Nested Aircraft Curtain Assembly for Cabin-Space Privacy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a stowable and deployable curtain assembly that can provide privacy and separation for aircraft monuments, such as lavatories, while minimizing interference with the cabin space and allowing easy installation on existing aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A curtain assembly comprising a container with a top and bottom portion, a curtain track, and a curtain that can be selectively disposed in a stowed or deployed arrangement, featuring attachment features for bulkheads and a hinge mechanism for easy deployment and stowage, allowing the curtain to slide along a track for privacy creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a curtain is installed around the lavatory door to provide privacy, then privacy for the lavatory occupant is improved, but cabin space is obstructed and installation on existing aircraft becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain is nested within a container that mounts to the monument structure. When not in use, the curtain is stored inside the container, keeping the cabin space clear. When privacy is needed, the container is opened and the curtain deployed, providing privacy without permanently occupying cabin space.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain assembly transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic deployable system. The container can be opened and closed, and the curtain can be deployed and stowed, allowing the privacy solution to be activated only when needed rather than constantly obstructing cabin space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent curtain structure is installed to provide privacy, then privacy is improved, but installation on existing aircraft and adaptability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain system is segmented into a separate container unit that mounts to the monument rather than being permanently integrated into the aircraft structure. This modular approach allows the same container to be installed on different aircraft types and different monument configurations without altering the aircraft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a universal mounting solution that can be attached to various monument types and aircraft configurations using standard attachment features. The same curtain assembly can serve multiple monuments across different aircraft, enhancing adaptability and reusability.
3Area of stationary object
If a stowable curtain container is used to minimize cabin space obstruction, then cabin space is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into separable top and bottom portions that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation simplifies the mounting process and allows the container to be installed without complex permanent fixtures, reducing overall system complexity despite the deployable functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain assembly includes: (i) a container having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top and bottom portions are configured for being selectably disposed in a closed arrangement, in which the bottom portion cooperates with the top portion to define an interior of the container and to enclose the interior so as to form an enclosed volume within the container, and in an open arrangement, in which the bottom portion is moved away from the top portion to expose the interior so as to form an open volume within the container; (ii) a curtain track attached within the interior of the top portion, wherein the curtain track is disposed along an outer perimeter of the top portion; and (iii) a curtain configured for slidable attachment to the curtain track. An aircraft arrangement and method are also provided.