Aircraft Seat Backrest With Adaptive Pressure-Sensing Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Long-duration sitting in aircraft seats can lead to passenger discomfort due to inadequate back support, which existing designs struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft seat with a backrest assembly that includes a pressure-sensing apparatus and a back support device, controlled by a controller device, which adjusts the backrest surface based on real-time pressure data to provide optimal support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed backrest design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the passenger comfort deteriorates during long flights
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest surface is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable one. The patent implements this by dividing the backrest into multiple independently controllable regions (lumbar, upper back, bolsters) that can be actively adjusted based on real-time pressure sensing feedback, allowing the backrest to adapt its shape and support characteristics during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure-sensing apparatus is integrated into the backrest to continuously monitor pressure distribution across different regions. The controller receives this feedback data and automatically adjusts the inflatable bladders or mechanical actuators to maintain optimal pressure distribution, creating a closed-loop control system that actively responds to passenger positioning and movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If pressure-sensing apparatus and control systems are added, then passenger comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is segmented into distinct functional zones (lumbar support region, upper back region, right bolster region, left bolster region), each with its own pressure sensors and actuators. This segmentation allows independent control of each region, enabling precise local adjustments without requiring complex system-wide reconfiguration, thereby managing overall system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller device performs multiple functions: it processes pressure data from all sensor regions, determines optimal support configurations, controls multiple actuator types (inflatable bladders or mechanical actuators), and adapts to different passenger sizes and preferences. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system continuously adjusts the backrest surface to provide lumbar support, improving passenger comfort and reducing back pain during long flights.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-sensing apparatus attached to the backrest surface for detecting pressure received in a plurality of regions of the backrest surface
Implementation Method 2
a support panel and a biasing member, the support panel configured to be deformed by force exerted by the biasing member and in turn displace the portion of the backrest surface
Implementation Method 3
the biasing member includes a spring made of nickel titanium or nitinol
Implementation Method 4
send electronic signals representing a command to control a current in the biasing member based on the target state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An intelligent back support device, backrest assembly, and an aircraft seat having the back support device installed are disclosed. The back support device includes: a pressure-sensing apparatus for attachment to a backrest of a chair for detecting pressure received in a plurality of regions of a backrest surface of the backrest; a back support device for attachment to the backrest, the back support device configured to displace a portion of the backrest surface based on the pressure detected in at least one of the plurality of regions of the backrest surface; and a controller device connected to the pressure-sensing apparatus and the back support device, the controller configured to control the back support device.