Deployable Armrests for Dynamic Aircraft Seating Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting seating width and pitch in aircraft cabins require significant downtime and revenue loss, as they involve replacing seats or adjusting entire rows during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A seating system with deployable armrests between seats, controlled by a locking system and sensor data processing system, which can adjust seating space based on passenger size and class of service without requiring the aircraft to be taken out of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seats are replaced or entire seat rows are adjusted to change seating width and pitch, then seating configuration is changed, but the aircraft must be taken out of service for maintenance and revenue is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The armrests are designed to be movable between deployed and folded positions, allowing the seating width to be dynamically adjusted. This dynamic mechanism enables the seating configuration to change without requiring permanent structural modifications or taking the aircraft out of service, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest structure is segmented into multiple parts that can be independently deployed or folded. This segmentation allows selective adjustment of seating width by deploying only the necessary armrests, providing flexibility in seating configuration without requiring complete seat replacement or extensive maintenance operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seats are replaced to change seating width, then seating configuration is changed, but manufacturing cost and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armrests incorporate a deployable mechanism that allows them to transition between folded and deployed states. This dynamic design eliminates the need to manufacture and install different width seats for different configurations, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to adjust seating width as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The same armrest structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support when folded and creates additional seating width when deployed. This multi-functionality allows a single seat design to accommodate various seating width requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized seat types and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If armrests are deployed to change seating space, then seating space is adjusted for passenger comfort, but device complexity increases due to locking systems and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest deployment system incorporates automatic sensors that detect when armrest deployment is needed and automatically activate the locking mechanism to secure the armrests in the deployed position. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual operation and complex control systems, as the system autonomously manages the deployment and locking processes based on sensor input.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are integrated into the armrest mechanism to detect the position and status of the armrests. This feedback information is used by the control system to determine when armrests should be deployed or folded and to verify that the locking system has properly secured the armrests in their intended position, enabling automated control while maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A seating system may comprise a first seat, a second seat, and a plurality of armrests. The plurality of armrests may be located between the first seat and the second seat. The plurality of armrests may be capable of being deployed to change a seating space for the first seat.