Floating Connector Mounting for Aircraft Galley Insert Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft galley systems require separate space for heating and cooling devices, leading to inefficiencies in weight and space utilization, and lack a flexible integration solution with existing monument structures.
Innovation Solution
A location and support system comprising a rigid part attached to the galley insert or appliance case and a flexible part attached to the galley monument, allowing for tool-free installation and movement, reducing weight and enabling closer appliance placement without contact or excessive load on monument structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the galley insert uses its outer case as the principal mechanism for locating and supporting itself in the galley monument, then the galley insert can be self-supporting and mechanically connected to the galley structure, but the weight of the galley insert increases and the space between adjacent galley inserts must be larger to prevent contact and excessive loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the structural support function from the galley insert case itself and transfers it to a separate mounting system consisting of mounting brackets attached to the galley monument. This allows the galley insert case to be lighter while still providing adequate support through the external mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mounting brackets as an intermediary element between the galley monument and the galley insert. These brackets serve as a mediator that provides the mechanical connection and support, allowing the galley insert case to be lighter while maintaining structural integrity through the intermediate mounting component.
2Area of stationary object
If galley inserts are placed in close proximity to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency increases, but the risk of contact between adjacent galley inserts increases, potentially causing damage or excessive loading on the galley monument
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets serve as intermediary elements that isolate adjacent galley inserts from direct contact. By providing separate mounting points and allowing for independent positioning, the brackets prevent harmful contact between adjacent units while enabling closer placement for improved space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support function into separate mounting brackets for each galley insert, rather than relying on continuous structural contact between adjacent inserts. This segmentation allows each insert to be independently supported and positioned, reducing the risk of harmful interactions while maximizing space efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the galley insert case is made rigid and self-supporting to ensure structural stability, then the mechanical connection to the galley monument is secure, but the galley insert cannot accommodate structural movements of the aircraft without imposing damaging loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rigid, fixed connection between the galley insert and monument to a dynamic mounting system using brackets that can accommodate movement. The mounting brackets provide secure attachment while allowing the galley insert to move with aircraft structural changes, preventing damaging loads from being imposed on the insert or monument.
4Ease of operation
If conventional tool-free installation and replacement of galley inserts is implemented, then ease of operation and maintenance is improved, but the mechanical connection and support system must be simplified, potentially reducing structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into separate, modular mounting brackets that can be easily attached and detached without tools. This segmentation enables simple installation and replacement operations while maintaining adequate mechanical connection strength through the dedicated bracket design that provides secure attachment points.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A location and support system for installation of an aircraft galley insert case (12) for location and attachment of an aircraft galley insert in an aircraft galley monument (10) includes a floating stabilizer connector (18) fixedly mounted to an upper surface of the aircraft galley insert case (12), and a floating receiver shelf engagement insert fixedly mounted to an attachment slot (24) in an upper portion of a compartment in the aircraft galley monument for receiving the aircraft galley insert case. The floating receiver shelf engagement insert includes a slotted portion configured to removably receive the floating stabilizer connector. The aircraft galley insert may also include a plurality of ceramic spacers embedded in formed insulation.