Corner Bracket Monument Attachment for Reduced Width Aircraft Interiors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional monument attachment systems in aircraft limit the size and accessibility of monuments, particularly in terms of width and aisle access.

Innovation Solution

The development of a monument attachment system using corner bracket fittings that allows for reduced width monuments with aisle-facing doors, securely attached to seat tracks using a unique structural attachment system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If conventional monument attachment systems are used, then monuments can be securely attached to the floor structure, but the width of monuments is limited and aisle access is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonument widthVSAvoidaisle access
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The monument is divided into multiple sections including face panels, floor panels, and corner bracket fittings that can be assembled independently. This segmentation allows for reduced width configurations while maintaining structural integrity and attachment capability to seat tracks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from conventional floor-mounted attachments to seat track attachments, utilizing a different spatial dimension (the seat track structure) for monument support. This enables reduced width monuments that maintain proper aisle access clearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If reduced width monuments are installed, then aisle access is improved, but the structural attachment becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaisle accessVSAvoidattachment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner bracket fittings serve multiple functions: they attach face panels to floor panels, provide structural support, and interface with seat tracks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall attachment system despite the reduced monument width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner bracket fitting integrates multiple attachment functions into a single component that combines face panel mounting, floor panel connection, and seat track interface capabilities, reducing the number of separate parts needed for the attachment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If conventional attachment systems are used, then structural support is adequate, but monument width cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmonument width
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The corner bracket fittings are pre-configured with integrated attachment features for both face panels and seat tracks. This preliminary preparation of the attachment system allows for proper load distribution and structural support even in reduced width monument configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The corner bracket fitting acts as an intermediary component that transfers loads between the face panels, floor panels, and seat tracks. This intermediary structure ensures adequate structural support is maintained even when the overall monument width is reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3922554B1Monument having attachment system with corner bracket fitting
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3922554B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922554B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3922554B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A monument (3804) is presented. The monument comprises a floor panel (3808); a left face panel (3812) perpendicular to the floor panel; a right face panel (3810) perpendicular to the floor panel; and an attachment system (3814) connecting the floor panel, the left face panel, and the right face panel. The attachment system comprises a right corner bracket fitting (3816) connecting the right face panel to the floor panel; a left corner bracket fitting (3818) connecting the left face panel to the floor panel; and a filler panel (3820) connected to and extending between the right corner bracket fitting and the left corner bracket fitting.