Comfort pilot seat kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pilot seats lack adjustable features to accommodate pilots of varying sizes, leading to obstructed vision, discomfort due to inadequate thigh support, and limited adjustability, which can affect the pilot's ability to maintain an optimal eye reference point and reduce overall comfort.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable seat design featuring a pivotally coupled backrest with a lower portion attached to the seat frame, an actuation mechanism controlling the vertical height and rotational position of the seat pan, and adjustable armrests to maintain an optimal eye reference point and provide continuous thigh support, improved comfort, and shoulder support through a two-part backrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-seat designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to pilots of varying sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is divided into two separate portions: a lower portion that is pivotally coupled to the seat frame and an upper portion that is pivotally coupled to the lower portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be adjusted independently, providing better adaptability to pilots of varying sizes while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat incorporates multiple adjustable components including the two-part backrest with pivotal connections, adjustable armrests, and adjustable seat pan positioning. These dynamic elements enable the seat to adapt to different pilot sizes and preferences, transforming a static design into a versatile, adjustable system.
2Ease of operation
If conventional single-part backrest designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but comfort deteriorates due to inadequate shoulder support
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is segmented into lower and upper portions that can be independently adjusted. The upper portion can be positioned to provide optimal shoulder support for pilots of varying heights, while the lower portion supports the lower back, enhancing overall comfort through targeted support zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the backrest provide specialized support functions: the lower portion supports the lumbar region while the upper portion supports the shoulders and upper back. This local differentiation of support quality addresses specific comfort needs in different anatomical regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed armrest designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to lateral position adjustments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armrests are designed as adjustable components that can be positioned laterally to accommodate different pilot preferences and seating positions. This dynamic adjustability allows pilots to optimize elbow support for various operational postures, enhancing versatility.
4Ease of operation
If conventional fixed seat pan designs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but comfort deteriorates due to inadequate thigh support and blood pressure issues
Solution Approach 1:
The seat pan is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities that allow the pilot to modify the angle and position of the seat pan relative to the backrest. This dynamic adjustment enables optimal thigh support angles to reduce blood pressure on the thighs, enhancing comfort through pilot-controlled positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are adjustable seats having a lower portion of a back rest attached to a seat frame having an upper frame and a lower frame. A pivot axis is positioned at an upper end of the lower portion of the back rest, and an upper portion of the back rest is pivotally attached to the pivot axis. The location of the pivot axis is configured to be positioned below a person's shoulders when the person is seated in the adjustable seat. The upper portion of the back rest is also pivotally adjustable relative to the lower portion of the back rest. A seat pan having a front portion pivotally coupled to a rear portion can be attached to the upper frame. An actuation mechanism is configured to simultaneously control a vertical height of the upper frame and a rotational position of the front portion of the seat pan.