Removable Aircraft Seat Console for Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical passenger seat units in vehicles, such as aircraft, have limited accessibility for passengers with limited mobility, such as those with disabilities.

Innovation Solution

A passenger furniture device for a passenger seat within a vehicle cabin, featuring a base element with an upper utility surface, a removable section element mounted to one side of the base element, and a simple latch mechanism, such as a plug-in and clip device, allowing easy detachment and reattachment of the section element by crew members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a console element is provided adjacent to the seat to provide utility surface and footwell, then passenger comfort and utility are improved, but accessibility for passengers with limited mobility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger comfort and utilityVSAvoidaccessibility for passengers with limited mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The console element is divided into a base element and a removable section element. The removable section element can be detached from the base element to enlarge the passenger access space, thereby improving accessibility for passengers with limited mobility while maintaining the utility functions when attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The console element transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The removable section element can be attached or detached based on different operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt between providing maximum utility surface area and providing maximum accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the section element is made removable to improve accessibility, then passenger access space is enlarged, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger access spaceVSAvoidattachment and detachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is provided locally at specific positions on the base element and section element where connection is needed. This localized approach provides the necessary attachment functionality without adding complexity to the entire console structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The simple latch mechanism is designed to be easily operated by crew members without requiring complex tools or procedures. The plug-in and clip device allows for straightforward attachment and detachment through simple manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12312088B2Passenger seating arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 ELEVATE AIRCRAFT SEATING LLC

AI summary

A passenger furniture device for a passenger seat provided within a vehicle cabin, in particular an aircraft cabin, including at least a base element comprising at least an upper utility surface for a passenger, a removable section element which is mounted to one side of the base element, and a simple latch mechanism. In particular, the latch mechanism may be a simple plug-in and clip device. The latch mechanism is an easy-to-handle releasable attachment and fixation device to release the removable section from the base element, particularly only by crew and service members of the aircraft. The latch mechanism is provided on the base element and the section element such that the section element is detachably mounted to the base element via the latch mechanism.