Aircraft Cargo Airflow Diffuser Layout for Consistent Livestock Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft cargo compartment airflow distribution systems fail to maintain consistent airflow conditions, particularly temperature, humidity, and velocity, leading to stress and discomfort for high-value livestock due to cycling airflow conditions during transportation.

Innovation Solution

An airflow distribution system with a sub-assembly that includes a flexible conduit and diffuser, allowing for the direct delivery of conditioned airflow to a targeted smaller compartment region, modifying the primary system to provide consistent airflow conditions within a selected area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a primary aircraft airflow distribution system is used to service the entire cargo compartment, then the system can provide airflow to a large area, but the airflow conditions (temperature, humidity, velocity) become inconsistent across different regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow coverage areaVSAvoidairflow condition consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cargo compartment into multiple zones, each served by its own airflow distribution sub-assembly. Each sub-assembly independently controls airflow to a specific region, ensuring consistent airflow conditions within each zone while collectively covering the entire compartment. This segmentation allows different regions to have optimized airflow characteristics tailored to their specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by providing customized airflow conditions to different regions of the cargo compartment. Each airflow distribution sub-assembly is configured to deliver specific temperature, humidity, and velocity characteristics appropriate for its designated zone, rather than applying uniform airflow conditions throughout the entire compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If airflow distribution outlets are positioned far from livestock, then the system structure is simpler, but the airflow conditions cycle and cause stress to the animals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structure complexityVSAvoidairflow cycling stress on livestock

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions airflow distribution sub-assemblies in close proximity to livestock within their respective zones, rather than using a single distant primary distribution system. This segmented approach allows each sub-assembly to directly service nearby animals, eliminating airflow cycling issues while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces airflow distribution sub-assemblies as intermediary devices between the primary airflow source and the livestock. These sub-assemblies receive conditioned air from the primary system and redistribute it locally, ensuring consistent airflow delivery to animals without requiring the primary system to be positioned close to each animal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the airflow distribution system services the entire cargo compartment uniformly, then the system design is simpler, but high-value livestock cannot receive customized airflow conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem design complexityVSAvoidairflow condition customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the airflow distribution system into multiple independent sub-assemblies, each capable of being configured for specific airflow conditions. This allows different regions serving different types of livestock to have customized airflow characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture based on repeated modular units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic configuration of airflow conditions by allowing each sub-assembly to be independently adjusted and configured. This dynamic capability permits the system to adapt airflow parameters such as temperature, humidity, and velocity based on the specific requirements of different livestock types in different zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4663546A1Cooling and humidication system and method for animals carried in an aircraft compartment

Publication Date: 2025.12.17 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

Aircraft cargo compartment airflow distribution system and aircraft cargo compartment airflow distribution sub-assemblies configured to modify a primary aircraft compartment airflow distribution assembly and methods are presently disclosed.