Modular Monument Tongue-Groove Locking for Aircraft Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting items in aircraft require time-consuming assembly and disassembly of scaffolds, occupy valuable cabin space, and necessitate extensive cleaning and disinfection, especially for patient transport, which can be inefficient and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A modular monument system comprising interlocking transport modules with a tongue and groove mechanism and a locking element, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, secure fastening to the aircraft floor, and flexible configuration to accommodate medical equipment or patients, including extendible drawers and casters for easy movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scaffold is built inside the aircraft cabin for patient transport, then patient transport capability is provided, but assembly time and disassembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monument is divided into multiple modular components (first monument portion, second monument portion, third monument portion) that can be independently assembled and configured. These segments connect through standardized interfaces (grooves and locking elements) enabling rapid assembly without requiring complex structural construction, thus providing patient transport capability while minimizing assembly time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scaffold is built inside the aircraft cabin for patient transport, then patient transport capability is provided, but the time for cleaning and disinfecting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular monument structure allows individual components to be removed and replaced. After patient transport, the monument portions can be quickly dismantled and the cabin surfaces cleaned and disinfected without dealing with complex fixed structures, significantly reducing cleaning time while maintaining patient transport capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a scaffold is built inside the aircraft cabin, then transport units can be fastened, but additional space in the cabin is required
Solution Approach 1:
The monument utilizes the vertical dimension of the cabin by standing upright rather than occupying horizontal floor space. The modular portions connect vertically through grooves and locking elements, creating a space-efficient structure that provides transport unit fastening capability while minimizing the footprint in the cabin.
4Productivity
If transport modules are designed to be quickly assembled, then assembly speed increases, but the stability of the assembled structure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves and locking elements are pre-formed during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex assembly operations. The standardized interfaces are designed beforehand to ensure proper alignment and secure connection, enabling rapid assembly while maintaining structural stability through predetermined geometric constraints and mechanical interlocking.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular monument comprises a first transport module with a tongue and a second transport module with a groove. The transport modules are arranged one on top of the other and aligned flush with each other on a lateral surface of the monument with the monument in an assembled state. The tongue and grooves engage into each other in the assembled state of the monument in such a way that the transport modules can be shifted relative to each other in a longitudinal direction. The first transport module exhibits a locking element to prevent a relative motion of the two transport modules in the longitudinal direction in the assembled state. The embodiment further relates to an aircraft with a modular monument, as well as to a method for transporting an item in a vehicle.