Angled Base Frame Assembly for Passenger Seats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for installing passenger seats and monuments at an angle to vehicle seat tracks in vehicle cabins face challenges such as complexity in installation, interference with passenger foot space, and tripping hazards, while also failing to accommodate footrests and other structures effectively.

Innovation Solution

A base frame assembly with a main frame comprising a seat support structure and a lateral support structure, integrally formed as a single panel, featuring kinematic fittings and furniture fittings to securely attach the seat and monument to the seat tracks without interfering with passenger foot space, and allowing for adjustable orientations to align with seat tracks at angles other than longitudinally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a double lower frame is used to connect the seat and monument to the seat tracks, then the installation can accommodate angled seating, but the device complexity increases and passenger foot space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangled seating installationVSAvoiddouble lower frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the seat lower frame and monument lower frame into a single integrated base frame assembly. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate frames while maintaining the ability to accommodate angled seating installations, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base frame assembly is designed with multiple attachment points and configurations that allow it to serve multiple functions: supporting the passenger seat, supporting the monument, and accommodating various installation angles. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate specialized frames.

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

2Device complexity

If a pallet or plinth is used to connect the seat and monument to the seat tracks, then the installation is simplified, but the cabin floor becomes uneven creating tripping hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidtripping hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a horizontal pallet or plinth that creates floor elevation changes, the patent uses a vertical base frame assembly that connects to the seat tracks from below. This vertical orientation allows the structure to be mounted without protruding into the cabin floor space, eliminating tripping hazards while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If GB 2405790's single lower frame on three points is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to connect footrests and other structures is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle lower frame structureVSAvoidfootrest and structure connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base frame assembly is divided into multiple functional segments including a seat support structure with multiple attachment points and a monument support structure. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and enabling connections for footrests and other structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If seats are installed at an angle to the seat tracks, then passenger privacy and comfort are improved, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger comfortVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base frame assembly incorporates adjustable and configurable elements that allow it to be adapted to different installation angles. The kinematic fittings and adjustable attachment mechanisms enable the structure to accommodate angled seating arrangements while maintaining a relatively simple overall design that does not significantly increase installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2697117B1Base frame assembly for passenger seats
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 ZODIAC SEATS FRANCE
  • EP2697117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2697117B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2697117B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Described are base frame assemblies for a passenger seat including a main frame with a seat support structure and a lateral support structure, wherein the lateral support structure includes two seat fittings, and the seat support structure includes one seat fitting, and a secondary frame pivotally coupled to the main frame, wherein the secondary frame includes one seat fitting. A passenger seat and a surrounding monument are mounted to the base frame assembly.