Modular Rail Seat Fixing Bars for Flexible Cabin Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat equipment in railway vehicles requires permanent interfaces, making it difficult to modify or change the arrangement without significant structural modifications.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with two horizontal bars and adjustable fixing means, including hooks, locking members, and force-absorbing supports, allows for easy reconfiguration of seat equipment by attaching to structural parts of the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent interfaces (seat consoles, floor interfaces, side wall interfaces) are used to fix seat equipment, then the fixing is strong and reliable, but any change in seating arrangement requires major modifications to the vehicle structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidseating arrangement adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is divided into separate modular components: a first crutch that can be independently positioned and adjusted, and fixing means (such as hooks or clamps) that can be attached to standard fixing bars. This segmentation allows the seating equipment to be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured without modifying the vehicle structure, thereby maintaining fixing reliability while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first crutch is designed to be adjustable in position and orientation, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the seating arrangement. The fixing means can be quickly attached and detached from the fixing bars, enabling the seating equipment to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent installation, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable fixing and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If traditional fixed seating interfaces are installed on the vehicle structure, then the seating equipment is securely fixed, but the complexity of modifications increases when changing seating arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidmodification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is designed as a universal system where the first crutch and fixing means can be used with standard fixing bars installed on the vehicle. The fixing means (hooks, clamps) can accommodate different seating equipment types, and the adjustable crutch can adapt to various positions, reducing the need for custom modifications and lowering device complexity while maintaining fixing strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The first crutch acts as an intermediary element between the vehicle structure (via fixing bars) and the seating equipment. This mediator component absorbs the complexity of adjustment and positioning, allowing the seating equipment to be securely fixed while simplifying future reconfigurations, as only the crutch and fixing means need to be adjusted rather than modifying the entire vehicle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable fixing mechanisms are used to enable easy reconfiguration, then the adaptability of seating arrangements is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating arrangement versatilityVSAvoidfixing device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing means are integrated into or attached to the first crutch in a nested configuration, where components are compactly arranged. The hooks or clamps are positioned on the crutch, and the adjustable elements are incorporated within the overall structure, minimizing the space required and reducing apparent device complexity while maintaining full adjustability and versatility for different seating arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4335691A1Modular fixing device for a rail vehicle seat device
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP4335691A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4335691A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4335691A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The fastening device (10) comprises two substantially horizontal fastening bars (18) intended to be fixed to a structural part (14) of the vehicle, and fastening means (20) intended to be carried by the seat equipment (12) and to be fixed to the fastening bars (18). The fastening device (10) comprises a first load-bearing support (30) extending between a first end intended to be carried by the seat equipment (12), and a second end intended to rest on said structural part (14) of the vehicle.