Angled Aircraft Cabin Seats for Direct Aisle Access and Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft passenger accommodation units in single-aisle aircraft face challenges in achieving reasonable seat density while providing direct aisle access, lie-flat beds, privacy screens, and accessibility for disabled passengers, especially during taxi, take-off, and landing.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft seats are angled away from the aisle at 30 degrees or more, with moveable privacy screens and armrests, and swivel mechanisms to enhance accessibility and seat density, allowing for lie-flat beds and improved access paths for disabled passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If seats are arranged perpendicular to the aisle in single-aisle aircraft, then direct aisle access is provided, but seat density is reduced and privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be angled at different orientations. During taxi, take-off and landing, the seat angles perpendicular to the aisle for direct access. During cruise, the seat angles parallel to the aisle to increase density and provide privacy, thus adapting to different operational phases
Solution Approach 2:
The cabin is divided into different operational zones or phases. The seat configuration is segmented into at least two positions: one for direct aisle access (perpendicular angle) and another for increased density (parallel angle), allowing different sections or the same seat to serve different functions based on flight phase
2Quantity of substance
If seats are angled parallel to the aisle to increase seat density, then more seats fit in the cabin, but direct aisle access and accessibility for disabled passengers is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seat incorporates a swivel mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its angle. When high seat density is required, the seat angles parallel to the aisle. When accessibility is needed, the seat angles perpendicular to the aisle, enabling wheelchair users to approach directly
Solution Approach 2:
The seat design serves multiple functions: it provides both high-density configuration (parallel angle) and accessible configuration (perpendicular angle) within the same physical structure, making it universally adaptable to different operational requirements without needing separate seating arrangements
3Adaptability or versatility
If lie-flat beds with privacy screens are provided in single-aisle aircraft, then passenger comfort on long-haul flights is improved, but the complexity of the accommodation unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The privacy screen is merged with the seat structure itself, forming an integrated accommodation unit. The screen becomes an inherent part of the seat assembly rather than a separate component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the lie-flat bed functionality with privacy
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodation unit is designed to be multi-functional: it serves as both a standard seat and a lie-flat bed with privacy screen. The same structural elements perform multiple functions, reducing the need for additional complex components and simplifying the overall design
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an aircraft cabin comprising an aisle defining an aisle axis, a plurality of aircraft passenger seats arranged in a seat column adjacent the aisle, and accessible from the aisle, each aircraft passenger seat comprising a seat pan and a backrest with a front face defining a seat facing direction and a rear face, and each aircraft passenger seat being convertible between a seat configuration and a bed configuration, wherein each aircraft passenger seat in the seat column is able to be angled away from the aisle such that the seat facing direction is at an angle of at least degrees from the aisle axis and wherein each aircraft passenger seat can be in the bed configuration when at that angle. The invention also provides an aircraft passenger accommodation unit, an aircraft, a kit of parts and a method of providing enhanced passenger access to an aircraft passenger accommodation unit.