Pivotable Seat Extension for Variable Cabin Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger cabin designs in vehicles often fail to maximize space utilization and passenger comfort, particularly in regions with varying widths, such as those found in aircraft, where conventional seat arrangements do not efficiently adapt to different functions or passenger needs like accommodating children or providing additional support surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional seat arrangement featuring a conventional passenger seat paired with a second, narrower seat that includes a pivotable seat surface extension, allowing for various configurations to enhance comfort, such as increasing seat height for children, providing additional support for adults, or creating a sleeping area, without occupying additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional passenger seats are arranged in the cabin, then passenger capacity is achieved, but space utilization in varying width regions is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The second seat is designed with a pivotable seat surface extension that can be positioned in multiple configurations: extending outward to increase seating width for adults, folding parallel to the seat for child accommodation with booster cushion, or creating additional support surfaces. This single structural element performs multiple functions that would otherwise require different seat designs or additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat surface extension is mounted on a pivotable connection, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned between different angular positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the seat to adapt its configuration based on passenger needs, transforming a static seat structure into a flexible, multi-functional seating solution.
2Area of stationary object
If the cabin width varies due to fuselage shape, then constructional space is present, but conventional seat arrangements do not optimally utilize this space
Solution Approach 1:
The second seat is specifically designed with a pivotable seat surface extension that can be adjusted locally to match the varying cabin width. This allows the seating arrangement to adapt to the local geometric conditions in different cabin regions, particularly in tapering sections where width varies, while maintaining adequate passenger comfort and support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional equipment is added to provide different functions, then functional versatility increases, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable seat surface extension integrates multiple functions into a single structural component. It combines the functions of a booster cushion, an armrest, a support surface, and a seat width extender all in one element, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat surface extension serves as a universal component that can fulfill different functional requirements through positional adjustment alone, without requiring additional equipment or complex mechanisms for each function.
4Area of stationary object
If seat width is reduced to accommodate varying cabin width, then space utilization improves, but passenger comfort may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable seat surface extension allows the effective seat width to be dynamically increased when needed by extending outward, compensating for the reduced base seat width. This enables the seat to provide adequate comfort for adults when required while maintaining compact dimensions for space optimization.
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
This arrangement significantly enhances comfort and passenger capacity by allowing multiple uses of the same space without increasing the cabin's structural footprint, including accommodating children and providing additional support surfaces without the need for separate equipment, while maintaining uniform shoulder space and direct eye contact for parents and babies.
Implementation Method 1
the seat surface extension (18) is pivotably mounted on a side (14) of the second seat surface (14) opposing the second backrest (16)
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional seat arrangement for a passenger cabin of a vehicle includes at least one first seat and one second seat which is laterally arranged directly adjacent to the at least one first seat. The second seat is narrower than the first seat, and the second seat has a pivotable seat surface extension which is pivotable into different positions relative to the seat surface of the second seat. Support functions and a child seat function or baby carrier function may be achieved thereby.