Pivotable Partition Wall Recesses for Vehicle Cabin Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In passenger cabins of transportation means, the space is often limited by necessary installations, making it challenging to maximize passenger seating while maintaining comfort and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional partition wall with recesses for pivotable elements such as a tabletop and seating surface, which can be stowed to save space and integrated into the wall, allowing additional functions like storage compartments and retaining devices, optimizing the use of available space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional flat partition walls are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the available space for passengers is reduced and additional functions require separate installations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultifunctionality of partition wallVSAvoidpartition wall structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall is designed with recesses that can accommodate various functional elements (tabletop, seating surface, storage compartments, beverage dispensing devices) to perform multiple functions within a single structure, eliminating the need for separate installations and maximizing space utilization in the passenger cabin

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall incorporates recesses that segment the wall surface to create specialized zones for different functions. These recesses allow functional elements to be integrated into the partition wall structure while maintaining the overall wall integrity and enabling easy installation and removal of individual components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If more installations are added to provide comfort functions, then passenger comfort is improved, but the space available for passenger seats is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger comfortVSAvoidpassenger space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Comfort-providing installations such as seating surfaces, tabletops, and beverage dispensing devices are merged into the partition wall structure itself. This integration allows these comfort functions to be provided within the existing partition wall footprint without requiring additional floor space that would otherwise be available for passenger seats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If functional elements are integrated into the partition wall, then space is saved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidpartition wall structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall incorporates pivotable and movable functional elements that can be dynamically adjusted between different positions (e.g., seating surface pivoting between stowed and deployed positions). This dynamic capability allows the same structure to provide different functions at different times while maintaining a compact form when functions are not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3027505B1Monument arrangement for a cabin of a transportation means, and transportation means having a cabin with such a monument arrangement arranged therein
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3027505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3027505B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3027505B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A partition wall (2) for integration into the vehicle cabin of a transportation means comprises a first surface (6) and a second surface (8), which are arranged parallel to each other. The first surface (6) comprises at least one recess (28, 44, 47), which may be filled with an at least regionally flat body (30, 40, 46) designed correspondingly thereto, wherein the body (30, 40, 46) is pivoted to the body by means of a swiveling means and may be brought into a stowed position and use position. The body (30, 40, 46) fills out the accompanying recess (28, 44, 47) when in its stowed position. This yields a multifunctional partition wall that may tangibly increase the comfort and available space on board of the transportation means without taking up additional installation space.