Aircraft Passenger Seat Unit With Single-Motor Bed Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger seats face challenges in providing comfort, privacy, and efficiency due to space constraints, weight limitations, and differing cabin sizes, particularly in long-haul and medium-haul aircraft, while meeting safety standards and aesthetic preferences.
Innovation Solution
A passenger seat unit with a convertible design featuring a movable seat and backrest actuated by a single motorized mechanism, integrated with a body isolating the seat from neighbors, and a console with a tray table, adaptable to various aircraft sizes, and a parallelogram configuration for optimal space use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex motorized mechanisms are used to actuate each part of the seat individually, then the level of comfort and adaptability is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuation functions into a single motorized mechanism that simultaneously controls both the seat section and backrest movements. This merging of functions reduces the overall number of motors and mechanical components, thereby decreasing weight while maintaining the ability to achieve various comfortable positions for working, eating, and sleeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motorized mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates both the seat section and backrest, and can accommodate additional motorized mechanisms if needed. This multi-functionality approach allows the seat to provide various positions and configurations without requiring separate dedicated motors for each movement, optimizing the weight-comfort tradeoff.
2Productivity
If more passenger seats are placed in the available space, then the space utilization is improved, but the comfort and privacy level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seating space into individual compartments using a body structure with rear partitions and side panels. This segmentation creates private spaces for each passenger while maintaining efficient space utilization. The body isolating the seat from neighboring seats provides privacy without requiring excessive spacing between rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by incorporating a console topped with a tray table that extends into the space above the passenger. This allows amenities and functionality to be added without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining high seating density while improving comfort and privacy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat width is increased to match normal bed width, then the comfort level is improved, but the space available for seating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable seat section and backrest that can be actuated to convert the seat into a reclined bed position. This dynamic configuration allows the seat to provide bed-like comfort during the flight while occupying the same horizontal space as a standard aircraft seat when in the upright position, optimizing both comfort and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the seat by allowing the seat section and backrest to move relative to each other. This transformation from a rigid fixed-geometry seat to a variable-geometry convertible seat enables the provision of bed-like comfort without permanently increasing the space requirement, as the extended width is only achieved in the reclined configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the side panel and console outer wall is increased, then the comfort and privacy are improved, but the space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the L-shaped body structure composed of the side panel and console outer wall spaced 1000-1600 mm apart to create a composite privacy enclosure. This spaced configuration provides psychological privacy and comfort by defining a personal space volume, while the L-shape efficiently utilizes the available cabin width by extending along the longitudinal axis rather than requiring additional transverse space.
Data Source
AI summary
An airliner type aircraft passenger seat unit includes a seat that can be converted into a bed and a body isolating the seat from neighboring seats. The seat includes a seat section and a backrest that are movable. The body includes a rear partition, a side panel, on one side of the seat, and a console topped with a tray table, on the other side of the seat. The side panel and an outer wall of the console being parallel and spaced apart by a distance L between 1000 mm and 1600 mm. The seat unit further includes a single motorized mechanism, to simultaneously actuate the movements of the seat section and the backrest but remains capable of receiving one or more additional motorized mechanisms.