Chevron Aircraft Seat Array with Angled Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin layouts often fail to maximize seating efficiency, particularly for sleeper seats, which are expensive and in high demand, leading to suboptimal use of space and limited accessibility in conventional seating arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of aircraft seats in a chevron pattern with angled central axes and longitudinal dividers allows for direct aisle access and increased density, featuring pairs of seats facing opposite directions with triangular ottomans and inter-seat dividers that optimize space without compromising access, enabling more efficient use of cabin space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If seats are arranged in conventional parallel rows, then accessibility to seats is improved, but seating density and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional parallel row arrangements to a chevron pattern where seats are angled relative to the longitudinal axis. This dimensional change in seat orientation enables both direct aisle access and increased seating density by utilizing the diagonal space more efficiently, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and density
2Quantity of substance
If sleeper seats are prioritized to maximize revenue, then premium seating capacity is improved, but overall cabin space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of seat arrangement from parallel (0 degrees) to angled (chevron pattern). This parameter change allows the cabin to accommodate a higher proportion of sleeper seats while maintaining efficient space utilization, as the angled arrangement reduces the longitudinal space required per seat
3Quantity of substance
If seats are arranged in dense configurations, then seating capacity is improved, but accessibility and passenger comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses longitudinal dividers to segment the cabin space, creating defined pathways and access zones. This segmentation allows dense seat arrangements to coexist with maintained accessibility, as the dividers organize the space into manageable sections with clear access routes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The sleeper seats (1) are shown in sleeping mode. Each comprises a head rest (2), a back rest (3), a seat pan or seat cushion (4) and a leg rest (5), all of which move in a conventional manner when the seat is moved from sleeping mode to sitting mode. The seats also include ottomans (6). Further they have inter-seat dividers (7) between the individual seats within the their column. The six seats shown in figure 1 - at the right of the figure - are arranged in a chevron formation or array and two columns (8, 9). All the seats in each column are parallel with each other and have central axes A set at a "herringbone" angle a to the column direction and in particular to a longitudinal axis (10) of the array. However, whilst being angled at the same herringbone angle, alternate seats face in alternate directions. Thus seats (11, 12, 14, 15) face outwards, whilst intervening seats (16,17) face inwards.