Sanitary Module Trolley Storage for Aircraft Galley Space Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern aircraft galleys are often oversized for short-haul flights that offer reduced services, requiring unnecessary space and weight for facilities like ovens and cool boxes.

Innovation Solution

A sanitary module arrangement that includes internal and external trolley parking spaces, allowing trolleys to be stored outside the galley, reducing the need for extensive galley installations and enabling space and weight savings by using a holder system for secure trolley attachment to the aircraft's boundary wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a full galley with ovens, cool boxes, and beverage preparation facilities is installed in the aircraft, then the service capability is improved, but the installation space requirement and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the trolley storage function from the traditional galley space and relocates it to the sanitary module area. The sanitary module's interior space is used to accommodate service trolleys during take-off and landing, while the exterior space provides additional parking positions. This extraction allows the galley to be reduced in size or eliminated entirely on short-haul flights, as trolleys can be stored in the sanitary module rather than requiring dedicated galley storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a full galley with sufficient storage space is installed to accommodate trolleys filled with service products, then the service functionality is improved, but the weight and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice functionalityVSAvoidgalley weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the sanitary module multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its original hygiene function and an additional trolley storage function. The holder system integrated into the sanitary module's boundary wall allows it to securely accommodate service trolleys during flight phases when the sanitary module is not in use. This universality eliminates the need for separate dedicated trolley storage structures, reducing overall aircraft weight while maintaining full service functionality.

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

3Area of stationary object

If the galley is reduced or eliminated for short-haul flights, then the installation space and weight are reduced, but the ability to accommodate service trolleys is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegalley spaceVSAvoidtrolley accommodation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the holder system as an intermediary mechanism that enables trolley accommodation in the sanitary module area. This holder system, with its detachable fastening capability, acts as a mediator between the reduced galley space and the service trolley storage requirement. The holder system allows trolleys to be securely stored in the sanitary module's interior and exterior spaces, effectively bridging the gap created by galley reduction and maintaining adequate trolley accommodation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If trolleys are parked outside the sanitary module on the second trolley parking space, then the galley space is reduced, but the holder system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegalley space reductionVSAvoidholder system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder system incorporates dynamic elements including pivotable holders that can rotate between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when securing trolleys). The detachable fastening mechanism allows the holder to be easily attached and detached from the boundary wall. This dynamic design enables the holder system to adapt to different operational states while maintaining relatively simple construction, reducing the complexity burden despite providing external trolley parking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3112266B1Sanitary module assembly for installation in an aircraft cabin
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3112266B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3112266B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3112266B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A sanitary module arrangement (100) suitable for installation in an aircraft cabin comprises a sanitary module (10) whose interior (14) is separated from an area (16) of the aircraft cabin adjacent to the sanitary module (10) by a partition wall (12). Within the interior (14) of the sanitary module (10) are a sanitary installation (20) and a first trolley storage space (33) for accommodating at least one trolley (40) suitable for carrying supplies for passengers in the aircraft cabin. Adjacent to an outer surface (42) of the partition wall (12), a second trolley storage space (39) for accommodating at least one trolley (40) suitable for carrying supplies for passengers in the aircraft cabin is provided outside the sanitary module (10).A trolley fastening device (34) comprises a holder system (36) for the detachable fastening of a trolley (40) placed on the second trolley parking space (39), wherein the holder system (36) has a holder (62) attached to the outer surface (42) of the boundary wall (12).