Modular Aircraft Closet Segmented Frame and Panel Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft monuments, such as stowage closets and partitions, are typically not easily updatable or reconfigurable, leading to high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for complete replacement when cabin layouts or branding changes occur.

Innovation Solution

A modular monument design featuring a skeletal structural frame with replaceable decorative panels and exterior features, allowing for customization and mid-life upgrades without requiring the entire unit to be replaced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional monuments are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability and ease of updating deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monument is divided into a permanent structural frame and replaceable decorative panels. The frame provides structural stability while the panels can be independently removed and replaced to adapt to changing cabin layouts, stowage needs, and branding requirements without affecting the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The monument transitions from a static, fixed design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The replaceable panels allow the monument to adapt its appearance and functionality over time, enabling mid-life upgrades and customization while maintaining the same structural foundation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complete monument replacement is performed, then customization is achieved, but cost and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizationVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the monument into frame and panel components, only the necessary panels need to be replaced for customization purposes. This partial replacement approach significantly reduces installation time and aircraft downtime compared to replacing the entire monument assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple decorative panels can be pre-manufactured and stored, allowing for quick swaps during customization updates. The structural frame remains in place throughout the process, enabling rapid panel replacement without requiring complete disassembly or lengthy installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of moving object

If conventional monuments are used, then initial installation is simple, but mid-life upgrade capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice lifeVSAvoidease of updating

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The separation of structural frame and decorative panels enables the monument to serve throughout its full service life with the frame, while panels can be updated independently. This segmentation makes mid-life upgrades straightforward by allowing panel removal and installation without complex manufacturing or structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10232942B2Modular aircraft closet

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 BE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

A modular aircraft closet including a structural frame having a top, a bottom, an inboard sidewall, an outboard sidewall, an open forward face and an open aft face. A forward panel attaches to the structural frame to cover the open forward face and an aft panel attaches to the structural frame to cover the open aft face. The forward and aft panels can be equipped with an exterior panel feature to customize, brand, reconfigure or retrofit the closet.