Multimode Transformable Aircraft Monument With Deployable Counters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft monuments are inflexible and lack adaptability to meet the diverse needs of cabin crew and passengers, with limited free space in economy-class cabins, and underutilized spaces near exit doors in both single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A multimode transformable monument system that includes deployable counters and self-service compartments, with pivoting linkages and partition doors that can be deployed to create additional workspace and amenities, accessible via grasping handles, and equipped with integrated chiller devices for temperature control and climate control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional aircraft monuments are used, then the structure is simple and fixed, but the adaptability to multiple needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The monument incorporates movable partitions and deployable counters that can be repositioned between different configurations. The partition wall can slide between stowed and deployed positions, and counters can be extended or retracted, allowing the same structure to adapt to different operational needs (catering, storage, workspace) without requiring multiple fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The monument is divided into separate functional modules including a partition wall, multiple counters, storage compartments, and work surfaces. Each module can be independently positioned or configured, allowing flexible arrangement to meet different cabin crew needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If free space is dedicated to passenger seating or storage, then passenger capacity is maximized, but workspace for cabin crew is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The monument utilizes the vertical dimension and the space along the aircraft fuselage length more effectively. By positioning the monument along the side wall and using vertical storage compartments and stacked counters, the design creates workspace without encroaching significantly on the horizontal floor area needed for passenger seating.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable counters and movable partitions allow the workspace area to be dynamically adjusted. When needed, counters can be extended into the cabin space; when not needed, they are retracted, allowing the same physical space to serve both as workspace and as available cabin space for passengers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If space near exit doors is used for amenities, then passenger comfort is improved, but emergency evacuation safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The monument near the exit door incorporates movable partitions and deployable counters that can be retracted when not in use. This ensures that the emergency exit pathway remains clear and unobstructured during normal operations, while allowing amenities and workspace to be deployed when needed, thus maintaining safety while providing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The design pre-plans the positioning and deployment mechanisms so that the monument can be quickly retracted or secured in an emergency situation. The movable partitions and deployable elements are designed to be rapidly moved out of the exit pathway, ensuring that safety requirements are met while still providing amenity functionality during normal cruising.
4Adaptability or versatility
If luxury class amenities are provided, then passenger satisfaction is enhanced, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monument design nests multiple functional elements within each other. Storage compartments are integrated into the base structure, counters can be nested within or attached to the partition wall, and work surfaces can be folded or retractable. This nested arrangement provides comprehensive amenities (storage, catering, workspace) while minimizing the overall volume occupied when elements are not in use.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A self-deploying counter for an aircraft monument is disclosed. In embodiments, the monument is installable adjacent to a cabin space within an aircraft passenger cabin (e.g., on either side of an exit door) and the self-deploying counter includes a partition door (112) capable of being pivoted between a default closed position and an open position extending into the cabin space. The self-deploying counter (202) has a horizontal top surface and an undersurface. When the partition door is deployed, the counter pivots in concert with the door's deployment, the fully deployed position corresponding to the open position of the partition door.