Galley Monument Crew Rest Layout for Space-Constrained Aircraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smaller aircraft types designed for long haul flights lack sufficient space for crew rest compartments, leading to uncomfortable and space-inefficient solutions like using passenger seats for crew rest, which reduces revenue and passenger seat availability.

Innovation Solution

Integrate a crew rest compartment into a galley compartment, utilizing the space above a trolley compartment and a countertop, allowing for a dedicated, privacy-enhanced crew rest area that does not require emptying passenger seats, and incorporating a foldable ladder and privacy closure for access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a crew rest compartment is added to smaller aircraft types, then crew rest capability is improved, but available space for passenger seats and cargo is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrew rest capabilityVSAvoidpassenger seat area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the crew rest compartment with the galley monument structure, integrating two functions (crew rest and galley operations) into a single spatial configuration. The crew rest compartment is positioned on top of the trolley compartment, creating a multi-level integrated structure that serves both crew rest and galley purposes without requiring separate dedicated spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical space by stacking the crew rest compartment above the trolley compartment in the galley monument. This vertical arrangement allows the crew rest area to occupy the upper portion while the trolley and countertop occupy lower portions, effectively using the third dimension (height) to accommodate the crew rest function without encroaching on horizontal passenger space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If passenger seats are used for crew rest, then crew rest capability is improved, but revenue is reduced due to empty seats

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrew rest capabilityVSAvoidrevenue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the aircraft interior into distinct functional zones by creating a dedicated crew rest compartment within the galley monument structure. This separation allows crew members to rest in a designated area that does not interfere with passenger seating, ensuring that all passenger seats remain available for sale while providing appropriate rest facilities for crew.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a dedicated crew rest compartment is provided, then privacy is improved, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprivacyVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the crew rest compartment within the existing galley monument structure, placing it on top of the trolley compartment. This nested arrangement allows the crew rest area to be contained within the vertical envelope of the galley monument, providing privacy through enclosure while utilizing space that would otherwise be unused or underutilized in the aircraft interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4656518A1Galley monument including a crew rest compartment

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a monument (100) for an aircraft (1). The monument includes a main trolley compartment (110), a countertop (160) arranged above the main trolley compartment, and a crew rest compartment (120) arranged on at least a portion of the countertop (160) and at least partially encapsulated by monument walls (122, 123, 124, 127).