Modular AirSleeper Seating for Tiered Vehicle Egress and Crash Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger transport systems in vehicles lack optimal safety, utility, and comfort, particularly in tiered seating configurations, where crash loadings and egress/ingress are compromised by structural weaknesses and obstructions.
Innovation Solution
The AirSleeper design features modular, interlocking structures with pivoted and retractable components, including actuated seatbacks and leg rests, staggered tiers, and a support system that equalizes crash loads, ensuring safety and comfort through a resilient honeycomb structure and optimized egress/ingress pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tiered seating configuration is used to increase passenger capacity, then productivity is improved, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to compromised crash load resistance and egress obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The seating system is divided into modular units that can be independently configured in tiered arrangements. Each module contains integrated safety features and crash load resistance mechanisms, allowing high passenger capacity while maintaining safety standards through distributed structural support rather than monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-level seating to vertical tiered configuration, utilizing the third dimension (height) to increase passenger capacity. The tiered structure incorporates staggered positioning and optimized vertical spacing to maintain egress accessibility while maximizing space utilization.
2Productivity
If tiered seating configuration is used to increase passenger capacity, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to egress obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The tiered seating employs asymmetric staggered positioning where upper and lower tiers are offset horizontally rather than directly aligned. This asymmetric arrangement creates unobstructed egress pathways and improves accessibility while maintaining high passenger capacity through optimized vertical space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The seating modules are pre-configured with integrated egress features and optimized pathways during manufacturing. The modular design allows for pre-planned access routes that facilitate smooth passenger movement and egress without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
3Strength
If modular interlocking structure is implemented to resist crash loads, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crash load resistance system is segmented into modular interlocking units distributed throughout the seating structure. Each module contains standardized connection elements and load-bearing features that simplify manufacturing and assembly while collectively providing comprehensive crash protection through distributed structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into unified modular components: crash load resistance features, egress pathways, and seating structures are merged into single integrated modules. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate systems while maintaining or enhancing performance through synergistic design.
Data Source
Figure 1-1~1-6
Figure 1-1D~1-14
Figure 1-7D~1-10D
AI summary
Arrangements for safety and comfort in vehicles.