Aircraft Cabin Monument Layout for Wheelchair TTOL Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft passenger cabin configurations do not provide an integrated and accessible travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility, requiring time-consuming and disruptive transfers that can lead to injuries and failing to accommodate their unique needs.
Innovation Solution
Multi-use monuments with integrated wheelchair accommodation spaces in aircraft cabins, featuring securement assemblies, storage compartments, and amenities, allowing passengers with reduced mobility to remain in their wheelchairs during take-off and landing, and providing crew access to equipment without impacting other passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional passenger cabin configurations are used, then seating density and cabin layout are maintained, but passengers with reduced mobility cannot remain in their wheelchairs during take-off and landing
Solution Approach 1:
The monument structure is designed to contain a dedicated wheelchair space within its housing, nesting the wheelchair accommodation function inside the existing monument framework. This allows the wheelchair space to be integrated into the cabin without adding separate external structures, thereby maintaining cabin layout while providing adaptability for wheelchair users.
Solution Approach 2:
The monument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional monument structure and as a wheelchair accommodation space. The housing contains both monument equipment and a dedicated interior space for wheelchair securement, allowing the same structure to fulfill multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated spaces.
2Ease of operation
If transfer procedures are used for passengers with reduced mobility, then they can be seated in standard seats, but the process is time-consuming and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelchair is positioned and secured in the monument space before the aircraft takes off, eliminating the need for transfer procedures during critical phases of flight. The wheelchair accommodation is prepared in advance, allowing the passenger to remain in their wheelchair throughout the journey without time-consuming transfers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated wheelchair spaces are added to the cabin, then accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility is improved, but seating density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monument structure serves dual purposes: maintaining its traditional monument function while simultaneously providing a dedicated wheelchair accommodation space. This multi-functionality allows the cabin to provide accessibility without adding separate dedicated wheelchair areas that would reduce seating capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelchair space is nested within the monument housing, utilizing the existing monument volume to accommodate the wheelchair. This nesting approach allows the wheelchair accommodation to be integrated within the existing cabin structure without requiring additional space that would displace passenger seats.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wheelchair accommodation spaces are integrated into monuments, then accessibility is improved, but monument equipment accessibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The monument housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: a wheelchair accommodation interior space and an equipment storage area. This segmentation allows the wheelchair space to be isolated within the housing while maintaining separate access paths for crew members to reach equipment, ensuring both accessibility and equipment operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The monument housing acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the wheelchair accommodation needs and the equipment storage requirements. The housing provides a barrier that separates the wheelchair interior space from the equipment area, allowing both functions to coexist while maintaining appropriate access control.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of monuments for installation in an aircraft passenger cabin. Each monument is multi-use in that the monument serves to accommodate a wheelchair and provide at least one additional function. In embodiments, the monument includes an interior space dedicated for receiving and positioning a wheelchair in an unfolded state, for instance an occupied wheelchair during taxi-takeoff, and landing (TTOL) and during flight. In embodiments, the monuments include storage compartments, direct access to an exterior window, tray table assemblies, etc. In embodiments, the monuments are configured to be positioned adjacent to at least one aisle for accessibility, and to a seat row including a passenger seat reserved for a caregiver. The monuments disclosed herein enhance the travel experience for a passenger with reduced mobilities (PRM), as well as increase flexibility in cabin designs.