Aircraft Cabin Partition Couplings for Rapid Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airlines need a flexible, rapid, cost-effective, and weight-efficient method to reconfigure aircraft cabins that meets aviation guidelines and standards, particularly for converting between passenger and cargo transport, requiring quick-connect or quick-release components that can couple to existing aircraft components without adding unnecessary weight or compromising load-bearing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft cabin partition system with coupling assemblies that include flanges with cut-outs and actuators, allowing for the secure coupling and decoupling of partitions to seat rails and other partitions, using spacers or fasteners to provide tensioning forces, enabling adjustable, removable, and rearrangeable cargo bins that can be configured to meet various orientations and volumes within the aircraft cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional permanent partition installations are used, then structural strength and stability are ensured, but reconfiguration flexibility and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The partition system is divided into modular components (partitions, flanges, coupling assemblies) that can be independently installed and reconfigured. Each partition includes flanges with coupling assemblies that can be quickly attached to seat rails, allowing the cabin to be segmented into different configurations without permanent installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assemblies incorporate movable elements including actuators that enable dynamic adjustment and reconfiguration of partitions. The lock components can be engaged or disengaged to transition between fixed and movable states, allowing rapid reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity when locked.
2Productivity
If rapid reconfiguration is implemented, then operational speed is improved, but connection reliability and load-bearing capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assemblies are pre-configured with lock components and actuators that enable quick engagement and disengagement. The flanges are pre-positioned on partitions, and the coupling assemblies are designed to align with seat rail openings, allowing rapid connection without complex alignment procedures while ensuring reliable load transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism enables the coupling assembly to self-lock into place when engaged with the seat rail, providing automatic positioning and securing without requiring additional fastening steps. This self-securing mechanism maintains connection reliability while minimizing reconfiguration time.
3Strength
If heavy-duty permanent fastening systems are used, then load-bearing requirements are met, but weight penalty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assemblies use a lock component with actuator mechanism that changes the structural parameter from locked (load-bearing) to unlocked (non-load-bearing) states. When locked, the assembly provides full load-bearing capacity; when unlocked, the weight penalty of heavy fastening systems is avoided since the lightweight coupling assembly can be removed or reconfigured.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assemblies are designed to serve multiple functions: providing load-bearing connections when locked, enabling rapid reconfiguration when unlocked, and allowing the same component to be used across different partition configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy-duty permanent fastening systems for each configuration scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft cabin partition system may include at least a first partition with a partition cut-out and a first flange with a first flange cut-out. The aircraft cabin partition system may include a first coupling assembly configured to be inserted within the first flange cut-out, configured to be inserted within an opening of a seat rail within a floor of an aircraft cabin, and configured to couple the at least the first partition to the seat rail when engaged. The aircraft cabin partition system may include at least a second partition with a second flange with a second flange cut-out. The aircraft cabin partition system may include a second coupling assembly configured to be inserted within the partition cut-out, configured to be inserted within the second flange cut-out, and configured to couple the at least the second partition to the at least the first partition when engaged.