Pivotable Aircraft Monument Movable Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft monuments, such as galleys, typically occupy significant space and lack flexibility in modern aircraft, limiting their usability and requiring extensive construction space.

Innovation Solution

An aircraft monument with a pivotable movable part that can be mounted to the monument via an attachment device, allowing it to transition between a stowed position inside the monument and an extended position outside, providing increased access and space for catering services when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the aircraft monument is designed as a block-shaped structure extending from floor to ceiling, then it provides structural stability and divides the cabin into seat blocks, but it occupies significant space and limits flexibility for catering services

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidconstruction space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the galley unit movable rather than fixed. The galley unit can be positioned at different locations along the aircraft monument and moved between stowed and extended positions, transforming the static monument structure into a dynamic system that adapts to different service requirements and space needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the galley unit into separate movable and fixed portions. The movable part containing catering equipment can be independently positioned and removed, while the fixed monument structure remains in place. This segmentation allows the monument to serve multiple functions while reducing the permanent space occupied by catering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the galley unit is fixed in position, then it provides stable access and operation, but it reduces workspace flexibility and limits access control

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessVSAvoidworkspace flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The galley unit incorporates movable components that can be shifted along the aircraft monument and between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic design allows cabin crew to adjust the workspace configuration based on service requirements, improving both accessibility and flexibility compared to a fixed galley unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary attachment mechanism that connects the movable galley unit to the fixed monument structure. This intermediary system enables the galley unit to be securely positioned at different locations while maintaining stable access during operation, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and flexible positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of moving object

If the movable part is extended outside the monument, then it increases workspace and access for catering services, but it reduces restricted access when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveworkspaceVSAvoidrestricted access
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable part of the galley unit is designed to be dynamically positionable between extended and retracted states. During catering services, it extends outside the monument to provide increased workspace and access. When not in use, it retracts into the monument to maintain restricted access and a streamlined appearance, thus resolving the contradiction between workspace availability and access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3248873B1Aircraft monument, aircraft galley, aircraft, and method of operating an aircraft monument
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3248873B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3248873B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3248873B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention concerns an aircraft monument (100), comprising a desk (102), and a movable part (104) that is mounted to the aircraft monument (100) by means of an attachment device (106) such that the movable part (104) is pivotable about an axis (A) between a first position in which the movable part (104) covers a first area of the desk (102) and is essentially arranged inside of the aircraft monument (100) such that its front faces in a first direction towards the back of the aircraft monument (100), and a second position in which the movable part (104) is at least partially arranged outside of the aircraft monument (100) and its front faces in a second direction that crosses the first direction, wherein the movable part (104), in its second position, covers a second area of the desk (102) that is less than the first area.