Modular Monument Assembly Shared Water System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft lavatories and galleys typically have separate and isolated systems for water management, leading to inefficiencies in space, weight, and maintenance due to the need for duplicate components and connections for identical or similar functions.
Innovation Solution
A modular monument assembly that integrates shared water system components, including a circulation system with a water heater, pump, faucets, and filters, allowing for the sharing of potable and gray water systems between lavatories and galleys, reducing the need for duplicate equipment and improving system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate water systems are used for each lavatory and galley, then each module can function independently, but weight and space requirements increase due to duplicate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal water system architecture where a single water heater, pump, and filtration system serve multiple lavatory and galley modules. The shared circulation system distributes potable water and collects gray water across all modules, eliminating the need for duplicate water management components in each module while maintaining functional independence through controlled distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate water systems into a unified circulation system. Multiple lavatories and the galley are interconnected through common water supply lines, a shared water heater, a single circulation pump, and unified gray water collection, reducing component redundancy while preserving individual module operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate water systems are used for each lavatory and galley, then each module can be installed independently, but device complexity increases due to multiple system connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal water management infrastructure that simplifies module installation. Each lavatory and galley module connects to the same water supply network, heater, pump, and gray water system, reducing the number of unique connections required while maintaining ease of independent installation through standardized interface points.
3Weight of moving object
If shared water system components are used, then weight and space are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple water management functions into a single integrated system. The water heater, circulation pump, filtration system, and gray water collection are merged into one shared infrastructure that serves all lavatory and galley modules, reducing overall component count and system complexity despite the interconnected nature of the shared system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces weight and space requirements by allowing shared use of water heaters and filters, enhancing system efficiency and utility within the confined spaces of aircraft while maintaining functionality and safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a water heater, positioned in the first module, configured to provide hot water to the circulation system and a hot water using component, positioned in the galley
Implementation Method 2
a circulation pump configured to circulate the water through the circulation lines to a plurality of faucets and sinks
Implementation Method 3
a water filter positioned in the first module
Data Source
AI summary
A modular monument assembly configured to be positioned in an aircraft that includes an enclosure that includes a first module and a second module, and a circulation system that is adapted to receive water from a water source. The circulation system includes a circulation line for circulating water, a water heater, a circulation pump, first and second faucets and first and second lines that are in fluid communication with the first and second faucets. The first faucet is positioned in the first module and the second faucet is positioned in the second module.