Movable Amenities Module for Ergonomic PED Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in vehicles lack a convenient, adaptable, and ergonomic solution to securely hold and use their portable electronic devices (PEDs) during flights, as existing solutions are limited by tray table deployment and do not accommodate various device sizes and passenger ergonomics, leading to the need for additional adapters and storage space.
Innovation Solution
A modular amenities system integrated into passenger seats, featuring a movable and ergonomically designed module with USB ports, inductive wireless power, a PED holder, and deployable attachments that can be accessed regardless of tray table position, accommodating a range of passenger sizes and device types without additional components or adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PED provisions are located behind the tray table, then passengers can store and use PEDs, but the availability is limited to times when the tray table is deployed and it may not be ergonomically suited to all passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The amenities module is designed to be movable along the seat tube, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned to different locations (behind tray table, at armrest level, or at different heights) to accommodate various passenger needs and tray table configurations, ensuring continuous availability and ergonomic suitability
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mounting locations are used in the tray table, then PEDs can be held, but the tray table must be stowed during certain times during flight limiting availability
Solution Approach 1:
The movable amenities module can be repositioned to remain accessible regardless of tray table deployment status, providing continuous PED support throughout the flight without interruption when tray tables are stowed for service operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional adapters or cases are provided for PEDs, then various device sizes can be accommodated, but this represents additional weight and storage space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The PED holder is designed with adjustable and expandable features that can accommodate various device sizes, shapes, and configurations (with or without cases) using a single universal structure, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters or cases for different device types
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed PED holder design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate a wide range of passengers and device sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The amenities module is designed as a segmented, modular structure with adjustable components that can be configured in multiple positions and configurations, allowing a single standardized module design to be manufactured efficiently while providing adaptability to various passenger sizes and device types through reconfiguration rather than custom manufacturing
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
Provides a secure, adaptable, and always-accessible solution for PEDs, eliminating the need for extra adapters and storage, allowing passengers to use their devices with or without cases, while keeping tray tables available for other uses, and ensuring ergonomic compatibility across different passenger sizes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inductive wireless power unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A passenger seat includes a tray table and an amenities module. The passenger seat has at least one first configuration where the amenities module is concealed by the tray table and at least one second configuration where the amenities module is exposed. The tray table is approximately parallel to a seatback surface of the passenger seat in the at least one first configuration and in the at least one second configuration.