Angled Passenger Seat Module for Dense Cabin Aisle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger seating arrangements in vehicle cabins, particularly aircraft, face challenges in optimizing space usage while ensuring privacy and comfort, as well as providing direct access to aisles without the need for passengers to step over neighboring seats in reclined positions.
Innovation Solution
A passenger module design featuring two seats arranged in an offset manner with different angles relative to the cabin sides, allowing for a space-saving configuration that maintains privacy and provides direct access to the aisle, with each seat having its own access path and legroom, and the ability to convert into various positions including a flat bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If seats are arranged in a traditional parallel configuration, then access to seats is simplified, but space utilization and passenger privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional parallel seat arrangement to a staggered configuration where seats are offset both longitudinally and laterally. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows seats to be positioned at different depths and angles, creating direct aisle access paths while maximizing cabin volume utilization. The offset arrangement in multiple dimensions enables both high density and ease of access simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric seat positioning where seats are arranged at different angles and offsets rather than symmetric parallel alignment. This asymmetric configuration creates unique access paths for each seat while maintaining high space utilization. The asymmetric layout allows passengers to access seats directly from the aisle without stepping over neighboring seats, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and access ease.
2Productivity
If seats are arranged close together to increase density, then space is optimized, but passenger privacy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cabin into distinct seating zones using partition walls and console elements. Each seat or seat pair is separated by these structural elements, creating private compartments even in high-density arrangements. The segmentation allows multiple seats to be positioned close together for high density while maintaining visual and physical privacy through dividing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces partition walls and console elements as intermediary structures between adjacent seats. These intermediaries provide privacy barriers while allowing the seats to remain in close proximity for space efficiency. The intermediaries mediate between the conflicting requirements of high density and privacy by creating visual and physical separation without requiring large spacing between seats.
3Ease of operation
If passengers can access seats directly from the aisle, then convenience is improved, but space for legroom and recline is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic seat configurations that can adjust between different positions and angles. Seats are designed with movable components that allow them to be positioned at optimal angles for both access and legroom. The dynamic adjustment capability enables the seat to provide direct aisle access in its forward position while creating adequate legroom space when reclined, resolving the contradiction between access convenience and legroom area.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a passenger module for a vehicle cabin, the passenger module comprising a first side element, a second side element and two seats arranged between the first side element and the second side element; wherein the first side element and the second side element extending parallel to each other; the seats are arranged substantially one behind another and facing substantially in a same direction; wherein a front seat is positioned angled by a predefined first angle around its vertical axis in a direction towards the first side element; a rear seat is positioned angled by a predefined second angle around its vertical axis in a direction towards the second side element and an aisle of the vehicle cabin.