Adjustable Aircraft Seat Width Using Compressible Air Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting seating configurations in aircraft cabins require significant time and take aircraft out of service, resulting in revenue loss due to the need to remove and replace seats with different widths or adjust pitch.
Innovation Solution
A seating system with a width adjustable section within the seat base and back, utilizing a compressible air structure that can be expanded or compressed to change seat width, allowing for reconfiguration without removing seats, and a reconfigurable hand rail that supports passengers during boarding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seats are removed and replaced with different width seats to change seating configuration, then seat width adaptability is improved, but aircraft downtime increases and revenue is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the seat width adjustable during aircraft operation rather than fixed during manufacturing. The seat base includes a width adjustable section with compressible air structures that can be inflated or deflated to change seat width, allowing the seating configuration to adapt dynamically to different operational requirements without removing seats from the aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the compressible air structures within the seat base. By changing the air pressure volume in these structures, the seat width can be adjusted between different configurations (e.g., from a first width to a second width), enabling the same physical seat to provide different seating experiences without requiring seat replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If entire seat rows are moved along mounting rails to adjust pitch, then seating space distribution is improved, but aircraft downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling individual seat width adjustment rather than requiring movement of entire seat rows. This allows pitch and width configurations to be modified independently and dynamically, eliminating the need to move heavy seat assemblies along mounting rails during flight operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seat into independent adjustable components, specifically the width adjustable section within the seat base. This segmentation allows individual seats or small groups of seats to be adjusted without affecting other seats, enabling granular control over seating configuration without moving entire rows.
3Ease of operation
If seat width is increased to accommodate larger passengers, then passenger comfort is improved, but aisle space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making seat width adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the aircraft operator to optimize the balance between passenger comfort and aisle space based on operational needs. Seats can be widened for passenger comfort when needed, and narrowed to maximize aisle space during boarding or for aircraft with smaller average passenger sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different seats in the same aircraft to have different width configurations. Individual seats or rows can be adjusted to have greater width for enhanced comfort while adjacent seats maintain standard width to preserve adequate aisle space, creating a customized seating arrangement that balances both requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick customization and optimization of seating space, reducing downtime and increasing aisle space for boarding, while accommodating passengers of different sizes comfortably and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The width adjustable section may include a compressible air structure. The compressible air structure may allow the width of the seat base and the seat back to be adjusted
Data Source
AI summary
A seating system may comprise a seat base, a seat back, and a width adjustable section. The width adjustable section may be located within the seat base and the seat back. The width adjustable section may be capable of being configured to change a width of the seat base and the seat back.