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabin décor customizationVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The divider assembly is segmented into a permanent main body portion and removable panels. Only the panels are replaced when appearance changes are needed, while the main body portion remains in place. This reduces material waste and costs compared to replacing the entire divider assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable panels can be detached and replaced without discarding the main body portion. The main body portion is recovered and retained for continued use, while only the panels are discarded or replaced to achieve different appearances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If a removable panel is added to the class divider, then reconfiguration is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoiddivider assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The divider is segmented into a main body portion and removable panels connected by attachment means. This segmentation provides reconfiguration capability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, as only the panels are made removable rather than the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable panel transforms the static divider assembly into a dynamic structure that can be reconfigured. The panel can be attached to and detached from the main body portion, providing flexibility and adaptability without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire divider.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10377494B2Aircraft divider assembly

Publication Date: 2019.08.13 SAFRAN CABIN INC

AI summary

A divider assembly that includes a main body portion having a lower section and an upper section and a removable panel having front and back surfaces. The upper section tapers in width in an upward direction and the main body portion includes front and back surfaces. The removable panel is removably secured to the upper section on the front surface of the main body portion.