Retractable Cabin Curtain Mounting Device for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for visual barriers in passenger cabins of transport vehicles, such as aircraft, often result in an aesthetically unpleasing gathered curtain, obstructed visibility, and limited design space due to their design and functionality, particularly when not in use, which can impede emergency exits and hinder the placement of additional components like baby bassinets.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device comprising a rail, a mounting module, and a coupling device that allows for sliding and pivoting movements, enabling the module to retract fully into a luggage compartment when not in use, thus hiding the curtain and improving visibility and aesthetics, while allowing for secure attachment to the cabin structure when extended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mounting device is designed to be stationary between overhead luggage compartments, then it provides stable support for the visual barrier, but it obstructs visibility and reduces aesthetic appeal when the curtain is not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed with movable components that allow it to transition between a deployed position (providing stable support for the visual barrier) and a retracted position (improving visibility and aesthetics). The dynamic structure enables the device to adapt its form factor based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device can be fully retracted into the overhead luggage compartment when not in use, nesting within the available space. This eliminates the visual obstruction and aesthetic issue while maintaining the support function when needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mounting device has a fixed structure between luggage compartments, then it ensures structural stability, but it limits design space and prevents placement of additional components like baby bassinets
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mounting device creates variable design space. When retracted, it frees up the area between luggage compartments for alternative uses such as mounting baby bassinets or other components. When deployed, it maintains structural stability for the visual barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the visual barrier when deployed, and it creates available design space for other components when retracted. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without compromising structural stability.
3Reliability
If the curtain is gathered on one side using press studs or magnets, then it maintains visual barrier function, but the gathered curtain remains visible and is aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device extracts the gathered curtain from the visible field by retracting it into the overhead luggage compartment. This removes the aesthetically unpleasing gathered curtain from view while maintaining the visual barrier function when the curtain is deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gathered curtain is nested within the mounting device structure and ultimately within the overhead luggage compartment when retracted. This nesting conceals the gathered curtain, eliminating the aesthetic issue while preserving the ability to deploy the visual barrier when needed.
4Reliability
If the mounting device is positioned between overhead luggage compartments, then it provides a fixed mounting location, but it impedes emergency exits and hinders placement of additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mounting device can be retracted from the emergency exit area when not in use, improving accessibility and safety. When deployed, it returns to its fixed mounting location between luggage compartments, maintaining the reliable mounting position for the visual barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device nests within the overhead luggage compartment when retracted, clearing the emergency exit path and allowing unobstructed access. This nesting action removes the impediment to emergency exits while preserving the fixed mounting capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device for a visual barrier of two areas of a passenger cabin of a transport. The mounting device provides an enlarged visual range in the cabin when the barrier is not used. The mounting device includes, but is not limited to a mounting module that is adapted for being inserted in a luggage compartment.