Aircraft Cargo Airflow Sub-Assembly for Stable Livestock Microclimates

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

A modified airflow distribution system with a sub-assembly that includes a flexible conduit and diffuser, which is attached to the primary system to deliver a secondary airflow directly to a targeted smaller compartment region, maintaining consistent conditions such as temperature, humidity, and velocity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a primary airflow distribution system is used to cover the entire cargo compartment, then the coverage area is large, but the airflow conditions (temperature, humidity, velocity) become inconsistent and fluctuate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage 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 its designated zone, preventing the mixing and fluctuation that occurs in a single large-zone system. This segmentation allows each zone to maintain stable, consistent airflow conditions while collectively covering the entire cargo compartment area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If airflow is distributed to a large compartment area, then coverage is comprehensive, but airflow velocity and temperature fluctuate causing stress to animals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompartment coverageVSAvoidairflow cycling and fluctuations

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each airflow distribution sub-assembly is designed to deliver airflow with specific local qualities (temperature, humidity, velocity) optimized for the animals in its zone. The sub-assemblies can be independently adjusted to provide appropriate airflow characteristics without affecting other zones, thereby eliminating the harmful fluctuations and cycling that occur when a single system serves the entire compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If a sub-assembly is added to the primary system, then airflow consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow condition stabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow distribution sub-assembly acts as an intermediary device between the primary airflow source and the animals in the cargo compartment. It receives airflow from the primary system and conditions it to the appropriate temperature, humidity, and velocity before delivering it to the animals. This intermediary approach improves airflow stability without requiring complete redesign of the entire primary system, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250382058A1Cooling and Humidification System and Method for Animals Carried in an Aircraft Compartment

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 THE BOEING CO

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.