Aircraft Passenger Seat Modular Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger cabins lack a flexible and efficient means to configure and utilize space for varying equipment and passenger needs, such as child restraint systems, wheelchairs, and transport boxes, due to limited compatibility and secure installation options.
Innovation Solution
A passenger seat arrangement with pivotable seating units, a support frame that can be anchored to the aircraft structure, and a mechanical interface allowing for the releasable and load-transmitting attachment of modular units, such as an Isofix system for standardized child seat installation, enabling flexible configuration and efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed seat installations are used in aircraft passenger cabins, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for different equipment configurations are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The seat arrangement is divided into independent modular seating units that can be individually positioned and configured. Each seating unit includes a seat element, backrest element, and support frame that can operate independently, allowing flexible arrangement without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame and mechanical interface are designed to accommodate multiple types of equipment including child restraint systems, wheelchairs, transport boxes, and standard seating units. The universal interface allows a single system to serve multiple functions and different passenger needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple equipment types are accommodated in passenger cabins, then versatility is improved, but secure installation and compatibility become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
A universal mechanical interface with standardized mounting points is provided on the support frame, allowing different equipment types to be securely installed using the same interface system. This ensures compatibility and reliable installation across all equipment variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is pre-configured with mechanical interfaces and mounting structures before equipment installation. This preliminary preparation ensures that secure installation can be quickly achieved without complex on-site adjustments or custom fabrication.
3Volume of moving object
If space is optimized for equipment storage, then volume utilization is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seating units and equipment are designed with movable and adjustable components that can be easily repositioned between storage and operational positions. The pivotable seat elements and adjustable support frames enable quick access and deployment without permanent fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
Equipment and seating units are designed to nest within the available cabin space when not in use, maximizing volume utilization. The compact folding and nesting capabilities allow equipment to be stored efficiently while remaining easily accessible when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger seat arrangement for installation in an aircraft comprises at least one seating unit comprising a backrest element and a seat element pivotable relative to the backrest element between a resting position and a position of use. The passenger seat arrangement also has a support frame which bears against the at least one seating unit and which is able to be connected in a load-bearing manner to a structure of the aircraft. The support frame has at least one mechanical interface which, in each case, is assigned to a seating unit and is designed to fasten different mutually exchangeable modular units in a releasable and load-transmitting manner to the support frame.