Interchangeable air distribution coupling interface for an internal cabin of a vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air distribution coupling interfaces in aircraft cabins are permanently bonded to the floor, limiting the reconfigurability of the cabin and hindering quick changes in seating arrangements or airflow distribution.

Innovation Solution

A removably secured air distribution coupling interface with a main tube and securing flange that allows for easy installation and removal from the floor, enabling flexible seating configurations and airflow distribution without extensive modification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If connection joints are permanently bonded to the floor, then structural stability is improved, but reconfigurability of the internal cabin deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidreconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air distribution coupling interface is divided into separate components: a removable coupling interface that can be detached from the floor and a floor mounting structure. This segmentation allows the air distribution system to be separated from the floor, enabling reconfiguration of seating arrangements without permanent damage to the floor structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling interface transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic removable connection. The coupling interface can be selectively secured to and removed from the floor, allowing the system to adapt between stable operation and reconfiguration modes, thus providing both structural stability during use and reconfigurability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If connection joints are permanently bonded to the floor, then structural stability is improved, but ease of reconfiguration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into a removable coupling interface and a floor mounting structure. This allows the air distribution components to be easily detached and repositioned without extensive modification to the floor, significantly improving ease of reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling interface provides dynamic functionality by allowing selective attachment and detachment. During normal operation, the connected state provides structural stability; during reconfiguration, the removable nature enables easy detachment and repositioning, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If extensive modification is required to remove connection joints, then structural integrity is maintained, but productivity of reconfiguration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidreconfiguration speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The air distribution coupling interface is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached without modifying the floor structure. This segmentation allows rapid reconfiguration by simply removing and repositioning the coupling interface, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining floor structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic reconfiguration through the removable coupling interface. The interface can be quickly attached and detached without extensive modification work, allowing the cabin to be reconfigured rapidly while the floor structure remains intact and undamaged, thus resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and reconfiguration productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4400410A1Interchangeable air distribution coupling interface for an internal cabin of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 THE BOEING CO
  • EP4400410A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400410A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4400410A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An air distribution coupling interface is configured to removably secure to a floor of an internal cabin of a vehicle. The air distribution coupling interface includes a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port. The air inlet port is configured to couple to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system. A securing flange is configured to removably secure the air distribution coupling interface to the floor of the internal cabin. The air outlet port is configured to deliver airflow provided by the air distribution system.