Forward-Foldable Aircraft Backrest for Closer Row Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seating configurations that increase passenger capacity compromise passenger comfort due to reduced personal space, making it difficult for passengers to access seats at the end of rows, especially with existing solutions like retractable armrests that still maintain bulk and do not facilitate access behind the seats.
Innovation Solution
A seating device with a deformable parallelogram-shaped support structure allowing the backrest to move circularly forward and upward, combined with a tilting seating mechanism, reduces bulk and increases access by allowing the backrest to retract and the seating to adjust, enabling closer row spacing without compromising comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of cabin seats is increased to maximize aircraft utilization, then productivity is improved, but the space allotted to each passenger is reduced, worsening passenger comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is made movable through a circular translational mechanism that allows it to move forward and upward, transforming from a static obstacle to a dynamic element that clears the access path to window seats while maintaining passenger support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest movement follows a circular trajectory in a vertical plane, moving from a horizontal blocking position to a vertical retracted position above the seating area, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the horizontal access conflict
2Productivity
If the distance between seats is reduced to increase seating capacity, then productivity is improved, but access to seating places at the end of rows becomes difficult, worsening ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is transformed from a fixed barrier to a dynamic component that actively moves forward during retraction, clearing the access path to window seats and enabling passengers to reach their seats even when row spacing is minimized
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest moves forward and upward before the passenger needs to access the window seat, preliminarily clearing the access path and eliminating the need for manual armrest retraction or other access-facilitating actions
3Ease of operation
If retractable armrests and raisable seating are used to improve access, then ease of operation is improved, but the retracted-up seating still has thickness that remains cumbersome for access, and the fixed backrest does not free up access space
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is moved from a horizontal position that blocks access to a vertical position above the seating area, utilizing the vertical dimension to eliminate horizontal bulk and completely clear the access path to window seats
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into movable segments (backrest and seating) that can independently move along circular trajectories, allowing the backrest to clear access space while the seating remains compact
Data Source
AI summary
A seating device with reduced bulk, for example for an aircraft. This seating device comprises a backrest which describes a circular translational movement towards the front and upwards of the device when the seating device is brought to the retracted configuration. A seating structure is provided comprising a bearing piece on which are fixed, side by side, a plurality of seating devices with reduced bulk. An aircraft is provided comprising a seating device with reduced bulk mounted in its cabin.