Amenities Panel for Passenger Seat Storage and Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passenger vehicles lack sufficient and easily accessible storage options for personal belongings, with existing solutions like passenger bags and literature pockets being inadequate in terms of space and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A passenger seat design incorporating an amenities panel positioned between the backrest and a pivotally connected tray table, featuring various convenience features such as shelves, cup holders, electronics connectors, and wireless charging systems, which are accessible and customizable to enhance storage and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a passenger bag is used for storage, then storage space is sufficient, but accessibility is poor as the bag must be stowed during travel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the storage function into two separate components: a large-capacity passenger bag for bulk storage and a compact amenities panel for frequently accessed items. This segmentation allows the bag to be stowed away while keeping essential items accessible through the amenities panel located on the backrest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The amenities panel acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the stowed bag. It provides a middle-ground storage solution that bridges the gap between needing large storage capacity and requiring easy accessibility to essential items during travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a literature pocket is used for storage, then accessibility is good, but storage space is insufficient for personal belongings

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the literature pocket with additional storage compartments and features within the amenities panel structure. This combination creates a multi-functional unit that maintains the accessibility of the literature pocket while adding capacity for personal belongings through integrated pockets and compartments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the literature pocket is covered and positioned at lower location, then it provides limited protection, but passengers fear forgetting items due to poor visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of itemsVSAvoidvisibility of stored items
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The amenities panel incorporates visual indicators such as illuminated elements or contrasting colors to enhance the visibility of stored items and compartment locations. This allows passengers to easily locate and retrieve items without compromising the protective covering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Ease of operation

If an amenities panel is added to the backrest, then accessibility and storage options are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidseat structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The amenities panel is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines literature storage, personal belongings pockets, cup holders, and electronic device compartments into a single integrated structure. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maximizing accessibility and storage options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10843613B2Amenities panel for passenger seat for holding passenger belongings and devices
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 ZODIAC SEATS US LLC
  • US10843613B2 patent drawing
  • US10843613B2 patent drawing
  • US10843613B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An amenities panel for a passenger seat includes a body and at least one convenience feature. The body includes an aft-facing side and is configured to connect to a backrest of the passenger seat. The amenities panel is configured to be positioned between a forward-facing side of the backrest and a stowed tray table.