Adjustable Aircraft Seating Systems for Passenger Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft seating systems often struggle to accommodate passengers with larger sizes, leading to inefficiencies in passenger density and revenue loss due to the need for additional seats, which can be unaffordable or unpopular with passengers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a seating system with adjustable dimensions and configurations, including a frame that supports multiple seating systems of different widths, allowing for the accommodation of various passenger sizes without requiring additional seats, thereby optimizing space and passenger comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard-width seats are used to maximize passenger density, then more passengers can be seated, but passengers with larger sizes cannot fit comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the seat width adjustable through movable armrests that can be repositioned along the seat structure. This allows the seat to dynamically change its effective width to accommodate passengers of different sizes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high passenger density with standard seats and adapting to larger passengers who need more space.
2Ease of operation
If additional seats are provided for larger passengers, then comfort is improved, but revenue is lost due to unavailable seats for sale
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing adjustable-width seats, the patent enables a single seat to dynamically adapt to passengers of different sizes. This eliminates the need to reserve additional seats for larger passengers, as the same seat can be adjusted to fit them comfortably. Consequently, more seats remain available for sale, preventing revenue loss while maintaining passenger comfort.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-width seats are used, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but flexibility to accommodate varying passenger needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable armrests that can be repositioned along the seat structure, transforming fixed-width seats into dynamically adjustable ones. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while adding flexibility, as the adjustment mechanism uses straightforward components that can be integrated into existing seat designs without complex production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable armrest system enables a single seat design to serve multiple functions by accommodating passengers of various sizes. The seat becomes universal, capable of adapting to different passenger needs without requiring multiple specialized seat types, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus comprising a plurality of seating systems (230) and a frame (232) for use in a passenger aircraft (100). A first seating system in the plurality of seating systems may have different dimensions from a second seating system in the plurality of seating systems (230). A frame (232) may be configured to be connected to the plurality of seating systems (230).