Vertical Trolley Storage System for Aircraft Cabin Space Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for stowing carts in aircraft cabins require significant floor space, limiting passenger accommodation and affecting aircraft freight capacity, as they necessitate structural adjustments and pressurization of hold spaces.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first compartment for cart storage on the floor and a second compartment above, utilizing a platform that moves perpendicular to the floor to store carts upright, allowing for efficient space utilization without altering the aircraft structure or reducing hold space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If carts are stowed on the floor of the cabin, then carts are in direct proximity to meal preparation areas, but a considerable area of the cabin is occupied reducing space for seats and passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal floor storage to vertical wall-mounted storage. Carts are stored in compartments attached to the cabin wall rather than occupying floor space, thereby maintaining proximity to galley areas while freeing up cabin floor area for passenger seating.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) arranged vertically on the wall. This segmentation allows efficient use of vertical space while keeping individual cart access points close to meal preparation areas.
2Ease of operation
If a passage is provided in the floor of the cabin for cart transfer between hold and cabin, then cart transfer is enabled, but structural reinforcements are required and hold space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for floor passages by extracting the cart transfer function to the cabin wall area. Carts are loaded directly into wall-mounted compartments from the galley area without requiring passage through the floor structure, thereby eliminating the need for structural reinforcements and preserving hold space.
3Area of stationary object
If the hold space is used to accommodate carts, then cabin space is saved for passengers, but the space available for freight carrying is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-mounted storage compartments serve multiple functions: they provide cart storage close to meal preparation areas, frees up cabin floor space for passengers, and do not encroach on hold space for freight. This multi-functional solution simultaneously addresses passenger capacity and freight capacity requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for stowage of carts including: a first compartment configured to receive carts lined up side by side; a second compartment configured to receive carts lined up side by side, including an aperture allowing cart entry and exit and arranged above the first compartment; a substantially horizontal platform capable of moving in a vertical direction between a lower position in which it is substantially at floor level and a higher position in which it is substantially level with a lower, substantially horizontal wall of the second compartment and facing the opening thereof; and a mechanism arranged in the second compartment for motorized transfer of at least one cart from the second compartment to the platform and vice versa.