Aircraft Cabin Flexible Rest-Space Structure Without Bulky Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current curtain systems for creating rest areas in aircraft cabins, particularly for crew members, suffer from aesthetic issues, integration problems, safety concerns, and lack of clear communication, leading to discomfort and embarrassment for both passengers and crew.

Innovation Solution

A removable flexible structure that integrates with seat units to create an enclosed rest space, using holding devices like studs and flaps to secure to privacy shells, made of flexible materials with optional padding and personalized markings, allowing discreet storage and enhancing comfort and privacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If curtains are installed around Business Class seats to create rest areas, then crew members can rest with privacy and protection from passengers, but the installation requires bulky modules and exposed rails that degrade aesthetic appearance and cabin quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy and protection for crew membersVSAvoidbulky modules and exposed rails

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid curtain structures with flexible fabric panels that can be draped and secured without requiring exposed rails or bulky mounting modules. The fabric panels are held in place by magnetic strips or adhesive tapes integrated into the seat shell, eliminating the need for visible structural support elements while maintaining the privacy enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the essential function of privacy enclosure from the complex curtain system with rails and modules, isolating only the fabric panel element that provides the actual privacy benefit. The support structure is minimized to invisible magnetic or adhesive elements, removing the aesthetic burden of exposed mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If external rails are added to support curtains, then curtains can be securely installed, but safety problems arise in the event of a crash

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure installation of curtainsVSAvoidsafety hazards during crash

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs lightweight, non-structural fabric panels held by magnetic strips or adhesive tapes instead of permanent rigid rail systems. These elements are designed to be temporary and non-critical, meaning they will not cause harm during a crash as they lack the mass and rigidity to become dangerous projectiles, while still providing secure installation during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If curtains are installed to create rest areas, then crew members gain privacy, but passengers may misunderstand the function and become curious, disturbing crew members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy for crew membersVSAvoidunclear communication of function to passengers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the visual appearance of the fabric panels, allowing them to be customized with colors, patterns, or branding that clearly indicate their functional purpose. The aesthetic design can incorporate airline logos or signage that communicates to passengers that this is a designated crew rest area, eliminating confusion and preventing unnecessary curiosity or disturbance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Device complexity

If removable flexible structure is used instead of permanent curtains, then aesthetic appearance is maintained without bulky modules, but the structure must be securely held without visible support elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearance without bulky modulesVSAvoidsecure holding of flexible structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (rails, clips, visible fasteners) with magnetic fields or adhesive forces. Magnetic strips embedded in the seat shell provide secure holding through magnetic attraction, while adhesive tapes offer alternative attachment without visible elements. Both mechanisms maintain the fabric panels firmly in place during flight while remaining invisible to preserve aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4419422B1Flexible structure for creating a rest space inside an aircraft cabin

Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SAFRAN SEATS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b

AI summary

The invention mainly relates to an assembly for an aeroplane cabin (10), comprising: - a rear seat unit (11.1), - a front seat unit (11.2), - a passage for accessing an aisle way extending between the rear seat unit (11.1) and the front seat unit (11.2), - a removable flexible structure (24) comprising, in a deployed state, an upper portion (25) extending above the seat (12) of the rear seat unit (11.1) between the privacy shell (13) of the rear seat unit (11.1) and the privacy shell (13) of the front seat unit (11.2), and - a lateral portion (26) blocking the passage for accessing the aisle way, - such that the flexible structure (24) defines, with the shell of the rear seat unit (11.1) and the shell of the front seat unit (11.2), a closed rest space (23) around the seat (12) of the rear seat unit (11.1).