Modular Lavatory System with Moveable Partition for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft lavatory designs face challenges in efficiently providing handicap access without encroaching on cabin space, as they often require redesigning or reconfiguring lavatories, which can be costly, time-consuming, and difficult to implement, especially when converting between standard and specialty modules.
Innovation Solution
A modular lavatory system with a fixed perimeter that includes a moveable partition between two lavatory areas, allowing for reconfiguration into a single space for enhanced access without altering the galley's perimeter, utilizing standard and specialty modules with integrated plumbing and electrical connections for efficient assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lavatories are redesigned to provide handicap access, then accessibility for handicapped passengers is improved, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lavatory system is divided into separate modular units (standard lavatory modules and specialty lavatory modules) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows handicap-accessible specialty modules to be pre-built off-line and quickly installed, reducing overall manufacturing time while maintaining accessibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized interface parameters and dimensions across all modular units. By maintaining consistent connection points, utility interfaces, and mounting specifications, the patent enables rapid assembly of handicap-accessible configurations without requiring custom manufacturing, thus reducing production time while achieving accessibility goals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lavatories are redesigned to provide handicap access, then accessibility for handicapped passengers is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lavatory system into standardized modules, the patent enables economies of scale in manufacturing. Common components and interfaces can be mass-produced, reducing per-unit costs. Handicap-accessible specialty modules can be manufactured using the same standardized processes as standard modules, avoiding custom tooling and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with universal interfaces allows the same basic module architecture to serve multiple functions - both standard lavatory configurations and handicap-accessible configurations. This universality reduces the need for specialized tooling and manufacturing processes, thereby lowering costs while maintaining accessibility capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two lavatories are reconfigured into a single space for handicap access, then accessibility is improved, but reconfiguration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lavatory system is segmented into independent modular units with standardized connection interfaces. To reconfigure from two separate lavatories to a combined handicap-accessible space, the modules are simply detached from their original positions and reassembled in a new configuration. This modular segmentation dramatically simplifies reconfiguration compared to redesigning fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable through the use of removable and repositionable modular units. The standardized mechanical and utility connections allow modules to be easily moved and reconnected in different arrangements, enabling flexible adaptation to various accessibility requirements without permanent structural modifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable partition is used between two lavatory areas, then reconfigurability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A moveable partition mechanism is incorporated between lavatory modules to enable dynamic reconfiguration. The partition can be shifted or removed to combine or separate lavatory spaces as needed. While this adds some mechanical complexity, the use of standardized guides and simple actuation mechanisms keeps the added complexity manageable while providing significant reconfigurability benefits.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are presented. An apparatus comprises a wall and a urinal. The wall is physically associated with a fuselage for an aircraft. The urinal is positioned along the wall, the wall and urinal positioned within a specialty lavatory area module.