Aircraft Bulkhead Partition Design for Under-Seat Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bulkhead partitions in aircraft cabins restrict the use of space under premium class seats for storage and foot positioning, leading to increased demand on overhead bins, which are often inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A bulkhead partition design featuring an upper straight section and a lower compartmentalized section that extends forward to create additional storage space underneath the first row of seats, allowing for efficient use of space while maintaining class separation, with amenities like tray tables and video monitors facing the economy class seats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional bulkhead partition is used to separate premium class and economy class seating, then class separation is maintained, but under-seat storage space for economy class passengers is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclass separationVSAvoidunder-seat storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bulkhead partition is segmented into an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is configured to extend forward of the premium class seats, creating a storage compartment that is separated from the passenger seating area. This segmentation allows the partition to simultaneously provide class separation and create usable storage space that would otherwise be lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If overhead bins are used to compensate for lost under-seat storage, then storage capacity is increased, but passenger comfort is reduced due to inadequate overhead storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidpassenger comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing storage capacity vertically through larger overhead bins, the invention extends storage space horizontally by having the lower partition section protrude forward. This dimensional change creates accessible under-seat storage compartments that are at passenger level, maintaining comfort while increasing total storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the lower partition section extends forward to create storage space, then storage volume is increased, but the structural complexity of the bulkhead is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidbulkhead structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower partition section serves multiple functions: it provides class separation, creates storage compartments, and acts as a structural support element. By making the partition wall itself multi-functional rather than adding separate storage fixtures, the design increases storage volume without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3546339B1Bulkhead partition design and corresponding seating arrangement

Publication Date: 2023.08.30 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A bulkhead partition for a passenger cabin of an aircraft includes an upper portion and a lower portion, with the lower portion forming a compartment that provides additional storage and/or foot space for passengers seated in the row of seats directly behind the bulkhead partition. Related passenger seating arrangements and methods are also disclosed.(Fig.2)