Inflatable projection surface for a transportation means
AssigneeAirbus Operations GmbH
InventorsHans-Achim BAUER, Tilo BUDINGER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A supply channel for a means of transportation is provided. The supply channel comprises a fluid line, an inflatable projection element having an opening and a pressure sensor which is configured for determining a pressure difference between an internal pressure in the projection element and an ambient pressure. The inflatable projection element is connected to the fluid line via the opening. The projection element is configured for being transferred from a compressed state to an inflated state by filling it with fluid from the fluid line. The projection element provides a predetermined projection surface in the inflated state.
Claims20
A supply channel for a means of transportation, the supply channel comprising:
- a fluid line, and
- an inflatable projection element having an opening, the inflatable projection element connected to the fluid line via the opening and the inflatable projection element configured for being transferred from a compressed state to an inflated state by filling it with fluid from the fluid line;
- wherein the inflatable projection element is configured for providing a predetermined projection surface in the inflated state.
The supply channel according to claim 15,
- wherein the flap element is connected to the supply channel by a hinge element;
- and
- wherein a locking device is provided at the hinge element and is configured so as to lock the flap element in the open position.
An aircraft, comprising:
- an air conditioning system having an air line;
- a supply channel including an inflatable projection element having an opening, the inflatable projection element connected to the air line via the opening, the inflatable projection element configured for being transferred from a compressed state to an inflated state by filling it with fluid from the air line, and the inflatable projection element provides a predetermined projection surface in the inflated state.
A method for extending an inflatable projection element of a supply channel, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining a pressure difference between an internal pressure in the inflatable projection element and an ambient pressure by a pressure sensor;
- and
- transferring the inflatable projection element into an inflated state by introducing fluid into the inflatable projection element through an opening of the inflatable projection element until the internal pressure of the inflatable projection element exceeds the ambient pressure by a predetermined amount.
A method for retracting an inflatable projection element of a supply channel, the method comprising the steps of:
- transferring the inflatable projection element into a compressed state by generating a negative pressure at an opening of the projection element, the inflatable projection element received in a recess in the compressed state;
- and
- closing a flap element that covers the recess by generating further negative pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.