Adjustable Lumbar Support via Cable-Pulley Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passengers often experience fatigue and back pain due to lack of adjustable back support in seating, which is optimized for high passenger density and low weight, and the reduction in pillow provision by airlines exacerbates discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A passenger seat system with a headrest and lumbar portion that can translate along guide tracks, utilizing a translation assembly with a cable and pulley system, potentially actuated by an electric motor or gas spring, allowing for adjustable lumbar support and locking into position for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the seat is optimized for high passenger density and low weight, then the weight and space efficiency are improved, but the back support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into two independent portions: a head portion and a lumbar portion. The lumbar portion can be separated from the head portion and translated to the lumbar region of the seatback, providing targeted lumbar support without adding significant weight to the overall seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar portion is designed to be dynamically repositionable along guide tracks on the seatback. It can translate between different positions (including separating from the head portion and moving to the lumbar region) to adapt to different passenger needs, while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lumbar portion is made adjustable and movable, then the comfort and support are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support function is extracted as a separate, movable portion that can be independently positioned. This allows the lumbar support mechanism to be simplified and focused on a single function (providing lumbar support) rather than being integrated into a complex multi-function headrest assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A translation assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lumbar portion and the seatback. This assembly includes guide tracks for constrained movement and a cable-pulley system with an actuator for controlled translation, simplifying the overall control mechanism while enabling adjustable lumbar support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest portions are separated and repositioned, then the lumbar support functionality is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is manufactured as separate modules (head portion and lumbar portion) that can be independently produced and then assembled. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of each portion and simplifies the assembly process, as the portions connect through standardized interfaces (brackets and guide tracks).
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 provides customizable back and lumbar support, enhancing passenger comfort by allowing adjustment of the lumbar portion to various positions, reducing fatigue and back pain during long flights.
Implementation Method 1
The translation assembly further includes one or more pulleys configured to guide the cable through the cable route.
Implementation Method 2
The translation assembly includes a cable coupled to the one or more brackets, wherein a movement of the cable corresponds to a translation of the lumbar portion.
Implementation Method 3
In some embodiments of the system, the actuator is an electric motor.
Implementation Method 4
In some embodiments of the system, the actuator is a gas spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed. The system includes a passenger seat. The passenger seat includes a seatback comprising one or more guide tracks and a headrest configured to couple to the seatback. The headrest includes a head portion and a lumbar portion. The lumbar portion is configured to separate from the head portion and translate to a lumbar portion of the seatback. The lumbar portion includes one or more brackets configured to slide along the one or more guide tracks. The passenger seat further includes a translation assembly mechanically coupled to the seatback and the lumbar portion. The translation assembly includes a cable coupled to the one or more brackets, wherein a movement of the cable corresponds to a translation of the lumbar portion. The translation assembly further includes a cable route. The translation assembly further includes one or more pulleys configured to guide the cable through the cable route.