Pivotable Strut Seat Extension for Aircraft Cabin Dividers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger seating in aircraft often results in prolonged upright sitting, leading to discomfort and strain, as existing solutions do not adequately provide a comfortable and stable lay-flat bed option within limited cabin space.
Innovation Solution
A seat extension apparatus fixed to a cabin dividing element, featuring a pivotable strut element that transforms from a vertical stowed position to a horizontal use position, creating a wide, stable, and cushioned bed surface, which can be securely latched in place, and includes a storage pocket and integrated armrests with stowable tray tables for enhanced passenger comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a seat extension apparatus is added to provide a lay-flat bed option, then passenger comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension device is nested within the cabin dividing element bulkhead structure. When not in use, the extension device is stored vertically within the bulkhead, utilizing the existing structural space. When deployed, it pivots outward to provide the bed surface, effectively nesting the bed functionality within the partition structure without requiring separate dedicated space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabin dividing element bulkhead serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural partition, a mounting structure for the extension device, and when the extension device is deployed, it becomes part of the bed support system. The strut element also serves dual purposes as both a support mechanism and a structural component of the extended bed surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extension device is made pivotable to convert from stowed to use position, then adaptability is improved, but stability of the object's composition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The extension device incorporates a pivotable mechanism that allows dynamic transformation between stowed and deployed positions. The strut element acts as a dynamic support that adjusts its angle and position to maintain stability during and after the transition, enabling the system to adapt between different functional states while maintaining structural integrity in each state.
Solution Approach 2:
The strut element serves as an intermediary component between the mounting side and the bed surface side. It mediates the transition between stowed and deployed positions, providing mechanical support and stability during the pivotable conversion process, and ensuring the bed surface remains stable when extended.
3Area of moving object
If the extension device is extended horizontally to provide a wide bed surface, then area of moving object is improved, but volume of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension device utilizes the vertical dimension for storage by positioning the mounting side vertically within the bulkhead when stowed. When deployed, it transitions to a horizontal orientation, effectively converting vertical space into horizontal bed surface area. This dimensional transformation allows the system to provide extended bed area without proportionally increasing the volume occupied in the cabin.
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
The apparatus provides a comfortable, stable, and space-efficient lay-flat bed option, enhancing passenger comfort by converting seat space into a usable bed surface while maintaining cabin aesthetics and functionality, such as accommodating bassinets and private storage.
Implementation Method 1
The extension device is movable between a vertical stowed position in which the mounting side is facing into the aircraft cabin and the bed surface side is in alignment with the cabin dividing element, and a horizontal use position in which the bed surface side is in alignment with a seat surface of the passenger seating arrangement
Implementation Method 2
In the vertical stowed position of the extension device the strut element is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the extension device, and in the horizontal use position of the extension device the strut element is arranged substantially perpendicular or angled to the longitudinal axis of the extension device
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a seat extension apparatus (1) for a cabin dividing element (2), in particular of an aircraft cabin, the seat extension apparatus (1) comprising at least: - an extension device (3) having a mounting side (3.1) and a bed surface side (3.2), wherein the extension device (3) is movable between a vertical stowed position (PI) and a horizontal use position (P2), and - a support structure (4) coupled to the extension device (3) to pivotably support the extension device (3), wherein the support structure (4) comprises at least one pivotable strut element (5) having at least one end (5.1) pivotably coupled to the mounting side (3.1) of the extension device (3) and at least one free end (5.2).