Load-Factor Rotating Seats for Space Launcher Passenger Comfort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger transport systems propelled by space launchers require non-straight trajectories, which can be uncomfortable and require specific training due to high speeds, necessitating a solution to make these trajectories more bearable for passengers.

Innovation Solution

A transport system with rotating seats and cabins that adjust to the load factor experienced during flight, using a control unit to maintain a predefined rotation speed and orientation relative to the passenger's frame of reference, combined with radiation shielding and passenger interfaces for enhanced comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the transport system follows non-straight trajectories to reach desired altitude and speed, then the transport efficiency and speed are improved, but the passenger comfort deteriorates due to high G-forces and disorientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport speedVSAvoidpassenger comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is made rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, allowing its orientation to dynamically adjust during flight. The control unit rotates the seat in response to detected trajectory changes, maintaining optimal passenger orientation relative to the resultant force vector, thereby resolving the contradiction between high-speed maneuvering and passenger comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A detection unit continuously monitors the vehicle's trajectory and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the seat rotation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the seat orientation continuously adapts to maintain passenger comfort during high-speed non-straight trajectories

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the seat orientation is fixed relative to the vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the passenger ability to withstand load factors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat mounting complexityVSAvoidpassenger tolerance to G-forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seat mounting system incorporates a rotation mechanism about the longitudinal axis, transforming a static fixed mounting into a dynamic adjustable mounting. This allows the seat to actively track and align with the load factor direction, significantly improving passenger tolerance to G-forces while adding only moderate rotational actuation components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seat orientation parameter (rotation angle about longitudinal axis) is made variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts this parameter in real-time based on trajectory detection, optimizing the alignment between seat orientation and load factor direction to maximize passenger comfort during maneuvers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system allows passengers to better withstand high G-forces by maintaining a perceived straight trajectory and comfort, with reduced physical strain and enhanced sensory deception.

Implementation Method 1

A transport system with rotating seats and cabins that adjust to the load factor experienced during flight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the rotating cabin includes a radiation shielding coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4313771B1Passenger transport system propelled by a space launcher, having a seat with variable inclination based on the load factor
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ARIANEGRP SAS
  • EP4313771B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4313771B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4313771B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport system (1) intended to be installed on a space launcher (100, figure 1) and comprising: • - an aircraft (2) which comprises propulsion means configured to propel the aircraft (2) in a direction of flight, and at least one seat (4) intended for receiving a passenger who is rotationally movable about an axis (Θ) perpendicular to the direction of flight of the aircraft (2), an acceleration sensor being installed on each at least one seat (4) to measure the acceleration of each at least one seat (4); • - a passenger interface for each at least one seat (4), comprising a screen (51) intended to display images to the passenger installed in said at least one seat (4), the screen (51) being coupled to said at least one seat (4) so ​​as to remain stationary relative to said at least one seat (4); • - a control unit (6) which is connected to the acceleration sensor and to said at least one seat (4), the control unit (6) being configured to calculate a load factor experienced by the passenger installed in the at least one seat (4) based on the acceleration of said at least one seat (4), the control unit (6) being configured to control the rotation of the at least one seat (4) while the transport system (1) is in operation so as to keep the position of the seat (4) stationary relative to the load factor experienced by the passenger throughout the flight.