Staggered Serving Trolley Integration in Aircraft Cabin Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Increasing passenger capacity in vehicles like aircraft while maintaining passenger comfort is challenging due to limited space, especially when integrating multiple functions like galleys and toilets without compromising comfort.

Innovation Solution

A cabin arrangement with lateral segment modules and an aisle, allowing for compact integration of serving trolleys and attendant seats, enabling efficient use of space by staggering trolleys and positioning seats to maximize passenger capacity without obstructing aisles or passenger comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions (galleys, toilets, attendant seats) are integrated into the cabin, then passenger comfort and service capability are improved, but available installation space is reduced and passenger capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidavailable installation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The serving trolleys are nested within the receiving spaces of the lateral segment modules, with multiple trolleys arranged in a staggered configuration inside the same module. This allows multiple service functions to be integrated into a compact volume without protruding into the aisle or passenger space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The serving trolleys are arranged in a staggered parallel configuration along the main extension axis, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the segment module. This three-dimensional arrangement allows multiple trolleys to be accommodated within the lateral segment module without increasing the transverse footprint, thereby preserving aisle width and passenger space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If serving trolleys are arranged in receiving spaces facing the aisle, then service efficiency is improved, but space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice efficiencyVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving spaces are designed to be selectively openable and closable relative to the aisle. During service operations, the receiving spaces can be opened to allow crew members to access and operate the serving trolleys efficiently. When not in use, they can be closed to minimize the volume occupied and maintain a streamlined cabin appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The galley function is segmented into multiple receiving spaces within the lateral segment module, each capable of independently receiving and housing serving trolleys. This segmentation allows for efficient service operations through multiple access points while maintaining compact overall dimensions by utilizing the staggered arrangement along the longitudinal axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If lateral segment modules are positioned to enclose the aisle, then structural stability is improved, but passenger capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpassenger capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cabin is divided into lateral segment modules that are distributed along the longitudinal axis and connected by floor beams. This segmentation provides structural stability through a distributed framework while creating open spaces between modules for passenger seating. The modular approach allows for optimized spacing that balances structural requirements with maximum passenger capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral segment modules serve multiple functions: they provide structural support through the framework and floor beams, house service functions (galleys with serving trolleys) in their receiving spaces, and define the aisle enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures, thereby maximizing the space available for passenger seating while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10882619B2Space optimized cabin arrangement for a vehicle as well as a passenger cabin having a plurality of seats and such a cabin arrangement

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A cabin arrangement for a vehicle includes a first lateral segment module having a first main extension axis, a second lateral segment module having a second main extension axis, and an aisle. The main extension axes run parallel to each other, wherein the first lateral segment module and the second lateral segment module are distanced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the main extension axes and enclose the aisle between each other. The aisle runs parallel to the main extension axes, and the first lateral segment module has a receiving space that receives serving trolleys. The receiving space has an opening that faces into the aisle. The receiving space is designed to receive serving trolleys arranged transverse to the first main extension axis and staggered parallel to the first main extension axis.