IP Library Granted Patent US 12692004
Granted Patent B2
US 12692004 · App. 18/154,903 · Granted Jul 28, 2026

Interchangeable air distribution coupling interface for an internal cabin of a vehicle

Inventors: Matthew Stephen Coleman (Charleston, SC); Scott Damon LaForge (Mount Pleasant, SC)
Assignee: The Boeing Company
B64D11/0626B64D2013/003
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12692004
App. No.
18/154,903
Granted
Jul 28, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

An air distribution coupling interface is configured to removably secure to a floor of an internal cabin of a vehicle. The air distribution coupling interface includes a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port. The air inlet port is configured to couple to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system. A securing flange is configured to removably secure the air distribution coupling interface to the floor of the internal cabin. The air outlet port is configured to deliver airflow provided by the air distribution system.

Claims (34)

1 . An air distribution coupling interface configured to removably secure to a floor of an internal cabin of a vehicle, the air distribution coupling interface comprising:

a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port, wherein the air inlet port is configured to couple to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system;

a securing flange permanently fixed to the main tube, wherein the securing flange radially and circumferentially extends around a portion of the main tube, the securing flange configured to removably secure the air distribution coupling interface to the floor of the internal cabin, wherein the securing flange comprises fastener-through holes, and wherein the air outlet port is configured to deliver airflow provided by the air distribution system; and

fasteners, wherein the fastener-through holes are configured to receive and retain the fasteners, and wherein the fasteners are configured to removably secure the securing flange to the floor.

2 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , wherein the securing flange is not permanently bonded to the floor.

3 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , wherein the fasteners are screws or bolts.

4 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , wherein the air inlet port is configured to be underneath the floor when the air distribution coupling interface is secured to the floor.

5 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 4 , wherein the air outlet port is configured to deliver the airflow above the floor.

6 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , wherein the main tube includes a fixed arcuate portion.

7 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , further comprising a connection tube securable to the air outlet port.

8 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , further comprising a cap securable to the air outlet port, wherein the cap includes an outer circumferential wall connected to a cover, wherein an internal chamber is defined between the outer circumferential wall and the cover, and wherein the cover includes an opening that allows for a reduced amount of airflow to pass therethrough.

9 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , wherein a connection tube and a cap are interchangeably securable to the air outlet port.

10 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , wherein the securing flange is configured to removably secure to a lower surface of the floor.

11 . The air distribution coupling interface of claim 1 , wherein the air outlet port is configured to deliver the airflow to a seat assembly within the internal cabin.

12 . A method for removably securing an air distribution coupling interface to a floor of an internal cabin of a vehicle, wherein the air distribution coupling interface comprises a securing flange, and a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port, wherein the securing flange is permanently fixed to the main tube, and wherein the securing flange radially and circumferentially extends around a portion of the main tube, the method comprising:

coupling the air outlet port to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system;

removably securing, by the securing flange, the air distribution coupling interface to the floor, wherein said removably securing comprises inserting fasteners into fastener through-holes of the securing flange, and securing the securing flange to the floor by the fasteners; and

delivering airflow, by the air outlet port, provided by the air distribution system.

13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the fasteners comprises screws or bolts.

14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the air inlet port is underneath the floor when the air distribution coupling interface is secured to the floor, and wherein the air outlet port delivers the airflow above the floor.

15 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising securing a connection tube to the air outlet port.

16 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising securing a cap to the air outlet port.

17 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising interchangeably securing a connection tube and a cap to the air outlet port.

18 . The method of claim 12 , wherein said removably securing comprises removably securing the securing flange to a lower surface of the floor.

19 . The method of claim 12 , wherein said delivering comprises delivering the airflow to a seat assembly within the internal cabin.

20 . A vehicle comprising:

an internal cabin;

a floor within the internal cabin; and

an air distribution coupling interface removably secured to the floor of the internal cabin, the air distribution coupling interface comprising:

a main tube extending between an air inlet port and an air outlet port, wherein the air inlet port couples to one or more conduits that are in fluid communication with an air distribution system, and wherein the air inlet port is underneath the floor when the air distribution coupling interface is secured to the floor; and

a securing flange permanently fixed to the main tube, wherein the securing flange radially and circumferentially extends around a portion of the main tube, the securing flange removably secures the air distribution coupling interface to the floor of the internal cabin, wherein the securing flange comprises fastener-through holes, wherein the air outlet port delivers airflow provided by the air distribution system above the floor, and wherein the securing flange is not permanently bonded to the floor;

fasteners, wherein the fastener-through holes receive and retain the fasteners, and wherein the fasteners removably secure the securing flange to the floor;

a connection tube securable to the air outlet port; and

a cap securable to the air outlet port, wherein the connection tube and the cap are interchangeably securable to the air outlet port.