Modular Galley Assembly for Custom Vehicle Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing galley units for vehicles require custom construction for each application, leading to increased time, labor, and expense due to varying sizes and configurations, making them inefficient and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
A modular integrated galley system comprising a mounting rack and individual galley modules with unique configurations, including utility connections, and connecting rails that allow for customizable assembly without external support, enabling flexible configuration and efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unique galley unit is constructed for each vehicle, then the galley unit can be customized to match the specific size and configuration requirements, but the production time, labor, and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The galley unit is divided into multiple standardized modules that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations. Each module contains specific functions (storage, preparation, service) and can be combined in various arrangements to suit different vehicle types, eliminating the need to build entirely unique galley units for each vehicle while maintaining customization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal module interfaces and connection systems that allow the same standardized modules to be used across different vehicle applications. The mounting rack and module connection mechanisms are designed to accommodate various configurations using the same basic components, enabling one set of standardized modules to serve multiple vehicle types and purposes.
2Productivity
If standardized modules are used, then production efficiency increases, but the ability to accommodate specific vehicle configurations may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The module connection system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow standardized modules to be dynamically arranged in different configurations. The mounting rack system provides flexible positioning options, and the connection mechanisms enable modules to be easily added, removed, or repositioned to match specific vehicle requirements while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular integrated galley (10) used for food preparation and storage in a passenger vehicle includes a mounting rack (12) defining a plurality of openings or spaces and having a plurality of structural mounting points (18) disposed within the spaces for receiving a plurality of individual galley modules (14). Each of the galley modules (14) including a generally box-like outer shell having top, bottom, front, rear, and side walls. At least two of the galley modules having a different functional component contained within the outer shell that is selected from the group consisting of a beverage maker, a water dispensing unit, an oven, a refrigerator and a storage compartment. The modular integrated galley (10) further including means for interconnecting adjacent galley modules (14) including an elongate connecting rail (32) defining an outer perimeter having at least two slots (34) formed along the outer perimeter for receiving complimentary ribs (36) on adjacent galley modules.