Convertible Economy Seat Row With Rotating Seat Pan Bed Layout

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Economy class passengers face challenges in assuming a comfortable sleeping position due to the steep angle of reclined backrests, fixed seat pans, lack of leg rests, and close proximity to other passengers, making it difficult to sleep on long haul flights.

Innovation Solution

A seat row configuration where each seat includes a seat pan assembly with a rotatable frame member and diaphragm subassembly, allowing the seat to convert from a sitting position to a bed configuration by rotating the frame member forward and unfolding the diaphragm to form a continuous surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If economy class seats use fixed position seat pans with limited backrest recline to maximize seating density, then productivity is improved, but sleeping comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating densityVSAvoidsleeping comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seat pan assembly is transformed from a fixed position structure to a dynamic, movable structure. The seat pan can be rotated about 180 degrees from a rearward position (for seating) to a forward position (for sleeping), allowing the same structure to serve multiple functions and resolve the contradiction between seating density and sleeping comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seat pan assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a seating surface when in the rearward position and as a leg rest/support surface when rotated to the forward position. This multi-functionality allows the economy class seat to provide both seating density and sleeping comfort without requiring separate structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If economy class seats have limited backrest recline to maintain seating density, then productivity is improved, but sleeping comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating densityVSAvoidsleeping position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on backrest recline alone, the invention introduces a dynamic seat pan rotation mechanism that provides substantial angle adjustment. The seat pan can rotate approximately 180 degrees, creating a flat sleeping surface that complements the backrest recline, thereby enabling proper sleeping position adjustment while maintaining seating density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seating system is segmented into independent adjustable components: the backrest with its recline mechanism and the seat pan with its rotation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the backrest for seating density and the seat pan for sleeping position adjustment - resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If economy class seats use fixed position seat pans to maximize seating density, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases when converting to bed configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating densityVSAvoidseat pan mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat pan rotation mechanism uses a single degree of freedom rotation about a horizontal axis, which is mechanically simpler than multi-axis adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic rotation allows the seat pan to transform between seating and sleeping configurations using a relatively simple mechanical structure, minimizing the increase in device complexity while enabling bed conversion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration allows economy class passengers to convert their seat row into a comfortable bed, addressing the limitations of traditional economy class seating and providing a more restful experience on long flights.

Implementation Method 1

a second frame member rotatably coupled to the first frame member, wherein the second frame member is configured to rotate between a first position residing with the first frame member and a second position forward of the first frame member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

the first diaphragm is configured to fold and unfold from the second diaphragm and attach to the first frame member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUnfolding: Folding

Data Source

PatentEP4563472A1Economy class passenger seat row convertible to a bed

Publication Date: 2025.06.04 BE AEROSPACE INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A

AI summary

A seat row (100) including at least two laterally adjacent seats (102, 104, 106), wherein each seat includes a seat pan assembly (200, 300, 400) and a cushion assembly (110) configured to be positioned atop the seat pan assembly. In embodiments, the seat pan assembly includes a frame subassembly (202, 302, 402) including a first frame member (204, 304, 404) and a second frame member (206, 306, 406) rotatably coupled to the first frame member, wherein the second frame member is configured to rotate between a first position residing with the first frame member and a second position forward of the first frame member. In embodiments, the seat pan assembly further includes a diaphragm subassembly including a first diaphragm (214, 314, 408) and a second diaphragm (216, 316, 412). In use, the seat row is configured to convert between separate seats and a single bed.