Aircraft Galley Airflow Routing Reducing Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft galley monuments require significant space for airflow supply and return components, limiting the available space for passenger seating due to the wide footprint of these components.
Innovation Solution
The airflow supply and return system is reconfigured within the galley monument by routing components such as air supply and return ducts along the top and bottom walls instead of the back wall, reducing the depth and footprint of the galley compartment, allowing the back wall to be shifted forward and providing additional space in the passenger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If airflow supply and return components are routed along the back wall of galley compartments, then the components can be easily installed and maintained, but the galley monument footprint increases by 4-5 inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent routes airflow supply and return components through the vertical space above and below galley carts rather than along the horizontal back wall. Supply ducts extend from above the galley compartment down to supply air through openings in the galley cart, while return ducts extend from below the galley compartment to return air through openings in the galley cart. This vertical routing through unused space eliminates the need for additional horizontal width at the back wall.
2Device complexity
If airflow supply and return components are routed along the back wall, then the system structure is simple, but passenger seating space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension above and below galley carts to route airflow components, converting a horizontal space requirement into a vertical space utilization. This allows the back wall to be positioned forward, increasing the depth of galley compartments and ultimately expanding passenger seating space in the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow supply and return ducts are routed through the existing structural space above and below galley carts, nesting the airflow system within the vertical envelope of the galley compartment structure rather than requiring separate horizontal space.
3Reliability
If airflow components are positioned behind galley carts, then air supply and return can be effectively provided, but the galley compartment depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions supply openings and return openings on opposite ends of the galley cart (front and back), with supply ducts coming from above and return ducts going to below. This creates an effective airflow path through the galley cart without requiring the components to be positioned behind it, thus maintaining compact compartment depth.
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
This configuration reduces the galley monument's footprint, increasing passenger area space, potentially adding rows of seats and improving passenger comfort by providing more legroom.
Implementation Method 1
A heat exchanger supplies cooled air to each of the compartments or zones via a plurality of air ducts and other components
Implementation Method 2
The air ducts and the supply and return devices associated with the air ducts are routed along the back wall of the galley compartments to supply the cooled air to the galley compartments and to return the air to the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A galley system includes a galley compartment defining a cavity. The galley compartment has a door that allows access to the cavity. A galley cart is positionable in the cavity of the galley compartment that has a first opening and a second opening. An air supply and return system is coupled in flow communication with the first opening of the galley cart and the second opening of the galley compartment. A space is defined about the galley cart when the galley cart is positioned in the cavity. The space provides flow communication between the second opening of the galley cart and the second opening of the galley compartment.