Angled Aircraft Passenger Seat Unit for Density and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft seating configurations either sacrifice comfort to increase seating density in economy class or sacrifice density to enhance comfort in premium classes, failing to balance both effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design of an aircraft passenger seating unit featuring two laterally adjacent seats oriented at an angle to the longitudinal aircraft axis, allowing for a deep lounge mode recline position with footwells for leg accommodation, combined with fixed and deployable partitions, armrests, and ottomans, to enhance privacy and density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional economy class seating configurations are used, then seating density is increased, but comfort is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from conventional forward-facing seats to seats oriented at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the longitudinal aircraft axis. This angular orientation allows passengers to face lateral directions (window or aisle) while maintaining compact longitudinal footprint, thereby increasing seating density without sacrificing comfort. The angled configuration enables deeper recline angles while preserving leg space through optimized footwell geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable seat configurations that allow transitions between upright and reclined positions. The seat mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of backrest angle and footwell positioning, allowing passengers to optimize comfort during different flight phases while maintaining high seating density in the upright position.
2Ease of operation
If premium class seating configurations are used, then comfort is enhanced, but seating density is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves premium-class comfort with economy-class density by utilizing angular orientation (e.g., 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis). This dimensional change allows the seat to occupy less longitudinal space while providing larger lateral dimensions for comfort features such as wider seat width, extended leg space, and deeper recline angles, effectively packing premium features into a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the angular orientation of seats relative to the aircraft longitudinal axis. By changing this geometric parameter to specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees), the design achieves optimal balance between longitudinal space utilization and lateral comfort dimensions, enabling premium comfort features within economy density constraints.
3Quantity of substance
If seats are oriented at an angle to the longitudinal aircraft axis, then seating density and comfort are maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seating unit into modular components including the angled seat structure, footwell, armrests, and partition elements. Each component is independently designed and can be manufactured separately, then assembled into the complete angled seating unit. This modular segmentation simplifies the manufacturing complexity despite the non-conventional angular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through multi-functional seating units that can be configured in different angular orientations (e.g., 45 degrees) to serve multiple purposes: maximizing seating density, providing premium comfort, and accommodating different cabin layouts. The standardized modular components can be universally applied across various aircraft types and seating configurations, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft passenger seating unit and aircraft seating arrangements including seating units, each seating unit configured as a window-facing seating unit or as an aisle-facing seating unit. Each individual seating unit including first and second laterally adjacent seats mounted on a common platform and oriented at an angle to a longitudinal aircraft axis. A forwardmost point of each of the first and second seats, when in an upright sitting position, resides along a plane common to both the first and second passenger seats perpendicular to the longitudinal aircraft axis to allow longitudinal alignment of rows and increased seating density.