Aircraft Premium Seat Layout With Retractable Armrest Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing premium aircraft seats lack flexibility in seat movement and space provision, and often hinder accessibility for disabled passengers due to inadequate armrest designs and tray table storage solutions, which restricts passenger comfort and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
The seating system features a tray table configuration with a hinge and slide mechanism for enhanced privacy and storage, and a retractable outer armrest with a C-shaped cross-section that slides into a privacy shell, providing increased legroom and accessibility by minimizing the center console's thickness and allowing armrest retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional center console with fixed armrests is used, then structural stability is maintained, but passenger space and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic configuration enables the armrest to provide support when needed while clearing the pathway for wheelchair access when required, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural stability and improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The center console is divided into functional segments: a fixed portion providing structural support and a movable armrest portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows different parts of the console to serve different functions - the fixed portion maintains stability while the movable portion enhances accessibility and passenger space.
2Quantity of substance
If tray tables are stored in the center console, then storage is provided, but the console thickness increases reducing legroom
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing tray tables horizontally within the center console (which would increase its thickness and reduce legroom), the design stores them vertically in a overhead bin. This dimensional change allows storage capacity to be maintained while the center console remains thin, preserving passenger legroom in both seated and bed positions.
3Ease of operation
If the armrest remains extended, then passenger support is provided, but accessibility for disabled passengers is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows it to dynamically change position between extended (providing passenger support) and retracted (providing accessibility) states. This dynamic adaptability enables the same component to serve multiple functions depending on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest position parameter can be changed between two discrete states: extended for passenger support and retracted for accessibility. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational modes, satisfying both passenger comfort and accessibility requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide premium seats for aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles that provide extra seat room by providing an improved tray table configuration, which also enhances privacy for each passenger. Certain embodiments also provide an improved outer armrest configuration.