Recessed Bezel Assembly for Seat Back Space Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seat back systems for passenger seats often encroach on the space of aft-seated passengers due to the external mounting of entertainment devices and tray tables, and there is a need to minimize space occupation and allow for adjustable tilt for comfortable viewing.

Innovation Solution

A bezel assembly is designed to fit within a recessed area of the seat back, featuring a tilt attachment plate, hinges, and a tray table assembly that can be stowed to minimize intrusion, with a shroud providing protection and aesthetic conformity, and allowing for adjustable tilt of the bezel assembly to enhance passenger comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If entertainment devices and tray tables are mounted on the exterior surface of the seat back, then they are easily accessible to passengers, but they encroach on the space available to the aft-seated passenger

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of entertainment devices and tray tableVSAvoidPassenger space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The entertainment device and tray table are nested within a recess formed in the seat back, allowing them to be stored in a compact configuration that minimizes space occupation while remaining accessible to passengers when deployed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the entertainment device is mounted on the exterior surface of the seat back, then it is easily visible and accessible, but it occupies more space and reduces passenger comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility and visibility of entertainment deviceVSAvoidSpace occupation and passenger comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The entertainment device is positioned within a recess that extends into the seat back structure, utilizing the depth dimension to accommodate the device without increasing its projection into the passenger space, thereby maintaining accessibility while reducing space occupation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the entertainment device is fixed at a single tilt angle, then the mounting structure is simple, but it does not provide comfortable viewing for all passengers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMounting structure simplicityVSAvoidViewing comfort for different passengers
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The entertainment device is mounted with an adjustable tilt mechanism that allows the viewing angle to be dynamically adjusted to suit different passenger preferences and seating positions, enhancing comfort while maintaining a relatively simple mounting structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2584936B1Seat back assembly
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 ZODIAC SEATS US LLC
  • EP2584936B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2584936B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2584936B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Described are seat back assemblies including a seat back with a recess and a bezel assembly having a bezel pivotally coupled to the recess and configured to substantially fit within the recess. Other examples may include a tray table assembly pivotally coupled to a lower section of the seat back. As examples, a protective covering may be positioned between the seat back and the bezel assembly, wherein the protective covering is a full shroud or a partial shroud. The protective covering may be coupled to the seat back via the coupling between the seat back and the bezel assembly without additional fasteners and may also include a shelf positioned below the bezel. Other examples may include an amenity tray positioned adjacent the bezel assembly.