Aircraft Lavatory Door With Extension Segment for PRM Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft lavatories are too small for passengers with reduced mobility, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for larger space without significant structural changes.
Innovation Solution
A lavatory door with a movable extension segment that can be temporarily fixed in an extended position to cover gaps, allowing the door to function as an enclosure for additional space, combined with a movable partition to merge two lavatories into a larger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the lavatory is made small to maximize passenger seating space, then space economy is improved, but accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lavatory door is designed with movable extension segments that can dynamically change the enclosed space. The extension segments can be moved between retracted and extended positions, allowing the door to adapt its configuration based on whether the lavatory needs to maintain compact dimensions or provide expanded accessibility space for passengers with reduced mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is divided into multiple segments including the main door panel and movable extension segments. This segmentation allows the extension segments to be independently positioned and fixed, enabling flexible configuration of the lavatory space to accommodate different user needs while maintaining the basic compact structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable partition is used to combine two lavatories for PRM access, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension segments of the door serve multiple functions: they extend the lavatory space for accessibility, maintain the enclosure integrity of the lavatory, and can be positioned to accommodate different user scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate movable partition mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension segments are integrated directly into the door structure rather than being separate movable partitions. This merging of the extension function into the door assembly simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for additional partition mechanisms while still achieving the space combination effect.
3Volume of moving object
If extension segments are added to the door, then additional space is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension segments are designed as relatively simple panel structures that can be attached to the main door. These segments function as flexible extensions that add volume while maintaining the enclosure, and their modular nature facilitates manufacturing and assembly without requiring complex integrated construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a lavatories. In order to provide a lavatory with improved use of available space, a lavatory door (10) for an aircraft cabin is provided that comprises a door panel (12) and an extension arrangement (13) with at least one vertical extension segment (14). The door panel comprises a hinge arrangement on one lateral side such that the door panel is movable around a main vertical axis from a closed position (PC) to an opened position (PO). The vertical extension segment is movably mounted in relation to the door panel around a subordinate vertical axis (22) to be movable between a stored position (PS) and an extended position (PE). The vertical extension segment is configured to be temporarily fixed in the stored position for a first use of the door panel. For a second use, the vertical extension segment is configured to be moved to the extended position when the door panel is in a partly opened position such that a vertically running gap between the door panel and a door frame is covered by the vertical extension segment.