Aircraft Seat Mobile Element for Expandable Resting Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seating arrangements, particularly in business class, face challenges such as reduced space due to cumbersome mechanical systems, increased weight, and the need for specialized personnel to assist with seat configurations, which hinder passenger comfort and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile element is integrated between two facing seats, allowing an extensible support surface that transitions from a retracted to an extended configuration, providing additional space without mechanical or electrical actuators, and maintaining a minimal footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical or electrical actuators are used to enable seat bed configuration, then passenger comfort is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile element is divided into multiple support surfaces (first support surface, second support surface, third support surface) that can be independently positioned and configured. Each surface can be adjusted separately to create different seating and sleeping configurations, allowing complex functionality through simple modular components rather than a single complex mechanical system
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile element transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one through the manual adjustment mechanisms. The support surfaces can be moved between different positions (reclined, horizontal, vertical) to adapt to various passenger needs, providing versatility without requiring powered actuators
2Ease of operation
If integrated bed configuration systems are added to seats, then passenger comfort is improved, but weight of the seat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile element uses thin, lightweight support surfaces rather than heavy rigid structures. These surfaces can be easily moved and repositioned by the passenger themselves, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical reinforcement that would be required to support powered adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile element is designed to be manually adjusted by the passenger without requiring powered mechanisms. The lightweight construction and simple adjustment mechanisms allow the passenger to reconfigure the seat independently, eliminating the weight penalty of motors, sensors, and control systems
3Area of stationary object
If movable filling surfaces are deployed to increase sleeping space, then passenger comfort is improved, but the seat cannot maintain seated position when unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile element is divided into multiple independent support surfaces that can be positioned at different angles and heights. The first support surface can be reclined for sleeping while the second and third surfaces can remain in positions that maintain proper seating configuration, allowing both sleeping and seated functions to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile element provides dynamic reconfiguration capability where different combinations of support surfaces can be adjusted for different purposes. The system can transition between fully seated, partially reclined, and fully horizontal configurations by independently positioning each support surface
4Area of stationary object
If side footrest portions are integrated with seats to increase space, then passenger comfort is improved, but pitch between seats cannot be varied to maximize aircraft space
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile element is a separate, independent structure positioned in the interspace between seats rather than being integrated into the seat itself. This segmentation allows the footrest function to be added without affecting the seat pitch, as the mobile element can be positioned and adjusted independently of the seat spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile element acts as an intermediary structure that provides additional functionality (footrest, sleeping surface) in the interspace between seats. This intermediary position allows it to enhance passenger comfort without interfering with the seat pitch or requiring integration with the seat structure
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft passenger seating arrangement includes at least two seats arranged one in front of the other along a longitudinal axis, with each seat provided with a seat portion and a backrest portion. At least a first front seat includes a footrest portion facing the second rear seat and arranged adjacent to the seat portion of the same seat separated by a partition wall. The two seats are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis by a first distance forming an interspace extending in a substantial width along a second axis transversal to the longitudinal axis. The arrangement further includes a mobile element independent from the two seats, arranged in the interspace corresponding to the footrest portion of the first seat and including an upper support surface arranged at the same height as the footrest portion of the first seat and of the seat portion of the second seat.