Double-Sided Lavatory Door Ashtray to Deter Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
In commercial aviation, ashtrays in lavatories are frequently stolen, leading to regulatory issues and increased costs for airlines due to the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A double-sided ashtray design is integrated into the lavatory door, featuring two outer panels that rotate away from the door panel, providing access from either side and reducing the likelihood of theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate ashtrays are installed for inside and outside the lavatory, then access is provided from both sides, but the number of parts increases and theft risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate ashtrays (one for inside the lavatory, one for outside) into a single integrated ashtray unit that can be accessed from both sides. This single unit includes a receptacle that can be opened from either the interior or exterior of the lavatory door, eliminating the need for duplicate ashtray components while maintaining functionality on both sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ashtray unit serves multiple functions: it can be accessed and used from both the inside and outside of the lavatory, it provides a unified receptacle for ashes regardless of which side is used, and it eliminates the need for separate installation and maintenance of multiple ashtrays. This multi-functional design reduces parts count while maintaining ease of operation from both sides.
2Ease of operation
If separate ashtrays are installed for inside and outside the lavatory, then access is provided from both sides, but the likelihood of theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the functionality of two separate ashtrays into one integrated unit installed in the door, the patent reduces the number of removable components that could be stolen. The single ashtray is more securely mounted in the door structure, and since it serves both sides, there is no separate interior ashtray that can be easily removed and taken.
3Reliability
If multiple ashtrays are replaced due to theft, then functionality is maintained, but labor costs and regulatory compliance issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated ashtray design means that only one unit needs to be installed, maintained, and replaced rather than multiple separate ashtrays. This reduces the labor required for installation and replacement, and minimizes regulatory compliance issues since there is only one ashtray system to manage rather than multiple separate units that must all be accounted for and replaced if stolen.
4Ease of operation
If two holes are made in the door for separate ashtrays, then access from both sides is enabled, but the structural integrity and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the mounting requirements into a single opening in the door rather than requiring two separate holes. This single opening can be positioned to provide access from both sides of the door, thereby maintaining door structural integrity by minimizing the number of holes while still enabling bidirectional access to the ashtray functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A lavatory door including an ashtray is disclosed herein. The lavatory door includes a door panel having a first side and an opposing second side and the ashtray disposed within the door panel. The ashtray includes a first outer panel disposed along the first side of the door panel and configured to move away from the door panel, a second outer panel, opposite the first outer panel, disposed along the second side of the door panel and configured to move away from the door panel, and a bottom surface extending from the first outer panel to the second outer panel.