Cushion Assembly With Integrated Belt for Folded-Seat Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seatbelt arrangements in vehicles, such as aircraft, fail to provide adequate restraint for passengers lying down, and existing solutions like H-shaped straps and sleep pads are not optimally comfortable or secure.
Innovation Solution
A cushion assembly with an integrated belt that engages with seatbelts and secures passengers to folded seats, providing enhanced restraint and comfort during vehicle motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seatbelts are used in upright seating configuration, then they provide adequate restraint for seated passengers, but they fail to provide suitable restraint positioning for passengers lying down
Solution Approach 1:
The seatbelt system transitions from a fixed upright configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system that adapts to both seated and lying down positions. The seatbelts are arranged to be reconfigurable between different orientations, allowing the restraint system to dynamically adjust to the passenger's position whether upright or horizontal
Solution Approach 2:
The seatbelt arrangement serves multiple functions by being capable of restraining passengers in both upright seated positions and horizontal lying down positions. The same seatbelt components perform dual roles depending on the configuration, eliminating the need for separate restraint systems for different positions
2Reliability
If H-shaped straps are added to engage with existing seatbelts, then passenger restraint is improved for lying down position, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The H-shaped straps are integrated with the existing seatbelt system rather than being completely separate components. The engagement components are coupled to the cushion and work in conjunction with the existing seatbelts, merging the new restraint mechanism with the existing system to reduce overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement components serve as intermediaries between the cushion and the existing seatbelts. These components facilitate the connection without requiring complete redesign of either the cushion or the seatbelt system, allowing the existing seatbelts to be utilized while providing the necessary H-shaped strap configuration
3Ease of operation
If sleep pad is placed over seat upper surface, then passenger comfort is improved for horizontal orientation, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional setup steps
Solution Approach 1:
The sleep pad is integrated directly into the cushion structure rather than being a separate component that requires separate placement. The engagement components are coupled to the cushion, creating a unified assembly that combines the comfort function of the sleep pad with the structural function of the cushion, eliminating the need for separate setup steps
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement components are pre-configured and coupled to the cushion before use, so that when the cushion is deployed, the sleep pad and restraint mechanisms are already in their proper positions and configurations, eliminating the need for additional setup steps by the passenger
4Adaptability or versatility
If seats are folded flat to form berthing accommodation, then horizontal lying capability is provided, but seatbelt positioning becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The seatbelt system is designed to be reconfigurable, allowing it to dynamically adapt its positioning based on whether the seats are in upright or folded flat configuration. The engagement components can adjust their orientation and position to provide appropriate restraint whether the passenger is seated upright or lying horizontally
Solution Approach 2:
The seatbelt arrangement is designed to serve both upright seating and horizontal berthing functions using the same components. The system is multi-functional, providing reliable restraint positioning for both seated and lying down positions without requiring separate restraint systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A cushion assembly disclosed herein. The cushion assembly is configured for use with a support surface having a first restraint component and a second restraint component spaced apart from the first restraint component. The cushion assembly includes, but is not limited to, a cushion. The cushion assembly further includes, but is not limited to, a first engagement component that is coupled with the cushion. The first engagement component is configured to engage the first restraint component. The cushion assembly still further includes, but is not limited to, a second engagement component coupled with the cushion. The second engagement component is configured to engage the second restraint component.