WO2020223246A1

WO2020223246A1 - Aircraft with separate zones

Info

Publication number: WO2020223246A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/030292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glen Noda; Scott Savian; Bruce Shimizu
Original assignee: Safran Cabin Inc.
Priority date: 2019-04-29
Filing date: 2020-04-28
Publication date: 2020-11-05

Abstract

An aircraft that includes a fuselage that includes a cabin interior that is at least partially defined by a floor, a ceiling and first and second side walls, a cockpit, a forward passenger zone positioned aft of the cockpit that includes at least a first passenger seat positioned therein, a service zone positioned aft of the forward passenger zone that includes at least one of a first lavatory monument or a first galley monument positioned therein, and an aft passenger zone positioned aft of the service zone that includes at least a second passenger seat positioned therein. A boarding door is defined in the fuselage and within the service zone.

Description

AIRCRAFT WITH SEPARATE ZONES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/840,272, filed April 29, 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an aircraft with separate zones, and more particularly to a supersonic aircraft with separate zones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The need has arisen to develop a commercial aircraft passenger seating lay-out that allows for passengers to sit forward of an aircraft's front service and boarding doors and aft of its cockpit. Commercial aircraft fuselages are developing into progressively more complex longitudinal profiles than the standard linear tube. In particular, supersonic aircraft may require a narrow-section, double tapering fuselage profile where the widest part of the aircraft is at or towards the front service and boarding doors, narrowing significantly towards the cockpit and towards the aft cabin. Additionally, the fuselage profile may be non-constant between the narrow forward and aft sections to reduce aerodynamic drag and noise. This reduced section profile forward of the front service and boarding doors and aft of the cockpit makes it an inefficient area to locate such items as galleys, lavatories or closets. For example, see U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0134382, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. In more traditional small to medium sized passenger aircraft, the boarding doors, galleys and lavatories are located directly behind the cockpit and in front of the main passenger cabin. This is because the cabin's longitudinal profile is more uniform and cylindrical in shape. SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0004] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aircraft that includes a fuselage that includes a cabin interior that is at least partially defined by a floor, a ceiling and first and second side walls, a cockpit, a forward passenger zone positioned aft of the cockpit that includes at least a first passenger seat positioned therein, a service zone positioned aft of the forward passenger zone that includes at least one of a first lavatory monument or a first galley monument positioned therein, and an aft passenger zone positioned aft of the service zone that includes at least a second passenger seat positioned therein. A boarding door is defined in the fuselage and within the service zone.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a supersonic aircraft that includes a fuselage that includes a cabin interior that is at least partially defined by a floor, a ceiling and first and second side walls, a cockpit, a forward passenger zone, a service zone and an aft passenger zone. The forward passenger zone is positioned directly aft of the cockpit and includes at least a first passenger seat positioned therein. The forward passenger zone defines a forward passenger zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the forward passenger zone, and wherein the forward passenger zone defines a forward passenger zone maximum width between the side walls within the forward passenger zone. The service zone is positioned directly aft of the forward passenger zone and includes at least a first lavatory monument and a first galley monument positioned therein. The service zone defines a service zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the service zone and a service zone maximum width between the side walls within the service zone. A boarding door is defined in the fuselage and within the service zone. The aft passenger zone is positioned directly aft of the service zone and includes at least a second passenger seat positioned therein. The aft passenger zone defines an aft passenger zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the forward passenger zone, and an aft passenger zone maximum width between the side walls within the aft passenger zone. The service zone maximum height is greater than either of the forward passenger zone maximum height and the aft passenger zone maximum height, and the service zone maximum width is greater than either of the forward passenger zone maximum width and the aft passenger zone maximum width. The aircraft includes a single level for passengers and the cockpit.

[0006] The present invention is a unique passenger seating lay-out for, though not

necessarily limited to, a supersonic commercial aircraft that has a narrow-section, double tapering fuselage profile. Such aircraft fuselage profile includes a section where the widest part of the aircraft is at or towards the front service and boarding doors, narrowing significantly towards the cockpit and towards the aft cabin. Such passenger lay-out allows for passenger seating in the narrowing section of the fuselage forward of the front service and boarding doors and aft of the aircraft's cockpit.

[0007] For efficient, low noise, low drag aerodynamics, supersonic aircraft generally require a specific narrow-section, double-tapering fuselage profile, where the widest part of the aircraft is towards the front, narrowing and tapering significantly towards the cockpit and rear cabin. The present invention seating layout provides for a narrow section, double tapering fuselage shape that has adequate space for passengers and attendant lavatories, galleys and closets. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved by placing the service zone, which requires maximum standing height and mobility, in the tallest and widest part of the fuselage. Such placement allows for a number of advantages, such as cabin crew working in the service zone benefit from the best ergonomic working conditions due to the increased diameter of the fuselage in this area and the front service and boarding doors being located in the largest diameter section of the aircraft allowing them to be of a relative, to the fuselage, maximum size. [0008] Service and catering activities are conveniently located next to exit doors and distinctly separated from the main passenger cabins. The area forward of the service zone and aft of the cockpit is not wasted but rather allows for revenue generating passenger seats. This layout further provides operators with the unique ability to offer a truly distinct and exclusive premium cabin zone, forward of the service zone and totally separated from the main passenger cabin. The forward passenger zone may include premium seating or it may include regular or economy class seating (in which case, premium seating may be located in the aft passenger zone so that it can take advantage of higher ceilings).

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, a first or forward passenger zone is situated aft of the cockpit and forward of a first cabin service zone. The first cabin service zone may include a boarding door and/or a service door. Additional passenger zones (e.g., the aft passenger zone), service zones, service doors and boarding doors may also be found aft of the first cabin service zone.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the forward passenger zone is positioned in the forward tapering section and the service therein is focused on a premium seating experience (although not limited thereto, as discussed above). It will be appreciated that the cabin width and height limits standing mobility in at least a portion of the forward passenger zone and therefore, this compact cabin zone provides physical separation from the main cabin for Premium Class passengers.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the cabin service zone is focused on cabin and passenger service. Due to the preferred use in a supersonic jet, this the widest and highest section of the aircraft, making it ideal for activities that demand standing mobility. This zone, which preferably also includes a boarding door, is therefore dedicated to galley and service activities for the crew and lavatories for passengers and/or crew. [0012] In a preferred embodiment, the aft passenger zone is positioned in the aft tapering section and focuses on high density seating (although it is not limited to this, as discussed above). Cabin width and height reduces significantly toward the rear end of the aircraft, thus limiting passenger and crew standing mobility. High density seating makes best use of the tapering cabin space.

[0013] The present invention can be used in different types of aircraft including, but not limited to, commercial, business and/or military. The present invention can be further used in scenarios other than an aircraft. For example, the invention can be used in other modes of transportation, including but not limited, to trains, cars, buses and vertical take-off and landing autonomous vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the interior of an aircraft with separate zones in

accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the aircraft interior of FIG. 1.

[0017] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same

embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. [0019] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the

embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0020] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0021] It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. [0022] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

[0023] It will be appreciated that terms such as "front," "back,"“top,”“bottom,” "side," "short," "long," "up," "down," "aft," "forward," "inboard," "outboard" and "below" used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-2 show an aircraft 10 that includes a fuselage 12 having a cabin interior 14. The cabin interior 14 is at least partially defined by a floor 16, a ceiling 18 and first and second side walls 20. It will appreciated that the fuselage 12 has a generally cylindrical or tubular shape. In a preferred

embodiment, the aircraft is a supersonic aircraft (or is at least shaped like a supersonic aircraft). In a preferred embodiment, the aircraft includes a narrow-section, double tapering fuselage profile where the widest part of the fuselage 12 is at or towards the front service and boarding doors 22 and 24, narrowing significantly towards the cockpit 26 and towards the aft of the cabin interior 14. Preferably, the cabin interior 14 includes a single aisle 27 with seats 29 on each side. The drawings show a single seat on each side of the aircraft. However, more than one seat per side is also within the scope of the present invention. [0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the cabin interior 14 is divided into a forward passenger zone 28 positioned aft of the cockpit 26, a service zone 30 positioned aft of the forward passenger zone 28, and an aft passenger zone 32 positioned aft of the service zone 30. In other words, the service zone 30 is positioned between or sandwiched between the forward and aft passenger zones 28 and 32.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the forward passenger zone 28 includes at least one, and preferably two rows of passenger seats 29 positioned therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the forward passenger zone defines a forward passenger zone maximum height HI between the floor 16 and the ceiling 18. The forward passenger zone maximum height HI is the highest point of the ceiling 18 within the forward passenger zone 28 and is dictated by the forwardly narrowing or tapering fuselage 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the forward passenger zone also defines a forward passenger zone maximum width W1 between the side walls 20. The forward passenger zone maximum width W1 is the widest width between the side walls 18 within the forward passenger zone 28 and is dictated by the forwardly narrowing or tapering fuselage 12.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the service zone 30 includes at least one of a lavatory monument 34 or a galley monument 36 positioned therein. FIG. 1 shows two lavatories or lavatory monuments 34 on opposite sides of the aircraft and four galley monuments 36 or galley sections. The galleys 36 show service carts 38 therein and can also include counters, storage and other components typically included in aircraft galleys. The lavatories and galleys can be arranged as desired. In FIG. 1 they are arranged within the service zone 30 as a lavatory zone 40 and a galley zone 42 where the lavatory monuments 34 are arranged transversely opposite to one another across the aisle 37 to form the lavatory zone 40 and the galley monuments 36 are arranged transversely opposite to one another across the aisle 37 to form the galley zone 32. An entry way 44 is defined between the front service and boarding doors 22 and 24. In FIG. 1, the entry way 44 is positioned in the galley zone 32. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the service zone 30 defines a service zone maximum height H2 between the floor 16 and the ceiling 18. The service zone maximum height H2 is the highest point of the ceiling 18 within the service zone maximum 30 and is dictated by the forwardly and aft narrowing or tapering fuselage 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the service zone also defines a service zone maximum width W2 between the side walls 20. The service zone maximum width W2 is the widest width between the side walls 18 within the service zone 30 and is dictated by the forwardly and aft narrowing or tapering fuselage 12. In a preferred embodiment, the front boarding door 24 is defined in the fuselage 12 and within the service zone 30.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the aft passenger zone 32 includes at least one, and

preferably a plurality of rows of passenger seats 29 positioned therein. As shown in FIG. 2, the aft passenger zone defines a aft passenger zone maximum height H3 between the floor 16 and the ceiling 18. The aft passenger zone maximum height H3 is the highest point of the ceiling 18 within the aft passenger zone 32 and is dictated by the aft narrowing or tapering fuselage 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the aft passenger zone 32 also defines an aft passenger zone maximum width W3 between the side walls 20. The aft passenger zone maximum width W3 is the widest width between the side walls 18 within the aft passenger zone 32 and is dictated by the aft narrowing or tapering fuselage 12.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the service zone maximum height H2 is greater or higher than either of the forward passenger zone maximum height HI and the aft passenger zone maximum height H3. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the service zone maximum width W2 is greater or wider than either of the forward passenger zone maximum width W1 and the aft passenger zone maximum width W3. In a preferred embodiment, the ceiling in the forward passenger zone 28 tapers faster going forwardly than the aft tapering within the aft passenger zone 32. This allows more rows of seats in the aft passenger zone 32 compared to the forward passenger zone 28.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the entire cabin interior 14 includes only a single level.

This means that there are no stairs that lead to a second level for seats for the passengers or for the cockpit. As a result, the forward passenger zone 28 is positioned directly aft of the cockpit 26. Due to the height restrictions near the cockpit 26, there are no lavatories, galleys or other monuments that require standing positioned between the cockpit 26 and the passenger seats 29. As shown in FIG. 1, closets or other storage 46 can be included between the cockpit 26 and the passenger seats 29. However, in a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, nothing other than the wall or bulkhead separating the front passenger zone 28 and the cockpit 26 is positioned between the cockpit 26 and the passenger seats 29. The aircraft can also include cabin attendant seats CAS positioned throughout the aircraft, as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, the cabin attendant seats CAS are shown in the deployed position. They can be stowed during flight.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the service zone 30 is positioned directly aft of the

forward passenger zone 28 and the aft passenger zone 32 is positioned directly aft of the service zone 30. In another embodiment, the front passenger zone can be replaced by or can include a crew rest area or a galley and lavatory in the higher part of the area directly forward of the service zone 30.

[0033] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0034] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

[0035] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements can be used. Further, any specific materials noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing materials.

[0036] Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0037] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0038] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An aircraft comprising: a fuselage that includes a cabin interior, wherein the cabin interior is at least partially defined by a floor, a ceiling and first and second side walls, a cockpit, a forward passenger zone positioned aft of the cockpit, wherein the forward passenger zone includes at least a first passenger seat positioned therein, a service zone positioned aft of the forward passenger zone, wherein the service zone includes at least one of a first lavatory monument or a first galley monument positioned therein, and wherein a boarding door is defined in the fuselage and within the service zone, and an aft passenger zone positioned aft of the service zone, wherein the aft passenger zone includes at least a second passenger seat positioned therein.

2. The aircraft of claim 1 wherein the aircraft includes a single level.

3. The aircraft of claim 1 wherein the forward passenger zone defines a forward passenger zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the forward passenger zone, wherein the service zone defines a service zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the service zone, wherein the aft passenger zone defines an aft passenger zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the forward passenger zone, and wherein the service zone maximum height is greater than either of the forward passenger zone maximum height and the aft passenger zone maximum height.

4. The aircraft of claim 1 wherein the aircraft is a supersonic aircraft.

5. The aircraft of claim 1 further comprising both a first galley monument and a first lavatory monument positioned in the service zone.

6. The aircraft of claim 1 wherein the cabin interior includes an aisle, wherein the service zone includes a galley zone that includes the first galley monument positioned on a first side of the aisle and a second galley monument on a second side of the aisle and transverse to the first galley monument.

7. The aircraft of claim 6 wherein the service zone includes a lavatory zone that includes the first lavatory monument positioned on the first side of the aisle and a second lavatory monument on the second side of the aisle and transverse to the first lavatory monument.

8. The aircraft of claim 7 wherein the service zone includes an entry way defined transversely from the boarding door and between the galley and lavatory zones.

9. The aircraft of claim 1 wherein the forward passenger zone is positioned directly aft of the cockpit.

10. The aircraft of claim 9 wherein the service zone is positioned directly aft of the forward passenger zone and the aft passenger zone is positioned directly aft of the service zone.

11. The aircraft of claim 3 wherein the service zone defines a service zone maximum width between the side walls within the service zone, wherein the forward passenger zone defines a forward passenger zone maximum width between the side walls within the forward passenger zone, wherein the aft passenger zone defines an aft passenger zone maximum width between the side walls within the aft passenger zone, wherein the service zone maximum width is greater than either of the forward passenger zone maximum width and the aft passenger zone maximum width.

12. A supersonic aircraft comprising: a fuselage that includes a cabin interior, wherein the cabin interior is at least partially defined by a floor, a ceiling and first and second side walls, a cockpit, a forward passenger zone positioned directly aft of the cockpit, wherein the forward passenger zone includes at least a first passenger seat positioned therein, wherein the forward passenger zone defines a forward passenger zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the forward passenger zone, and wherein the forward passenger zone defines a forward passenger zone maximum width between the side walls within the forward passenger zone, a service zone positioned directly aft of the forward passenger zone, wherein the service zone includes at least a first lavatory monument and a first galley monument positioned therein, wherein the service zone defines a service zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the service zone, wherein the service zone defines a service zone maximum width between the side walls within the service zone, and wherein a boarding door is defined in the fuselage and within the service zone, and an aft passenger zone positioned directly aft of the service zone, wherein the aft passenger zone includes at least a second passenger seat positioned therein, wherein the aft passenger zone defines an aft passenger zone maximum height between the floor and the ceiling within the forward passenger zone, and wherein the aft passenger zone defines an aft passenger zone maximum width between the side walls within the aft passenger zone, wherein the service zone maximum height is greater than either of the forward passenger zone maximum height and the aft passenger zone maximum height, wherein the service zone maximum width is greater than either of the forward passenger zone maximum width and the aft passenger zone maximum width, and wherein the aircraft includes a single level.

13. The aircraft of claim 12 wherein the cabin interior includes an aisle, wherein the service zone includes a galley zone that includes the first galley monument positioned on a first side of the aisle and a second galley monument on a second side of the aisle and transverse to the first galley monument.

14. The aircraft of claim 13 wherein the service zone includes a lavatory zone that includes the first lavatory monument positioned on the first side of the aisle and a second lavatory monument on the second side of the aisle and transverse to the first lavatory monument.

15. The aircraft of claim 14 wherein the service zone includes an entry way defined transversely from the boarding door and between the galley and lavatory zones.