Foldable Flight Attendant Seat Frame for Compact Cabin Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flight attendant seats are not compact or lightweight, and their installation methods are complex, making them inefficient for aircraft cabin space and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A flight attendant seat system with a frame integrated into the carrier fixture, featuring a lower, central, and upper section, with a folding mechanism allowing the seat to transition between a folded-up and folded-down position, and a method for fitting the seat using interchangeable frame elements that can be easily assembled and secured.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a traditional flight attendant seat structure is used, then the seat provides adequate support and comfort, but the seat occupies excessive space and increases weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidseat support function
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is divided into multiple functional segments: a frame structure, a seat arrangement with backrest and seat element, and a folding mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall volume while maintaining support functions through the distributed structure of frame sections (lower, central, upper) that collectively provide structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seat element is designed with a folding mechanism that enables it to move between a folded-up resting position and a folded-down operating position. This dynamic configuration allows the seat to minimize space occupation when not in use while providing full support functionality when deployed, directly resolving the contradiction between compact storage and adequate support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a complex installation method is used, then the seat achieves secure mounting, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into lower, central, and upper sections that can be assembled in a standardized sequence. This segmentation allows each section to be pre-prepared and then systematically integrated, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining mounting security through the progressive building of structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame sections are designed with universal mounting interfaces that can be securely attached to the carrier fixture using standardized connection methods. This universality allows the same structural components to achieve secure mounting without requiring complex, customised installation procedures for each seat unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Weight of moving object

If a lightweight and compact seat design is implemented, then space and weight are reduced, but the structural strength and load-bearing capacity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat weightVSAvoidload distribution capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lower frame section is formed bent with curved transitions instead of sharp angles. This curvature distributes mechanical loads more evenly across the frame structure, preventing stress concentration points while maintaining a compact, lightweight design. The bent configuration allows the frame to achieve structural strength through geometric optimization rather than material quantity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3569505B1Flight attendant seat and method for fitting a flight attendant seat
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • EP3569505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3569505B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3569505B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A flight attendant seat (10, 100, 200, 300, 400), comprising a frame (14, 114, 214, 314, 414) that can be mounted on a carrier fixture (12, 112, 312, 412) or integrated into the carrier fixture (12, 112, 312, 412), and at least one seat arrangement (22, 320) integrated into the frame (114), wherein the frame (14, 114, 214, 314, 414) comprises a lower section (16, 116, 316, 416), an upper section (20, 220, 320, 420) and a central section (18, 318) taking up the at least one seat arrangement (22, 320) at least partially, wherein the lower section (16, 116, 316, 416) is formed bent at least in a region adjoining the central section (18, 318, 418) and forms the curved part of a U-shape, and wherein the central section (18, 318, 418) forms at least a portion of the substantially straight sides of the U-shape. Furthermore, a method for fitting a flight attendant seat (10, 100, 200, 300) is described.