Modular shower cabin for aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft shower cubicles face challenges in assembly precision, limited space optimization, and accessibility for repairs due to their two-part design, which results in visible seams, predetermined fittings unit placement, and complex repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A modular shower cubicle with a three-part structure featuring a central part and top and bottom parts, allowing for integrated technical equipment assignment and easier access, along with a magnetic cover plate for tool-free disassembly, enabling precise manufacturing and improved visual aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-part design with horizontal seam is used, then assembly is simplified, but visible seams disrupt visual quality and precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shower cubicle is divided into three vertically stacked parts (upper, middle, lower) instead of two horizontal parts. This vertical segmentation eliminates the horizontal seam that disrupted visual quality, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized connection interfaces between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from horizontal segmentation (two parts with horizontal seam) to vertical segmentation (three parts with vertical arrangement). This dimensional change moves the seam orientation from visible horizontal lines to less noticeable vertical connections, improving both visual aesthetics and entry area precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If fittings unit position is predetermined by parting line, then assembly is constrained, but flexibility for standardized door handle height is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fittings unit is separated into its own independent segment within the middle part, allowing it to be positioned at standardized door handle height regardless of the horizontal parting line location in traditional two-part designs. This segmentation provides placement flexibility while maintaining assembly simplicity through standardized interfaces.
3Device complexity
If technical equipment is integrated in segments, then space is optimized, but individual replacement during repairs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Technical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, and overhead shower heads are nested within the middle part segment. This nesting optimizes space utilization while the modular middle part can be independently accessed or removed for repairs, maintaining ease of maintenance without sacrificing space efficiency.
4Reliability
If entire shower cubicle must be removed for repairs, then component protection is maintained, but repair time and expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The shower cubicle is segmented into modular parts with the middle part containing technical equipment that can be independently accessed. This segmentation allows repair personnel to access and replace individual components without removing the entire cubicle, reducing repair time and expense while maintaining component protection through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular shower cabin for aircraft with an integrated fitting unit (6) and integrated technical equipment, such as a water drain (15), lighting, a ventilation device, oxygen masks or the like, wherein - the shower cabin has a central part (2) in which an entry area formed by a cutout (5) and a receptacle for the fitting unit (6) are provided, - and the shower cabin has a ceiling part (4) adjoining the central part (2) at the top and a floor part (3) adjoining the central part (2) at the bottom, - and the technical equipment is assigned to the ceiling part (4) and/or the floor part (3).