Knit Amenities Panel for Accessible Aircraft Seat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger seats lack sufficient space for storing personal items, and existing storage solutions like tray tables and seat back pockets are inadequate for holding personal electronic devices at an appropriate viewing orientation and providing easy access.
Innovation Solution
A knit amenities panel with a knitted retention component and a support structure, featuring a cover shroud member and a backing member, which creates a tension force to hold objects securely in place using elastic yarn, allowing for customizable properties and integration with seat frames or backs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tray table is deployed to store personal items, then items are readily available, but the surface area is insufficient and cannot hold devices at appropriate viewing orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional tray table storage to three-dimensional pocket storage with vertical orientation. The pocket structure provides depth and vertical space, allowing devices to be stored in multiple orientations including upright positions suitable for viewing, thereby resolving the limitation of insufficient surface area while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket is divided into multiple compartments and sections that can independently hold different items. This segmentation allows efficient use of limited space by organizing personal items and devices in separate zones, maximizing the utility of the available storage area while maintaining easy access to frequently used items.
2Area of stationary object
If seat back pocket is used to store belongings, then space is utilized, but access is not always readily available and items can be easily forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket incorporates a transparent window or clear panel in its construction, allowing passengers to visually identify stored items without removing the tray table or extensively searching. This local transparency feature maintains the storage capacity while significantly improving accessibility and reducing the likelihood of forgetting items by making them visible at a glance.
3Productivity
If space is minimized to meet density requirements, then profit goals are achieved, but insufficient storage space is available for personal items
Solution Approach 1:
The amenity panel is nested within the existing seat structure, utilizing the space between the seat back and the tray table assembly. This nested configuration provides additional storage functionality without increasing the overall seat footprint, thereby maintaining the required seat density while accommodating personal items and devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes vertical space and depth dimensions rather than horizontal surface area. By creating a pocket structure that extends vertically and provides depth, the design maximizes storage capacity within the constrained horizontal footprint required for high-density seating configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides additional storage for personal items, maintains easy access, and allows for secure holding of devices at a suitable viewing angle, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a knitted retention component comprising at least one elastic yarn, wherein: the knitted retention component is knitted in one piece; the knitted retention component is attachable to the backing member and defines a plurality of openings; a tension force is created in the knitted retention component due to the attachment of the knitted retention component to the backing member; the tension force permits the knitted retention component to hold at least one object
Data Source
AI summary
Described are passenger seats including a knit amenities panel, the knit amenities panel having a support structure including a cover shroud member and a backing member; and a knitted retention component comprising at least one elastic yarn, where the knitted retention component is knitted in one piece; the knitted retention component is attachable to the backing member and defines a plurality of openings; a tension force is created in the knitted retention component due to the attachment of the knitted retention component to the backing member; the tension force permits the knitted retention component to hold at least one object; and the backing member with the knitted retention component attached is coupled to the cover shroud member.