Dynamic Posture Seat Support for Flexible Passenger Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger seats in vehicles, such as aircraft, often lack recline options, limiting passenger posture and comfort during long-haul flights, particularly in economy class where passengers do not convert into a sleep position.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic support system comprising support members with a spherical member and spring mechanism, allowing for longitudinal translation, angular movement, and lateral rotation, integrated into the seat pan and back to provide a flexible and adaptable surface for improved comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed-seat design is used, then seat density is maximized, but passenger posture flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple independent support members (3-5 per seat) rather than a single rigid structure. Each support member can move independently, allowing the seat to provide posture flexibility through the collective action of multiple simple components rather than one complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing passengers to modify their position and orientation. The spherical joints and springs enable continuous movement within ranges, transforming the static seat into a dynamic system that adapts to passenger needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support members with spherical joints are used, then posture adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rotational freedom in multiple directions, acts as a bearing surface, and enables the support member to pivot relative to the seat frame. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical joint geometry naturally provides movement in multiple directions without requiring complex mechanical guides or constraints. The spherical shape allows the support member to rotate and pivot freely within the socket, achieving anatomical adaptation through simple curved geometry rather than complex mechanical systems.
3Ease of operation
If springs are added to the socket mechanism, then support member mobility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting to the passenger's weight and preferred position. The spring compresses and extends based on the forces applied, providing mobility and support without requiring external control systems, motors, or complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the support member and the seat frame, mediating the forces and movements. It provides the necessary compliance and mobility while simplifying the connection, eliminating the need for complex joints or multiple moving parts by using the spring's elastic properties to handle the mechanical interaction.
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
Enhances passenger comfort by allowing a range of postures and better adaptation to human anatomy, improving the overall flight experience through increased flexibility and reduced discomfort during long-haul flights.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned within the recessed area of the socket and configured to contact a surface of the spherical member of one of the plurality of support members positioned within the socket
Data Source
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AI summary
Dynamic support systems (10) include a plurality of support members (12), a base material (14), and a support layer (18). Each support member (12) has an upper support surface (20) extending from a first end of a stud (22), and a spherical member (28) extending from a second end of the stud. The base material (14) includes a plurality of receptacles (40) having a socket (42) with a recessed area (52) for positioning a spring (56). The support layer (18) also includes a plurality of apertures (64) that are positioned over the receptacles (40) and allow the studs (22) to extend there through.