Rotatable Aircraft Galley Trash Compactor for Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft trash compactors occupy valuable space under the counter in galleys, reducing available space for food storage and preparation, and require safe and secure operation during flight.
Innovation Solution
A space-saving trash compactor system with a rotatable storage chamber and compactor mechanism attached to an axle, allowing for easy access and maintenance, featuring a trash chute and optional remote control operation, and utilizing actuators for efficient compaction and trash removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional trash compactors are installed under the counter in aircraft galleys, then trash compaction function is provided, but available space for food storage and preparation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the trash compactor from the traditional under-counter horizontal space to a vertical dimension by installing it on the overhead rack structure. This dimensional shift allows the compactor to utilize previously unused vertical space while maintaining accessibility through downward-opening doors, thereby resolving the space conflict with food storage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structural element - the overhead rack system - to host the trash compactor. This intermediary structure serves dual purposes: it provides the necessary support and housing for the compactor mechanism while utilizing existing aircraft structural space that would otherwise be unused, thus avoiding direct competition with food storage volumes.
2Reliability
If trash compactor is securely mounted in aircraft galley, then safety during flight is improved, but accessibility for maintenance and trash removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the trash compactor is secured to the overhead rack with removable fasteners or latches. During flight, these fasteners secure the unit firmly to ensure safety. During maintenance, the fasteners can be quickly released to allow removal of the compactor, thus providing both security and accessibility through a dynamic fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the trash compactor as a separable module that can be independently removed from the overhead rack structure. This segmentation allows the compactor to remain securely integrated during normal flight operations while enabling easy detachment for maintenance or trash removal by simply releasing the connection mechanism.
3Productivity
If trash compactor uses hydraulic ram mechanism, then compaction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic ram mechanism within the trash compactor to achieve efficient compaction. The hydraulic system uses fluid pressure to generate the necessary compaction force, providing high productivity with a compact mechanism that is well-suited for the constrained aircraft environment while managing the complexity through standardized hydraulic components.
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
The system effectively utilizes otherwise unused space in aircraft galleys, providing efficient trash compaction and maintenance access while ensuring safety and security during flight operations.
Implementation Method 1
The storage chamber is secured to a load-bearing plate, which is mounted on castors that permit the storage chamber to roll smoothly along the floor
Implementation Method 2
either or both of the compactor mechanism and storage chamber are rotatably attached to an axle positioned below a compactor mechanism and a trash chute for swiveling around the axle
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage chamber system for an in-flight trash compactor, comprising: a galley workdeck delineating a dead space below a level of the galley workdeck, the dead space being inaccessible from in front of the galley workdeck; a storage chamber disposed below the level of the galley workdeck, the storage chamber constructed to facilitate trash being compacted therein by the in-flight trash compactor when disposed in an operating position in the dead space inaccessible from in front of the galley workdeck; an elongate chamber axle disposed below the level of the galley workdeck; and at least one hinge rotatably attached to both the storage chamber and the elongate chamber axle and operable to rotate the storage chamber from the operating position in which the storage chamber is inaccessible from in front of the galley workdeck to a maintenance position in which the storage chamber is accessible from in front of the galley workdeck, the compacted trash being removable from the storage chamber in the maintenance position. A method for compacting trash, the method comprising: positioning a storage chamber in a chamber operating position within a dead space inaccessible from in front of a workdeck; receiving trash into the storage chamber while the storage chamber is in the chamber operating position; executing a compaction cycle that compacts the trash in the storage chamber; and repositioning the storage chamber into a chamber maintenance position in which the compacted trash is removable from the storage chamber accessible from in front of the workdeck.