Deployable Center Console Shelf for Tablet Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft seat solutions fail to provide a comfortable and versatile way to support tablets and other items at a viewing angle for passengers in laterally-adjacent seats, especially in first-class rows, as they are typically tablet-specific and do not accommodate side-facing or reclined positions.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft seating arrangement featuring a deployable shelf integrated into the center console's rear privacy shell, which pivots from a stowed position to a horizontal position forward of the privacy shell, allowing passengers to view devices at an optimal angle while seated or reclined, with features like a tray design, cable passage, and USB port integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tablet holders are used against the seatback, then tablets can be held in forward-facing positions, but they cannot accommodate side-facing or reclined sitting positions
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to be deployable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend forward when needed for reclined or side-facing positions and retract when not in use. This dynamic configuration enables the shelf to adapt to different seating positions while maintaining viewing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the tablet holder against the vertical seatback, the invention extends the support surface forward into the horizontal space in front of the passenger. This dimensional change allows tablets to be positioned at optimal viewing angles for reclined and side-facing positions.
2Ease of operation
If a deployable shelf is added to the center console, then viewing comfort for reclined positions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable shelf is integrated into the existing center console structure, merging the new functionality with the current design. The shelf utilizes the center console's space and structural support, avoiding the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The center console is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses seat controls, provides armrest support, and now includes the deployable shelf for tablet viewing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the shelf is positioned forward of the privacy shell, then optimal viewing angle is achieved for reclined positions, but the shelf requires additional space in the center console
Solution Approach 1:
The center console is divided into functional zones: the rear privacy shell area for storage and controls, and the forward deployable shelf area for tablet viewing. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific purpose while efficiently utilizing the available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf transitions between a retracted position (when not in use) and a deployed forward position (when needed for viewing). This dynamic movement allows the shelf to occupy minimal space during storage while providing optimal viewing geometry when activated.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft seating group including first and second laterally-adjacent seats, a center console positioned between the seats, a rear privacy shell positioned behind the seats and forming part of the center console, a vertical partition extending forward from the rear privacy shell to divide the center console, and a deployable shelf positioned to one side of the vertical partition, the shelf configured to hold a tablet for viewing by a passenger facing the shelf.