Modular Cabin Support Layout for Flexible Seat and Cargo Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger transport vehicles lack flexibility in seating arrangements, as they are optimized for a standard configuration that does not accommodate varying passenger needs or cargo requirements, limiting operators' ability to modify the cabin for different classes or uses.
Innovation Solution
A support system with standardized base support units and transport devices that can be easily mounted and rearranged, allowing for a grid-like configuration of different types of seats and cargo holders, enabling flexible modification of the passenger cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If passenger seats are optimized for the largest possible number of passengers per seat row and seat rows per vehicle, then the vehicle capacity is improved, but the flexibility for rearranging seats is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The passenger seat is divided into separate modular components: a base support unit fixed to the floor and a seat assembly that can be removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the seat assembly to be easily rearranged or removed while maintaining the base support structure, thus enabling flexibility without compromising capacity optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The base support unit serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the seat assembly, acts as a mounting interface for different seat types, and enables easy reconfiguration of the cabin layout. This universal base support design allows the same structure to accommodate various seat configurations for different operational needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the vehicle is designed with a standard seat configuration, then manufacturing and operation are simplified, but the ability to accommodate varying passenger needs and cargo requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seat system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The seat assembly can be easily removed, added, or repositioned on the base support units, allowing the vehicle to adapt its interior layout according to varying passenger needs, cargo requirements, or different cabin class configurations while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes.
3Quantity of substance
If more passenger seat rows are installed per vehicle, then the revenue potential is improved, but the space available for cargo or flexible seating arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seat into removable seat assemblies and fixed base support units, the system allows for easy removal of seat assemblies to create cargo space or flexible seating areas. The base support units remain in place, maintaining structural integrity and mounting capability, while the removable seat assemblies can be repositioned or removed to accommodate different operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a support system (10) for a passenger transport vehicle (1) comprising a plurality of base support units (100) configured to be mounted to a floor (5) of the vehicle (1), a first transport device (240-270) configured to hold a first type of good or person, the first transport device (240-270) comprising a standardized mounting unit (205) mounted to one of the plurality of base support units (100), and a second transport device (240-270) configured to hold a second type of good or person, the second transport device (240-270) comprising a standardized mounting unit (205) mounted to another one of the plurality of base support units (100). Further described is a passenger transport vehicle comprising a passenger cabin and such a support system arranged in the passenger cabin.