Pivotable Knitted Seat for Standing Height Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat arrangements in means of transport, such as rail vehicles and airplanes, are inefficient in space utilization and do not adapt to the needs of users, as they require a fixed sitting position and do not allow for adjustment to accommodate varying group sizes or comfort levels, particularly on longer journeys.
Innovation Solution
A seat arrangement featuring a frame element with a knitted fabric seat cover that can be pivoted and adjusted to different positions, providing a standing-height sitting position with integrated back and seat functionality, allowing for ergonomic adaptation and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional seating arrangements with bent legs are provided, then passengers can sit in a conventional sitting position, but each passenger occupies a comparatively large amount of space in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the seating arrangement by positioning the seating surface at standing height rather than conventional sitting height. This parameter change allows passengers to adopt a standing or leaning posture with straight legs, significantly reducing the depth space required while maintaining comfort. The seat depth is minimized because the support surface is elevated, transforming the traditional seating geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a horizontal seating arrangement to a vertical orientation by placing the seating surface at standing height. This dimensional change shifts the primary support function from the horizontal plane to the vertical plane, allowing passengers to occupy less horizontal space while maintaining ergonomic support through the vertical positioning of the seat and backrest.
2Device complexity
If the seating arrangement is fixed in orientation, then the structure is simple, but the orientation cannot be changed to adapt to user needs or direction of travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pivotable connection between the frame element and the fastening device, enabling the seating arrangement to rotate or pivot relative to the vehicle floor. This dynamic feature allows the seat orientation to be adjusted according to the direction of travel or user preference, transforming a static structure into an adaptable one that responds to changing operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable seating arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides stable seating when fixed, allows orientation adjustment to match travel direction, and enables flexible configuration for different passenger groupings. This multi-functionality is achieved through the pivot mechanism that permits both fixed and adjustable positioning, making the seating system versatile for various operational scenarios.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional woven fabrics are used for seat covers, then the manufacturing process is traditional, but the design variability in elasticities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs knitted fabrics instead of conventional woven fabrics, fundamentally changing the material parameter of fabric construction. Knitted fabrics offer superior elasticity and design variability, allowing different sections of the seat cover to have different elastic properties. This material parameter change enables the seat cover to better adapt to various body shapes and comfort requirements while remaining manufacturable through modern knitting technology.
4Quantity of substance
If standing room is provided instead of seating, then significantly more passengers can be accommodated, but travel comfort is lost, especially on longer journeys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the height parameter of the seating surface to standing height, creating a hybrid solution that combines elements of both standing and sitting arrangements. This parameter change allows passengers to maintain a more upright, less confined posture while still having dedicated seating support, thereby improving comfort compared to pure standing room while accommodating more passengers than traditional low-seating arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable seating arrangement allows passengers to dynamically adjust their orientation and posture. The ability to pivot and reposition the seat enables passengers to find comfortable configurations that adapt to their needs, providing a more comfortable experience than fixed standing room while maintaining higher passenger capacity than conventional seating.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a seating arrangement for a means of transport, in particular for a means of transporting persons, wherein the seating arrangement can be arranged on the means of transport by means of a fastening device, wherein the seating arrangement is designed and suitable to provide a sitting position at standing height, wherein the seating arrangement comprises at least one frame element, wherein a seat cover is arranged on or in the at least one frame element, wherein the seat cover is a knitted fabric.