Modular Cabin Segment with Shared Suction System for Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cabins, particularly in commercial aircraft, face challenges in optimizing space utilization while meeting regulatory requirements for cabin attendant seats, toilets, and additional amenities like galleys, while allowing customization and efficient use of limited space.
Innovation Solution
A modular cabin segment design comprising interchangeable modules for toilets, galleys, and attendant seats, allowing flexible configuration to optimize space use and accommodate varying passenger needs, including wheelchair accessibility and shared suction systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent toilet compartments are provided in the cabin, then passenger comfort and accessibility are improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to duplicate suction systems and separate installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple toilet compartments into a shared suction system where a single suction device serves multiple toilet stations. The suction system is merged into a common infrastructure with distribution manifolds, eliminating the need for separate suction systems in each toilet compartment, thereby saving space while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction system is designed as a universal infrastructure that serves multiple toilet compartments simultaneously. A single suction device with multiple connection points can handle waste from several toilet stations, making the system multi-functional and reducing the overall space required for waste management equipment.
2Reliability
If cabin attendant seats are provided for each attendant, then safety during takeoff and landing is improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to additional occupied space
Solution Approach 1:
Cabin attendant seats are merged into the lateral segment modules that also contain toilet arrangements. The seats are integrated into the same structural units as the toilets, allowing shared space and resources. This combination reduces the total space occupied compared to providing separate dedicated areas for each attendant seat.
3Reliability
If standardized toilet monuments are used to separate cabin sections, then regulatory requirements are met, but space utilization deteriorates due to separate and isolated installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate toilet monuments and cabin section dividers into integrated lateral segment modules. These modules combine toilet arrangements with cabin partitioning functions, eliminating the need for separate monumental structures and reducing overall space consumption while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral segment modules serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide toilet facilities, act as cabin section dividers, and integrate with the shared suction system. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate specialized structures, optimizing space utilization while meeting all regulatory requirements.
4Reliability
If multiple independent suction systems are installed for each toilet, then toilet functionality is ensured, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent suction systems are merged into a single centralized suction infrastructure. The system uses a common suction device with distribution manifolds and multiple connection points to serve several toilet compartments, dramatically reducing device complexity and space requirements while ensuring reliable functionality across all toilet stations.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 2
AI summary
A passenger cabin for a vehicle having a modular cabin segment (26) arranged in a rear section of the passenger cabin, in which a passage through the cabin segment is not required, the cabin segment comprising a first lateral segment module (72) that accommodates a first toilet arrangement with at least one toilet compartment (34, 76), a second lateral segment module (2), wherein in each case an outer lateral face (4, 74) of the first segment module (72) and of the second lateral segment module (2) is designed to adapt in each case to an inner wall of a cabin of the vehicle so as to correspond to the aforesaid. The cabin segment extends in a transverse axis from a sidewall of the cabin up to the opposite sidewall.