Lie-flat Passenger Seat Configurations for Aisle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin seats lack sufficient space for carry-on luggage and legroom, making it difficult for passengers to recline into flat beds, especially in economy class, and existing designs often obstruct aisle access when seats are in lie-flat positions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates non-elevated and elevated-height passenger seats with pivotable seatbacks and sliding mechanisms that allow for 100% aisle access, shared passage between rows, and dedicated luggage compartments, enabling lie-flat configurations without reducing passenger capacity or obstructing aisles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If seats are arranged in traditional economy class configuration, then passenger capacity is increased, but legroom and space for carry-on luggage become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic seat configurations that can transition between different positions and orientations. Seats are designed with movable components including pivotable seatbacks, adjustable bases, and reconfigurable structures that allow the same physical space to serve multiple functions - providing adequate legroom during flight and maximizing passenger capacity when seats are in upright position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space more effectively by allowing seats to recline into lie-flat configurations and by incorporating vertical stacking arrangements. The seat designs extend into the vertical dimension with adjustable height mechanisms and overhead storage integration, effectively using cubic space rather than just horizontal footprint to increase both comfort and capacity
2Ease of operation
If seats are designed to recline into flat beds, then passenger comfort is improved, but aisle access becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seat structure into separable components including independent seatbacks, bases, and armrest sections. This segmentation allows individual components to move and adjust independently, enabling the seat to recline into a flat bed configuration while maintaining clear pathways for aisle access through strategically positioned movable elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures such as sliding panels, retractable armrests, and movable seat bases that act as mediators between the reclining seat and the aisle. These intermediary elements can be adjusted or repositioned to maintain aisle clearance even when seats are in lie-flat positions, resolving the conflict between comfort and accessibility
3Ease of operation
If more carry-on luggage is accommodated, then passenger convenience is improved, but luggage compartment space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs multi-functional storage solutions where overhead bins, seat-back pockets, and under-seat compartments can serve both as luggage storage and as structural components of the seat assembly. The same physical structures provide multiple functions - support, storage, and space management - effectively increasing the usable volume for carry-on luggage without adding separate dedicated compartments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested storage configurations where smaller storage compartments are integrated within larger structural elements. For example, under-seat storage is nested within the seat base structure, and overhead bins are integrated with the cabin ceiling framework, maximizing the use of available three-dimensional space for luggage accommodation
Data Source
AI summary
Example lie-flat passenger seat configurations for transportation are described. A non-elevated passenger seat includes a seat base and a seatback pivotably connected to the sliding bar. The seat base may be opened upwardly or downwardly. The seatback may be opened sideway such that a space originally used for seat base and seatback is converted to a passage accessible by the passenger. An elevated-height passenger seat also includes a seat base, a seatback pivotably connected to the seat base, and a hinge at an upper portion of the seatback. The elevated-height passenger seat may rotate upwardly around the hinge. When the elevated-height passenger seat rotates upwardly, the elevated-height passenger seat transitions from a seating position to an elevated position with the seat base and the seatback forming a flat bed such that the passenger can lie flat on the flat bed formed by the seat base and the seatback.