Angled Aircraft Seats with Flat Structural Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger seating systems face design limitations due to the curvature of structural panels behind seats, which restricts airlines' ability to tailor seat design and compromises comfort and storage options.
Innovation Solution
A passenger seating system with angled aircraft seats and a flat structural panel positioned perpendicular to the cabin axis, allowing for increased storage space and ergonomic benefits, while maintaining compliance with aviation standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved structural panel is used behind the aircraft seat, then the seat structure is compact and structurally sound, but the airline's ability to tailor seat design is limited and storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the structural panel into multiple segments or zones with different curvatures. The upper portion maintains the traditional curved shape for structural integrity, while the lower portion is flattened or modified to accommodate customizable seat designs and improve storage accessibility, allowing airlines to tailor aesthetics without compromising structural soundness
Solution Approach 2:
The structural panel is designed with adjustable or reconfigurable elements that can be modified based on airline preferences and storage requirements. This dynamic design allows the panel to adapt between different curvature configurations, enabling customization while maintaining structural performance
2Volume of stationary object
If a curved structural panel is used behind the aircraft seat, then the seat structure is compact, but storage space and passenger comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The structural panel is segmented into functional zones where the curved upper portion provides structural support while the lower portion is flattened to create additional storage volume and improve passenger access to storage compartments, effectively increasing usable storage space without expanding overall seat footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the structural panel by changing its curvature in the vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal compactness. This dimensional adjustment creates additional storage volume below the seat without increasing the seat's width or depth, effectively adding storage capacity within the existing footprint
3Ease of operation
If a curved structural panel is used behind the aircraft seat, then the seat maintains structural integrity, but ergonomic benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structural panel is divided into ergonomic zones where the curvature is optimized for different body parts. The upper curved portion supports the head and upper back, while the lower flattened portion provides lumbar support and comfortable contact surfaces, enhancing overall ergonomic performance while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
A passenger seating system (102) in an aircraft cabin may include at least one aisle (104) which runs in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin. The passenger seating system (102) may further include one or more passenger compartments (106) which face a direction in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin. The one or more passenger compartments (106) may include at least one aircraft seat (110), a structural panel (200), and a privacy wall (202). The aircraft seat (110) may be positioned within the one or more passenger compartments (106) at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin. The structural panel (200) may be positioned behind the aircraft seat (110), and it may extend in a perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft cabin. The privacy wall (202) may be positioned between the aircraft seat (110) and the adjacent aisle.