Retractable Aircraft Seat Device Holder for Safety and Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers face difficulties in viewing their personal electronic devices during flights due to the lack of a support system that accommodates various device sizes, shapes, and thicknesses while ensuring safety and a suitable viewing angle, especially since existing solutions either require extra coupling assemblies or pose safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A retractable device holder system that connects to the back of a seat, featuring a spring and sliding assembly allowing the front and rear support elements to separate and retract, providing a secure clip for devices and adjustable positioning to accommodate different sizes and angles, and can be stowed behind the video screen to minimize protrusion and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device holder is permanently mounted in front of the seat, then passengers can always view their devices, but it creates safety hazards by protruding into the passenger space and potentially contacting the head trajectory during crash
Solution Approach 1:
The device holder is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between deployed (for device viewing) and retracted (for safety) states. The holder can be extended when a passenger needs to view their device and retracted when not in use or when safety is a concern, such as during takeoff, landing, or emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device holder serves multiple functions: it provides device support and viewing capability when deployed, and becomes part of the seat structure when retracted, eliminating the safety hazard. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to fulfill both the viewing availability requirement and the safety requirement at different times.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device holder is designed to accommodate various device sizes and shapes, then it can support different PEDs, but it requires extra coupling assemblies and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device holder is divided into multiple adjustable components, including movable support surfaces and adjustable clamping mechanisms, that can be independently positioned to accommodate different device dimensions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while working together to support various device sizes without requiring complex external coupling assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the support surfaces and clamping elements to move and adapt to different device sizes and shapes. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for multiple fixed coupling assemblies for different device types, as a single mechanism can adjust to accommodate various PED dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If the device holder is positioned at an ideal viewing angle, then passenger comfort is improved, but it may protrude into the safety zone and create injury risks
Solution Approach 1:
The device holder is designed with adjustable positioning that allows it to be deployed at optimal viewing angles when needed and retracted to a safe position when not in use. The dynamic nature of the holder enables it to transition between the comfortable viewing position and the safe retracted position, resolving the conflict between comfort and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder can be retracted in advance before potential safety hazards arise, such as before takeoff, landing, or emergency situations. This preliminary action of retracting the holder prevents it from being in the dangerous position during critical phases of flight, while still allowing it to be deployed at ideal viewing angles during normal cruising conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system allows for secure, adjustable, and safe display of personal electronic devices at a suitable viewing angle, minimizing safety hazards and accommodating various device sizes, while being stowed out of the way when not in use, thus enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and sliding assembly operably connecting the rear and front support elements, allowing the rear and front support elements to separate and retract with respect to each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Described are systems for holding a display device, including retractable device holders configured to connect with an entertainment system and for holding a display device in front of the entertainment system. In some cases, a retractable device holder or systems can include stowed and deployed configurations, such that, when the retractable device holder is stowed, the device holder is at least partially hidden behind the entertainment system; and when the retractable device holder is deployed, the device holder is positioned to hold a display device for viewing by a user.