Method for protecting a passenger and arrangement consisting of a folding table and a seat screen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft passenger seats with in-seat screens pose a safety risk during take-off and landing due to the potential for screen damage and formation of sharp edges, which can injure passengers.

Innovation Solution

A folding table is modified to include a protective position where it can be pivoted or moved in front of the screen to form a shield, locking into place to prevent accidental release, and can be made partially transparent to allow viewing of safety videos during emergencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a seat screen is installed in front of the passenger, then the passenger can view entertainment content, but the screen may break and form sharp edges that can injure the passenger during take-off and landing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen functionalityVSAvoidinjury risk from screen
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The folding table is used as an intermediary protective element positioned between the screen and the passenger. During critical phases of flight, the table is moved to cover the screen, preventing direct contact between the passenger and potential sharp edges while still allowing the screen to function when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The folding table is given multiple functions: it serves as a surface for meals and drinks during normal operation, and as a protective shield covering the screen during take-off and landing. This eliminates the need for separate protective screens while maintaining entertainment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective shield is added in front of the screen, then passenger safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjury risk from screenVSAvoidadditional protective components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding table is given multiple functions: it serves as a surface for meals and drinks during normal operation, and as a protective shield covering the screen during take-off and landing. This eliminates the need for separate protective screens while maintaining entertainment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing folding table structure serves its own protective function without requiring additional components. The table's own physical structure is utilized as the protective element, eliminating the need for separate shields or covers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the folding table is made opaque to protect the passenger, then safety is improved, but the passenger cannot view safety videos on the screen during emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjury risk from screenVSAvoidvisibility of safety information
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The folding table is made transparent or translucent, allowing light to pass through while still providing physical protection. This enables passengers to view safety videos and entertainment content on the screen even when the table is positioned in front of it during critical phases of flight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP2935005B1Method for protecting a passenger and arrangement consisting of a folding table and a seat screen
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 LUFTHANSA SYST GMBH & CO
  • EP2935005B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2935005B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2935005B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

To increase the safety of a passenger in a means of transport and to better protect the passenger from a seat screen 18, wherein a foldable table 16 and at least one seat screen 18 arranged above the folding table 16 are provided in front of the passenger, and the folding table 16 has a first folded position when the folding table 16 is not in use and a second folded position for using the table 16 which is pivoted with respect to the first folded position through approximately 90°, the method is characterized in that at least a part 22 of the folding table 16 can be moved in front of the seat screen 18 in order to protect the passenger from the screen 18. A corresponding arrangement is also provided.