Expandable Aircraft Seat Base for Exit Row Space and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seat devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust to provide improved comfort and space efficiency, particularly in emergency exit rows where narrow seats can restrict escape routes without compromising passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft seat device with an adjustable sub-unit that can pivot between a stowed and use position, mechanically locked in the use position, using a delay module to maintain the expanded seating area for a defined time after the actuating force is removed, allowing for automatic adjustment based on passenger presence and absence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the seat base is designed with a fixed narrow width to clear escape routes, then the escape route width is improved, but the passenger comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The seat base incorporates an adjustable sub-unit that can dynamically change its configuration between a stowed position (reducing seat width for clear escape routes) and an operating position (extending the seating area for improved passenger comfort). This dynamic adjustment allows the seat to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat base is divided into a main unit and an adjustable sub-unit. The sub-unit can be independently adjusted between stowed and operating positions, allowing the seating area to be segmented and reconfigured. This segmentation enables the seat to provide both compact configuration for escape routes and extended configuration for passenger comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustable sub-unit is mechanically locked in the operating position, then the passenger comfort is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is designed to be automatically actuated by a seating force applied by the passenger. When a passenger sits on the seat base, their weight automatically triggers the locking mechanism to engage, securing the sub-unit in the operating position without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is replaced with a passive mechanical system that uses the passenger's own weight as the actuating force. This eliminates the need for motors, sensors, or complex electronic controls, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to lock the sub-unit in the operating position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustable sub-unit can be infinitely lockable between stowed and operating positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is designed to be automatically triggered by a seating force applied by the passenger. The system self-regulates based on the applied force, automatically transitioning the sub-unit between stowed and operating positions without requiring complex control mechanisms or multiple locking points.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an aircraft seat device for an aircraft seat (10a; 10b; 10c; 10e), comprising at least one stand unit (12a; 12b; 12c: 12e), at least one seat base (30a; 30b; 30c: 30e) coupled to the stand unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12e) and provided for forming a seating region (32a; 32b; 32c; 32e), as well as at least one main unit (34a; 34b; 34c; 34e) and at least one sub-unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d; 42e) designed such that it can be adjusted relative to the stand unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12e) between a stowed position and a use position, wherein the at least one adjustable sub-unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d; 42e) is provided for enlarging the seating region (32a; 32b; 32c; 32e) in at least one position, as well as comprising at least one actuation mechanism (68a; 68b; 68c; 68e) by means of which the adjustable sub-unit (42a; 42b; 42c; 42d; 42e) of the seat base (30a; 30b; 30c; 30e) can be adjusted between the stowed position and the use position thereof.