Angled Aircraft Seat Pair With Telescoped Console
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sleeper-type seats in aircraft cabins consume a large amount of space, which is inefficient given the need to minimize the cabin's size and aerodynamic drag for cost-effective operations.
Innovation Solution
The seats are arranged in an angled configuration, with each seat pair positioned at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other, allowing for telescoped placement, and a center console with a wide aft end and narrow forward end to accommodate passenger feet, along with features like reclinable backrests, footrests, and video monitors, optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sleeper-type seats are arranged parallel to the center line axis in traditional forward-facing configuration, then passenger comfort is improved, but cabin space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional parallel seat arrangement to an angled configuration where seats are disposed at angles relative to the center line axis of the aircraft. This angular arrangement allows seats to be positioned more efficiently within the cabin cross-section, reducing the overall cabin width or length required while maintaining sleeping functionality through the telescoped placement of adjacent seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements telescoped placement where the foot well of a rearwardly positioned seat extends into the console of the seat positioned in front of it. This nesting arrangement allows adjacent seats to share space efficiently, with the forward seat's console area being utilized by the rearward seat's foot well, thereby reducing total space consumption while maintaining individual seat functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If seats are arranged in angled configuration with telescoped placement, then cabin space is minimized, but seat complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seat system into modular components including individual seats, center consoles, and foot wells that can be independently configured and assembled. Each seat unit is a self-contained module with integrated footrest and console elements, allowing the complex angled arrangement to be built from standardized segments rather than requiring custom integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The center console serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the angled seat arrangement, contains storage compartments, houses the foot well for rearward seats, and supports overhead consoles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall system despite the complex geometric arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an aircraft passenger seat assembly that includes: (a) first and second seats selectively movable between upright and reclined positions and adapted for being positioned beside and at inwardly-facing angles relative to each other; (b) a center console having a relatively wide aft end and a relatively narrow forward end for being positioned between the first and second seats; and (c) the relatively wide aft end of the center console including first and second foot wells therein adapted to permit the feet of a passenger seated in an aft-positioned first or second seat to extend therein when the aft-positioned first or second seat is in the recline position.