Foldable Aircraft Seat Bench with Dynamic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cabin configurations require time-consuming and labor-intensive processes to convert from passenger to cargo transport, as seat arrangements occupy valuable space and must be manually removed, exposing them to weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A foldable seat bench with a movable backrest and foldable leg that can be easily locked in various positions, allowing for compact storage and quick reconfiguration, enabling permanent installation while allowing for flexible cargo-to-passenger ratio adjustments without removing the seat bench.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seat arrangements are permanently installed in aircraft cabin, then passenger transport capability is improved, but cargo transport flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat bench is designed with dynamic components including a foldable leg arrangement that can pivot between extended and retracted positions, and a backrest that can rotate between upright and folded positions. This dynamic design allows the seat to adapt between passenger and cargo configurations without permanent removal, resolving the contradiction between permanent installation and cargo flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat bench is divided into separable components: a carrier arrangement with legs, a seat area, and a backrest. These segmented parts can be independently adjusted or folded, enabling the seat to be compacted for cargo transport while remaining permanently installed, thus maintaining both passenger capability and cargo flexibility.
2Productivity
If complete seat arrangements are removed for cargo transport, then cargo space is increased, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable leg and backrest mechanisms enable rapid transformation from passenger to cargo configuration through simple pivoting motions, eliminating the time-consuming process of complete seat removal and reinstallation, thus improving productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat bench performs its own transformation function through integrated folding mechanisms that require minimal external intervention. The self-contained design allows crew or passengers to reconfigure the seat without requiring removal tools or external assistance, reducing labor requirements and time consumption.
3Area of stationary object
If seat arrangements are folded compactly, then cargo space availability is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The leg arrangement incorporates a locking mechanism that maintains structural stability in the extended position for passenger use, while allowing controlled folding to a retracted position for cargo space. The dynamic locking system ensures stability is maintained during both configurations, resolving the contradiction between compact folding and structural integrity.
4Length of stationary object
If backrest is folded parallel to seat area, then installation height is reduced, but comfort for passengers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is designed as a dynamic component that can rotate between an upright comfortable position for passengers and a folded parallel position for reduced installation height. The ability to dynamically adjust the backrest angle allows the system to optimize for either comfort or compactness depending on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between height reduction and passenger comfort.
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable seat bench (10) comprises a seat (12) comprising a seat area (14) and a backrest (16), and a carrier arrangement (18) comprising a carrier element (20) carrying the seat (12) and at least one leg (22). The backrest (16) is movable relative to the carrier element (20) between a deployed position in which it extends at an angle of approximately 70° to 110° relative to the seat area (14) and a stowed position in which it extends at an angle of approximately 0° to 20° relative to the seat area (14). The leg (22) is foldable relative to the carrier element (20) between a unfolded position and a folded position. The foldable seat bench (10) further comprises a first locking mechanism (32) which, in a locking state, is adapted to lock the backrest (16) of the seat (12) in both its deployed position and its stowed position, and a second locking mechanism (34) which, in a locking state, is adapted to lock the leg (22) of the carrier arrangement (18) in both its unfolded position and its folded position.