Removable Section Divider Assembly for Aircraft Cabin Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing class dividers in commercial aircraft are difficult to reposition quickly and efficiently, requiring significant time and labor, which hinders the ability of flight attendants to reconfigure cabin sections between flights.

Innovation Solution

A section divider assembly with a removable coupler system that secures to fittings on stowage bin assemblies and fixed rails, allowing for easy repositioning without the need for tools, and featuring a latch mechanism for secure attachment and tamper-resistant design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fixed class dividers are used, then structural stability is maintained, but repositioning requires significant time and labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning speedVSAvoidfastening system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The section divider assembly is divided into separable components: the divider body, couplers, and fasteners. This segmentation allows the divider to be easily disassembled and repositioned without affecting the entire structure, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural stability and enabling quick repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system transitions from a fixed, permanent attachment to a dynamic, removable connection mechanism. The couplers with fasteners allow the section divider to be securely attached during operation but easily removed for repositioning, adapting the structural stability requirement to operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If traditional fastening systems are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but repositioning is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning easeVSAvoidrepositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening components (couplers and fasteners) are extracted as separate, removable elements from the section divider assembly. This extraction allows flight attendants to quickly remove and reposition the dividers by simply detaching the couplers from the fasteners, significantly reducing repositioning time and effort while maintaining secure attachment when installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If section dividers are made movable, then reconfiguration flexibility is improved, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoiddivider stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The couplers are pre-designed with complementary fastening mechanisms that ensure secure attachment when installed. The fastener system is engineered to provide stable, reliable connection during operation, while allowing controlled removal for repositioning. This preliminary design ensures that structural stability is maintained during use while enabling flexibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10919632B2Systems and methods for positioning a section divider assembly within a vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A section divider assembly is configured to be positioned above one or more seats and indicate a boundary of a section onboard a cabin of a vehicle. The section divider assembly includes an attachment header, and a barrier extending downwardly from the attachment header. A first coupler is secured to the attachment header. The first coupler is configured to be removably secured to a first fitting secured to a strongback of a stowage bin assembly within the cabin. A second coupler is secured to the attachment header and spaced apart from the first coupler. The second coupler is configured to be removably secured to a second fitting secured to a fixed rail within the cabin.