Aircraft Separation Element with Conformable Edges for Light Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft separation solutions conflict between providing passenger comfort through visual and acoustic separation of classes and the need for stowage space, as fixed separation walls and movable devices like curtains often compromise on either light or storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A separation element with adaptable edges that conform to suspension devices, hatracks, and movable space separation devices, reducing light, noise, and odor propagation by using geometrically variable sealing mediums and mechanisms like snap-and-click devices, ensuring effective separation while allowing for even-sky simulations and enhanced passenger comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed separation walls or movable space separation devices are used to separate different passenger classes, then visual and acoustic separation is improved, but stowage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separation element is divided into multiple edges (first edge, second edge, third edge) that can independently conform to different structural features (suspension device, hatrack, movable space separation device). This segmentation allows the separation element to adapt to the available space without requiring a complete fixed wall structure, thereby maintaining stowage space while achieving effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different edges of the separation element have different geometric progressions adapted to specific local structures. The first edge conforms to the suspension device, the second edge to the hatrack, and the third edge to the movable space separation device. This local adaptation allows the separation element to achieve effective light blocking where needed while minimizing impact on overall stowage space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separation elements with conforming edges are used to reduce light propagation, then visual separation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks light propagation, provides structural attachment to existing aircraft features (suspension device, hatrack, movable space separation device), and maintains a uniform appearance. The geometric progressions of the edges are designed to conform to multiple different structures, making the separation element universally applicable in various aircraft configurations without requiring additional complex attachments.
3Volume of stationary object
If movable space separation devices are used instead of fixed walls, then stowage space is improved, but lightproof separation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separation element acts as an intermediary component between the movable space separation device and the hatrack/suspension device. It fills the gaps and spaces created by the movable device, providing the light-blocking function that the movable device alone cannot achieve. This intermediary element enables the system to maintain both the space-saving benefits of movable devices and the lightproof separation of fixed structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a separation element for separating a first space from a second space in an aircraft. The separation element can be affixed between a ceiling region of the cabin, a hatrack in the ceiling region of the cabin, and between a movable space separation device. Furthermore, as a result of attachment between the ceiling region, the hatrack and the movable space separation device, the separation element is connectable in a lightproof manner to the ceiling region, and in a lightproof manner to the hatrack. Furthermore, the separation element is designed in such a manner that it is connectable in a lightproof manner to the movable space separation device.