Double-Deep Aircraft Galley Oven Layout for Two Meal Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft galley ovens occupy substantial space, are costly, and require individual electronic control systems, limiting space for passenger services and revenue potential, while redesigning to accommodate current catering standards is economically unfeasible.
Innovation Solution
A double deep, single wide oven design that accommodates two standard 32-meal carriers in a deeper oven cavity, utilizing unused space in aircraft pressure bulkheads and optimizing galley configurations, with specialized heating and air circulation methods for consistent meal temperatures, and a removal system to prevent burns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard single deep ovens are used to heat meals, then individual meal carriers can be heated, but substantial space is occupied in the aircraft galley
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate single deep ovens into one double deep oven unit. The oven cavity is divided into a front loading zone and a rear loading zone, each capable of accommodating standard 32-meal carriers. This merging reduces the total number of oven units from two to one, thereby halving the floor space occupation in the galley while maintaining the capability to heat the same total number of meals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single deep oven configuration to a double deep oven configuration by utilizing the depth dimension more efficiently. The oven cavity extends deeper into the aircraft structure, taking advantage of unused space behind the bulkhead. This dimensional change allows two meal carriers to be positioned one behind the other in the same footprint, effectively doubling the cooking capacity without increasing the galley's floor space requirement.
2Productivity
If multiple individual ovens are installed to heat all meals, then all meals can be heated simultaneously, but the cost of purchase and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate ovens into a single integrated double deep oven unit. The unified oven shares common structural components, insulation, and control systems, reducing the total quantity of ovens from two to one. This consolidation maintains the productivity of heating all meals simultaneously while reducing the number of independent oven units, thereby lowering purchase costs, operational expenses, and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The double deep oven is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple meal carriers simultaneously. The oven cavity can accommodate two standard 32-meal carriers, with each carrier positioned in its own loading zone. This multi-functional design allows a single oven unit to perform the work of two separate ovens, reducing the quantity of equipment needed while maintaining full meal heating capacity for the entire passenger load.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard ovens are used, then current catering processes are maintained, but space that could be used for passenger services is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The double deep oven maintains universality with current catering operations by accepting standard 32-meal carriers that are already in use across the airline's catering process. The oven's loading zones are designed to accommodate these existing carriers without modification, ensuring compatibility with ground-based catering equipment and galley logistics. This universal design allows the oven to integrate seamlessly into current workflows while freeing up galley space for additional passenger service functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the space conflict by utilizing the unused depth dimension behind the bulkhead rather than expanding the galley's floor footprint. The double deep oven extends rearward into previously unused space, allowing two meal carriers to be heated in the same horizontal footprint as one standard oven. This dimensional optimization maintains compatibility with existing catering processes while preserving valuable galley space for passenger services and potentially increasing revenue through additional seating capacity.
4Reliability
If each oven has its own electronic control system, then individual temperature control is achieved, but space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control systems of two separate ovens into a single integrated control unit for the double deep oven. The control system manages both the front loading zone and the rear loading zone, regulating temperature and cooking cycles for multiple meal carriers simultaneously. This merged control approach maintains precise temperature control for each zone while reducing the total number of independent control systems from two to one, thereby reducing space requirements and operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The double deep oven increases meal capacity without altering catering processes or equipment, optimizing space usage and reducing the number of ovens needed, thereby enhancing passenger service and revenue by accommodating more meals in the same footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element positioned at the rear of the oven cavity to heat the meal carriers
Implementation Method 2
air circulation methods are also designed into the double deep oven in order to assure consistent meal temperatures
Implementation Method 3
a blower positioned at the front of the oven cavity to circulate air throughout the oven
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide double deep, single width ovens for use in aircraft galleys. The ovens are particularly beneficial as they do not change current catering process or equipment, leading to their ease of acceptability and use in the airline galley design and development industry. The ovens may be used with two standard 32-meal carriers, such that the carriers are positioned front to back in the oven. Alternatively, 64-meal carriers may be developed that fit into the double deep oven as well.