Overhead Cabin Airflow Plenum with Adjustable Baffles for Flow Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft cabin airflow distribution systems require redesign when the cabin interior is modified, leading to increased costs and time due to the need to maintain flow balance requirements, which is undesirable.

Innovation Solution

An overhead flow distribution assembly with a conduit system and baffles that allow for adjustable airflow distribution, enabling the creation of a balanced airflow by selectively blocking baffle openings to match desired flow ratios between upper and lower outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flow distribution system is redesigned when the cabin interior is redesigned, then the flow balance requirements are maintained, but the costs and time for testing and adjustment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow balance requirementsVSAvoidtime for testing and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flow distribution system is segmented into modular components including a plenum chamber, adjustable baffles, and outlet assemblies that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different cabin interior designs without requiring complete redesign, as individual modules can be reconfigured to maintain flow balance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamically adjustable baffles with variable positioning capabilities that allow airflow distribution to be tuned after installation. This dynamic adjustment feature enables the system to adapt to different cabin configurations without extensive redesign and testing, reducing both time and costs while maintaining flow balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the flow distribution system is redesigned when the cabin interior is redesigned, then the flow balance requirements are maintained, but the costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow balance requirementsVSAvoidcosts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flow distribution system is designed as a universal assembly that can be applied to multiple cabin interior configurations. The standardized plenum chamber, adjustable baffles, and outlet assemblies can be reconfigured for different cabin designs, eliminating the need for costly custom redesigns while maintaining flow balance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in airflow distribution through adjustable baffle positions and configurable outlet arrangements. These parameter adjustments enable adaptation to different cabin interiors without requiring complete system redesign, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining flow balance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional flow distribution systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the airflow distribution cannot be adjusted to meet different cabin interior requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidairflow distribution adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamically adjustable baffles that can be positioned to control airflow distribution patterns. This dynamic capability allows the relatively simple plenum chamber structure to adapt to different cabin interior requirements, providing versatility without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Adjustable baffles serve as intermediary elements between the simple plenum chamber structure and the varying airflow distribution requirements. These baffles mediate the airflow path, enabling the system to meet different cabin interior requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for efficient adjustment of airflow distribution to meet desired flow ratios, reducing the need for extensive redesign and testing, thereby minimizing costs and time associated with cabin interior changes.

Implementation Method 1

the baffle configured to restrict airflow from the at least part of the inlet toward the upper outlets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restriction through baffle:

Data Source

PatentUS11535382B2Overhead flow distribution assembly for aircraft cabin

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 MHI RJ AVIATION ULC

AI summary

An overhead flow distribution assembly for an aircraft cabin, including a conduit defining a plenum having an inlet, upper outlets and lower outlets, the upper outlets spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the aircraft, the lower outlets spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction, the inlet being located between the upper outlets and the lower outlets, and a baffle extending within the plenum along the longitudinal direction, the baffle being located between the upper outlets and at least part of the inlet along a transverse direction normal to the longitudinal direction, the baffle having openings defined therethrough, the baffle configured to restrict airflow from the at least part of the inlet toward the upper outlets. A method of balancing a flow in an overhead flow distribution assembly for an aircraft cabin is also discussed.