Aircraft Lateral Sleep Support for Stable Reclined Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger seats lack adequate lateral support, leading to gravity-induced side-to-side movement during recline, which compromises passenger comfort and sleep quality, especially in economy class, without feasible solutions that do not reduce seating capacity or increase travel costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modular sleep system with lateral sleep apparatus that interfaces with existing seating and fuselage walls, providing additional lateral support through a track system or direct attachment to walls, allowing the apparatus to move with the seat and adjust vertically, thus reducing side movement without reducing seat pitch or aisle width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a passenger seat is reclined to improve sleep comfort, then passenger comfort is improved, but lateral support becomes inadequate causing side-to-side movement
Solution Approach 1:
A lateral support apparatus acts as an intermediary between the seat and the passenger's head/shoulder. The apparatus includes a support surface that contacts the passenger laterally and a linkage mechanism that transfers movement from the seat to the support apparatus, maintaining relative positioning while providing stable lateral support during recline.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support apparatus is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The linkage mechanism allows the support apparatus to move with the seat during recline while maintaining its functional relationship with the passenger's head/shoulder, adapting to changing seat positions while providing consistent lateral support.
2Reliability
If lateral support apparatus is added to provide lateral support, then lateral stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral support apparatus is designed to work with existing seat recline mechanisms without requiring separate control systems. The linkage mechanism utilizes the seat's own movement to drive the lateral support, making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity despite adding lateral support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral support apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a support surface for lateral contact, a linkage mechanism for movement transfer, and mounting structures. This segmentation allows for modular installation and maintenance while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
3Reliability
If lateral sleep apparatus is positioned adjacent to seat and moves with seat, then lateral support is maintained during recline, but attachment system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system employs dynamic linkages that automatically adjust as the seat reclines. The linkage mechanism connects the lateral support apparatus to the seat structure in a way that maintains proper positioning throughout the recline range without requiring active control or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Lateral sleep systems for aircraft are disclosed. A divider is located between a first seat and a second seat of the aircraft. The divider includes a first panel oriented toward the first seat and a second panel oriented toward the second seat. The first panel defines a first support ledge. The second panel defines a second support ledge. A first lateral sleep apparatus positioned on a first side of the divider adjacent the first seat includes a first headrest and a first cradle. The first cradle supports the first headrest and includes a first panel mounting interface coupling the first headrest to the first support ledge. A second lateral sleep apparatus positioned on a second side of the divider adjacent the second seat includes a second headrest and a second cradle. The second cradle supports the second headrest and includes a second panel mounting interface coupling the second headrest to the second support ledge.