Aircraft Cabin Divider Holding Device With Interlocking Protrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cabin class divider attachment systems in aircraft are complex and require skilled personnel for installation, posing challenges in ease of use and security during turbulence or crashes.

Innovation Solution

A holding device comprising an upper inboard attachment connected to the overhead bin structure and a lower inboard fitting connected to the movable class divider, allowing for a decoupled and simplified attachment process, with a locking element ensuring secure alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a solid cabin class divider is fitted with inboard fitting into inboard attachment assembly and pushed upwards in rotary movement, then the class divider can be securely locked into position within PSU, but the installation process becomes complex and requires trained personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure locking of class dividerVSAvoidinstallation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: an inboard attachment assembly that connects to the overhead bin structure and an inboard fitting that attaches to the class divider. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall installation process by reducing the number of steps required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connection protrusion with a first bore acts as an intermediary element between the inboard attachment assembly and the inboard fitting. The connection protrusion includes a connection surface that interfaces with the overhead bin structure, while the first bore receives a locking element that secures the inboard fitting, thereby mediating the connection between different parts of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If exact alignment is critical to ensure secure locking, then the class divider will not fall down during crash or turbulence, but the alignment process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity during crash or turbulenceVSAvoidalignment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection protrusion is designed with a connection surface that provides a reliable interface with the overhead bin structure. The first bore is positioned to receive the locking element in a way that ensures proper alignment is achieved easily during installation, making the alignment process straightforward while maintaining security during crash or turbulence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Reliability

If the class divider is firmly attached in the corridor area to withstand handloads, then safety is improved, but the attachment system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewithstand handloadsVSAvoidattachment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the inboard attachment assembly for overhead bin connection, the connection protrusion for intermediate connection, and the inboard fitting for class divider attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4545407A1Holding device for a movable cabin class divider
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP4545407A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4545407A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4b
  • EP4545407A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Holding device (10) for a movable cabin class divider comprising: an upper part (12), and a lower part (22); wherein the upper part (12) is an inboard attachment configured to be connected to an overhead bin structure; wherein the lower part (22) is an inboard fitting configured to be connected to the movable class divider; wherein the inboard attachment comprises a block part (14) and a connection protrusion (16) with a first bore (18), and the inboard fitting comprises a cutout (28) with a second bore (24), the cutout (28) being defined by two lateral faces (13) and one middle face; wherein the cutout (28) is configured to receive the connection protrusion (16) such that the first bore (18) and the second bore (24) are aligned to form a secured position, and wherein a locking element (20) is provided configured to releasably fix the inboard fitting to the inboard attachment in the secured position by extending through the first bore (18) and the second bore (24).