Pivoting Passenger Seat Frames for Flexible Bus Interior Layouts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Public transport vehicles face challenges in adapting seating arrangements to accommodate varying passenger numbers during peak and off-peak times, with existing solutions being inflexible and inefficient in utilizing space for both passengers and carried items.
Innovation Solution
A passenger seat arrangement with pivotable and foldable seat frames that can transition from longitudinal to transverse seating, utilizing a horizontal strut for item storage and securement, allowing for efficient space utilization and easy adaptation to different seating configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fixed transverse seating is used, then passenger comfort is improved, but space utilization during peak hours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frames are designed to be movable between transverse and longitudinal positions, allowing the seating arrangement to dynamically adapt to different operational requirements. The seats can be rotated 90 degrees and repositioned along the vehicle walls, transforming from fixed transverse seating to longitudinal seating that maximizes standing space during peak hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal bar serves multiple functions: it acts as a support structure for the movable seat frames, provides a handhold for standing passengers, and serves as a mounting point for securing carried items. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate structures for each function, optimizing space utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If folding seats along exterior walls are used during peak hours, then space for standing passengers is improved, but passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat frames maintain the ability to rotate and move even in longitudinal position, allowing quick conversion back to comfortable transverse seating when demand decreases. The dynamic design ensures that seats remain adaptable rather than becoming fixed, maintaining passenger comfort options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seat frames are made movable and pivotable, then adaptability between seating positions is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal bar combines multiple functions into a single structure: it supports the seat frames during movement, provides rotational pivoting points, serves as a handhold, and offers item securing points. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system despite its multifunctional capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal bar serves as a universal support and mounting structure that facilitates seat frame movement while simultaneously providing functions for passenger safety and item storage, reducing the need for separate dedicated structures for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If horizontal bar is added for item storage, then space utilization for carried items is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal bar is designed as a multi-functional element that provides structural support for seat movement, serves as a handhold for passengers, and offers attachment points for securing carried items. By making the bar universal, no additional separate structures are needed, and the system gains item storage capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a passenger seating arrangement for a passenger transport vehicle, such as a bus or a rail vehicle, comprising a first group of seats with at least one first seat and a second group of seats with at least one second seat. Each seat in a group has a seat frame, or several seats in a group share a common seat frame. Each seat has a backrest and, in particular, a foldable seat surface. The seat frames of both groups are longitudinally displaceable at their first end faces on the floor, roof, or side wall of the passenger transport vehicle, and are also pivotable, secure, and/or supported. The seat frames of both groups can be moved from a longitudinal seating position, in which they are arranged side by side, to a transverse seating position, in which the backrests of the seats face each other, and vice versa.