Offset Seat Module Arrangement for Narrow Cabin Accessibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat arrangements in means of transport with low cabin widths, particularly in aircraft, struggle to accommodate a high number of passengers with high comfort, as they are limited by the narrow space and require complex configurations to maximize seating capacity.
Innovation Solution
A seat arrangement with two outer passenger seat areas separated by a single aisle, featuring three seat modules next to each other in each area. The third seat module is offset longitudinally to simplify access, and Ottomans or foldable footrests are used to enhance foot comfort and create additional space for access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single aisle configuration is used in narrow cabin aircraft, then the cabin space utilization is improved, but the passenger comfort and accessibility to outer seats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by offsetting the third seat module in the longitudinal direction relative to the first and second seat modules. This longitudinal displacement creates a staggered arrangement where the third seat becomes accessible from the aisle without requiring passengers to pass through other seats, thus resolving the accessibility issue while maintaining single-aisle space efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If three seat modules are arranged next to each other in each outer passenger seating area, then the passenger capacity is improved, but the complexity of access configuration worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The seating arrangement is segmented into three distinct seat modules (first, second, and third) arranged in sequence. The third seat module is longitudinally offset from the other two, creating independent access paths. This segmentation allows each seat module to be accessed individually from the aisle, simplifying the overall access configuration while maximizing passenger capacity in the available space.
3Ease of operation
If the third seat module is offset longitudinally, then the ease of access to the third seat is improved, but the compactness of the seating arrangement worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal offset of the third seat module utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the cabin to improve accessibility. By displacing the third seat in the longitudinal direction rather than increasing lateral spacing, the design maintains compact transverse arrangement while achieving easy access from the single aisle.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a seat assembly for a cabin of a means of transportation, having an aisle which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cabin, two mutually spaced cabin walls which are oriented parallel to the aisle at least in some regions and laterally delimit the cabin, two outer passenger seat regions which are separated from one another by the aisle and each of which adjoins one of the two cabin walls, wherein the outer passenger seat regions have at least one row of seats with a respective inner first seat module which faces the aisle, a central second seat module adjoining the first module, and an outer third seat module adjoining the respective cabin wall. Each of the seat modules has a seat and an ottoman paired with the seat or a foot rest at a distance from the respective seat, and the third seat module is offset to the second seat module in the longitudinal direction such that the seat of the third seat module adjoins the ottoman or the foot rest of the second seat module in the transverse direction.