Aircraft Center Console Deployable Shelf for Reclined Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tablet holders in aircraft seating are tablet-specific and cannot accommodate passengers in side-facing or reclined positions, limiting viewing comfort and privacy for passengers in all seating classes, especially in the first row.
Innovation Solution
A deployable shelf integrated into the center console's rear privacy shell, which pivots from a vertical to a horizontal position, allowing passengers to comfortably view electronic devices like tablets in reclined or side-facing positions, with storage and cable management features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tablet holders are used against the seat back, then tablets can be held, but passengers cannot view in reclined or side-facing positions and must remain forward facing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the console structure movable and adjustable. The console can be repositioned from a forward position against the seat back to a rearward position behind the seat, and the shelf can be deployed at various angles. This dynamic configuration allows passengers to use tablets comfortably in forward-facing, side-facing, and reclined positions, directly resolving the limitation of conventional fixed tablet holders.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tablet-specific holders are used, then tablets can be supported, but other electronic devices and general stowage needs cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a multi-functional center console that serves multiple purposes. The console provides tablet support, general electronic device stowage, cable management, and privacy partitioning. The deployable shelf can accommodate various device sizes and orientations, while the integrated design consolidates multiple functions into a single structure, reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a deployable shelf is integrated into the center console, then viewing comfort is improved for reclined positions, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the deployable shelf directly into the existing center console structure. Rather than adding a separate tablet holder mechanism, the shelf is combined with the console's privacy partition and stowage functions. This integration shares structural components and mounting points, minimizing the increase in overall complexity while providing enhanced viewing comfort for reclined positions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances viewing comfort and privacy for passengers by providing a versatile and accessible platform for electronic devices across various seating arrangements, accommodating different sitting positions and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
A deployable shelf integrated into the center console's rear privacy shell, which pivots from a vertical to a horizontal position
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft seating group has first and second laterally-adjacent passenger seats; a center console positioned between the first and second passenger seats; a center console disposed between the first and second laterally-adjacent passenger seats and having a shelf for supporting a handheld electronic device at approximately an eye level of a passenger in the first passenger seat. The center console may further include a retention system to maintain the electronic device in the shelf in a position allowing the passenger to comfortably view the screen of the electronic device.