Actuatable Aircraft Seat Armrest Transforming Stowage and Bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for configurable and integrated structures in aircraft passenger compartments that can adapt to various seating and stowage requirements based on the position of the aircraft seat, accommodating both primary and guest passengers during flight.
Innovation Solution
An actuatable element within the aircraft seat that can transform between stowed, upright, reclined, and lie-flat positions, providing integrated stowage, seating, armrest, and bed surfaces, with mechanisms for actuation via pivoting assemblies or electrical control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft seat is designed with fixed seating surfaces and armrests, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different passenger needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic seating surfaces and armrests that can change position and configuration based on passenger needs. The seatback panel can be positioned at different angles, and the armrest can be adjusted between extended and retracted positions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various seating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional seating system where the same structural elements serve multiple purposes. The seatback panel functions as both a backrest and a surface that can support various configurations, while the armrest integrates stowage compartments and can serve as both a support surface and a barrier between passengers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft seat includes integrated stowage and configurable surfaces, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into unified structural elements. The armrest integrates stowage compartments, control mechanisms, and support surfaces into a single assembly. The seatback panel combines backrest functionality with configurable surface elements that can be adjusted to create different seating arrangements, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested structures where smaller functional elements are integrated within larger components. The stowage compartments are nested within the armrest structure, and control mechanisms are integrated within the seatback panel assembly, allowing multiple functions to be packed into compact configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seatbed is designed to be fixed relative to the seat, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to form lie-flat configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic relationship between the seatbed and seatback panel through actuation mechanisms. The seatbed can be positioned at different angles relative to the seatback panel, transforming from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one that enables lie-flat positions while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An aircraft seat for an aircraft passenger compartment suite is disclosed. In embodiments, the aircraft seat includes a primary section (114a, 114b) including a primary seatback portion (115a, 115b) and a primary seat base portion (117a, 117b), and an auxiliary section including an auxiliary seatback portion and an auxiliary seat base portion. In embodiments, the aircraft seat may further include an actuatable element configured to actuate between an open position and a closed position. The actuatable element (122a, 122b) may include a first surface which defines at least a portion of the auxiliary seatback portion when the actuatable element is in the closed position, and a second surface which defines a surface of an armrest when the actuatable element is in the open position.