Aircraft Monument With Two Lavatories for Secure, Space-Saving Pilot Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to provide a space-saving solution for a dedicated pilot lavatory in an aircraft without compromising passenger seating capacity, while ensuring secure access to the cockpit.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft section with a monument that includes two lavatories, one adjacent to the cockpit aisle, where the cockpit aisle doubles as a lavatory when not in use, separated by a movable door to maintain cockpit access security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated pilot lavatory is installed adjacent to the cockpit, then cockpit security is improved, but passenger seating capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monument space is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as a lavatory for pilots when the cockpit door is closed, and as part of the passenger cabin when the door is open. This multi-functional design allows the same physical space to support both cockpit security requirements and passenger seating capacity, eliminating the need for dedicated pilot lavatory space that would otherwise reduce passenger seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the pilot lavatory function with the existing monument structure located between the cockpit and cabin. By integrating the lavatory facilities into this existing space rather than creating a separate dedicated area, the design combines multiple functions (monument, lavatory, and passenger access) into a single unified structure, thereby preserving passenger seating capacity while providing secure pilot lavatory access.
2Reliability
If a second passenger lavatory is installed on the other side of the aircraft door, then pilot lavatory needs are met, but passenger seating capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monument space is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as a lavatory for pilots when the cockpit door is closed, and as part of the passenger cabin when the door is open. This multi-functional design allows the same physical space to support both cockpit security requirements and passenger seating capacity, eliminating the need for dedicated pilot lavatory space that would otherwise reduce passenger seats.
3Reliability
If the cockpit aisle is closed from the cabin area, then cockpit security is improved, but access to the pilot lavatory deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monument structure is segmented into multiple access points: one from the cockpit and another from the cabin area. This segmentation allows the cockpit aisle to be closed off for security while pilots can still access the lavatory through the cabin-side opening, maintaining both security and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The monument structure acts as an intermediary space between the cockpit and cabin. It provides a buffer zone that allows the cockpit aisle to be secured while maintaining lavatory access through the monument's cabin-side opening, thus mediating between security requirements and operational needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an aircraft section (100) arranged between a cockpit (5) and a cabin area (2) of an aircraft (1). The aircraft section comprises a cockpit aisle (120) configured to allow access to the cockpit (5) from the cabin area (2), and a monument extending in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the aircraft (1). The monument includes a first lavatory (110), a second lavatory (150) arranged adjacent to the first lavatory (110) in the transverse direction and comprising the cockpit aisle (120), a first separation wall (132) separating the first lavatory (110) from the second lavatory (150), a first boundary wall (133) delimiting the first lavatory (110) and a first portion of a rear wall of the cockpit (5), and a second boundary wall (142) delimiting the second lavatory (150) and a second portion of a rear wall of the cockpit (5). The second boundary wall (142) is parallel to the first boundary wall (133) what forms a continuous wall with the first boundary wall (133). The monument further includes an outer door (161) movable between an open position, where the cockpit aisle (120) is accessible from the cabin area (2), and a closed position, where the cockpit aisle (120) is blocked with respect to the cabin area (2).