Retractable PSU Handle for Aircraft Seat Ingress and Egress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger seats, particularly window and center seats, lack reliable structures for assisting passengers with ingress and egress, leading to increased time and inconvenience during boarding and disembarking, especially for passengers with restricted mobility.
Innovation Solution
A passenger service unit (PSU) trough cover assembly with a retractable handle is integrated into the aircraft cabin, located outboard of the overhead storage bin and inboard of the outboard wall, providing a load-bearing support for passengers to easily enter and exit their seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If no assistive structure is provided in window and center seats, then the aircraft cabin structure remains simple, but passengers with restricted mobility cannot independently enter and exit their seats
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is merged with the PSU trough cover assembly, combining the assistive function with an existing structural element. The handle is integrated into the trough cover panel, utilizing the existing PSU structure to provide support without adding separate complex systems to the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle enables passengers to assist themselves during ingress and egress without requiring airline staff intervention. By providing a self-service mechanism, the system reduces dependency on external assistance while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a handle is added to the PSU trough cover assembly, then passengers gain support for ingress and egress, but the PSU assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is combined with the PSU trough cover assembly rather than being a separate component. This merging approach allows the assistive function to be integrated into the existing PSU structure, minimizing additional complexity while providing the needed support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The PSU trough cover assembly serves multiple functions: it covers the PSU trough, provides structural support, and now includes the handle function for passenger assistance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
3Shape
If the handle is made retractable to improve aesthetics and reduce obstruction, then the visual clarity of the cabin is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions rather than being fixed. This dynamic capability allows the handle to adapt to different operational states, providing aesthetic benefits and reduced obstruction when retracted, while remaining functional when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle can be retracted into the PSU trough cover assembly, nesting the handle within the existing structure when not in use. This nesting approach minimizes the handle's visual presence and obstruction potential while maintaining full functionality when needed.
4Ease of operation
If the handle is positioned within reach of window and center seat passengers, then accessibility is improved, but the handle may interfere with overhead bin access
Solution Approach 1:
The handle's retractable design allows it to be positioned in different states depending on operational needs. When passengers need to access overhead bins, the handle can be retracted to eliminate interference, while remaining accessible when passengers need assistance with seat entry or exit.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle can be proactively retracted before overhead bin access is needed to prevent potential interference. This preliminary action ensures that the handle does not obstruct bin access while remaining available for passenger assistance when required.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft passenger cabin passenger service assembly is disclosed comprising a passenger service assembly panel having a deployable handle from a stowed configuration that is configured to facilitate and increase passenger maneuverability and stability into and out from passenger seats.