Aircraft Interior Component Recessed Passenger Service Unit Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for passenger service units in aircraft require lengthy connection lines and complex installation processes due to component tolerances and varying seat configurations, leading to inefficiencies in installation and increased weight and space requirements for cabling.

Innovation Solution

An interior component with a recessed design for functional modules, allowing them to be installed and fastened relative to the component rather than the entire passenger compartment, with a fastening rail system and interfaces that reduce overlengths and adapt to seat configuration changes without repositioning the entire passenger service channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connection lines are made longer to accommodate component tolerances and varying installation positions, then functional modules can be installed at any position, but the weight and space requirements for cabling increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation position flexibilityVSAvoidcabling weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into discrete functional modules that can be independently positioned within the recess, each module having standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows modules to be installed at different positions without requiring excessively long connection lines, as each module connects locally to the nearest available interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recess structure acts as an intermediary element between the passenger service channel and the functional modules. It provides multiple connection interfaces at different positions, allowing modules to connect at optimal distances rather than requiring direct long-distance connections to fixed channel points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If connection lines are made longer to compensate for component tolerances, then installation position variations are accommodated, but the complexity of routing and attaching lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation position toleranceVSAvoidcabling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of connection interface distribution from a single fixed point to multiple distributed points within the recess. This allows the connection distance parameter to be optimized for each module based on its actual installation position, reducing the need for excessively long lines and complex routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are installed with reference to the entire passenger compartment, then seat configuration changes can be accommodated, but cumulative component tolerances cause considerable position fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidfunctional module position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The installation reference system is segmented from the entire passenger compartment to the local recess structure. Functional modules are positioned relative to the recess boundaries rather than cumulative distances from the compartment start, which isolates each module's position from cumulative tolerance errors of previous modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recess provides a standardized template or copy of the installation reference frame at each location. Instead of measuring positions cumulatively from one end of the compartment, each module uses the recess geometry as a local reference copy, ensuring consistent positioning accuracy throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If overlengths in connection lines are attached to the fuselage structure at maximum distance from functional modules, then non-attached line issues are avoided, but installation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection line attachment reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interfaces and their attachment points are predetermined and built into the recess structure during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for installers to measure and determine optimal attachment points during assembly, reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2907751B1Interior component for a vehicle with a modular passenger service unit

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7

AI summary

An interior component (100) for an interior room of an aircraft is provided. The interior component comprises a body (103) having a first surface (106) and a second surface (108) and a multitude of functional modules (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 130E) which form a passenger service unit. The second surface (108) is arranged opposite to the first surface (106) and comprises a recess (110). The multitude of functional modules are arranged one after another in the recess in the longitudinal direction (301) of the interior component, such that a first front surface (147) of the functional module (130A) arranged frontally in the longitudinal direction (301) closes flush with a first front surface (114) of the body (103).