Modular Cantilever Seat Mounting for Lightweight Train Interiors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seating arrangements for passenger transport vehicles, particularly commuter and regional trains, are heavy, require additional support from the side wall, and are often unique to a specific vehicle, necessitating modifications to the seat mounting structure or body shell.

Innovation Solution

A modular seating arrangement with a cantilever design featuring a support arm arrangement connected via axes, allowing easy interchangeability and flexibility, with components like first wall brackets and support arms that can be decoupled without unscrewing, and adjustable seat mounting elements for different configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional seat mounting structures are used, then the seating arrangement is stable and strong, but the weight is high and flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of seating arrangementVSAvoidflexibility for different vehicle types
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm arrangement is divided into separate modular components: wall brackets, support arms, and axes that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation enables the seating arrangement to be lightweight yet adaptable to different vehicle types without requiring heavy integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall brackets are designed as universal components that can be mounted on vehicle walls using standardized connection elements. The modular support arm arrangement can be configured for single, double, or four-seat configurations, providing multi-functionality across different vehicle types without requiring vehicle-specific modifications.

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

2Ease of operation

If modular design with quick-release mechanisms is used, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidcomplexity of support arm arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm arrangement uses segmented components connected by axes that can be quickly inserted and removed. The wall brackets, support arms, and connection elements are separate modules that simplify assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining structural integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements act as intermediaries between the wall brackets and support arms, enabling quick attachment and detachment without complex fastening mechanisms. These standardized intermediaries simplify the assembly process while the overall system remains relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If standardized components are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and productivity is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of exchange and assemblyVSAvoidadaptability to different seat configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seating arrangement uses standardized segmented components that can be quickly assembled in different configurations. The modular wall brackets and support arms enable rapid exchange and assembly for single, double, or four-seat configurations, improving productivity while maintaining adaptability through combinatorial flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm arrangement incorporates pivotable connections via axes, allowing dynamic adjustment and reconfiguration of seat positions. This dynamic capability enables standardized components to adapt to different vehicle configurations while maintaining quick assembly and exchange capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4674681A1A seating arrangement
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP4674681A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4674681A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4674681A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a seating arrangement 10, in particular for a passenger transport vehicle 1, comprising at least one seat 200 and a support arm arrangement 100, wherein the support arm arrangement 100 has at least one first wall bracket 110 and at least one support arm 120, wherein the at least one first wall bracket 110 has a connecting element 112 for connecting the first wall bracket 110 to a wall 2, wherein the at least one first wall bracket 110 and the support arm 120 are connected to each other via at least one axis 150.