Reversible seat assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seat assemblies in transportation, such as airplanes, often cause physical discomfort due to limited adjustability and fixed positions, leading to strain on passengers during extended travel.
Innovation Solution
A reversible seat assembly with a base and vertical assembly connected to a support structure, allowing multiple configurations for both forward and reverse sitting positions, featuring rotational and adjustable segments with motorized and manual control options to accommodate various travel stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fixed-position seats are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to physical strain during extended travel
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into multiple independently adjustable segments: base assembly with left and right segments, central segment, vertical assembly with lower, middle, and upper segments. Each segment can be adjusted independently to create multiple seating configurations, resolving the contradiction by making the complex structure manageable through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic multi-position system. The base assembly can rotate between coplanar and transverse positions, the vertical assembly can recline, and segments can be raised or lowered. This dynamic capability allows the seat to adapt to different passenger needs while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seats are fixed in forward-facing position, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates as passengers cannot adjust to different travel stages
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly serves multiple functions: forward-facing position, reverse position, reclined position, and various intermediate configurations. The same base and vertical assemblies can be configured for different travel stages (takeoff, cruise, landing, turbulence) without requiring separate seat designs, achieving universality across multiple operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the seat into independently controllable modules (base assembly, vertical assembly, lower segment, middle segment, upper segment), the manufacturing process can produce standardized components that are then assembled into different configurations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the multi-functional capability.
3Ease of operation
If limited seat adjustment is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but passenger comfort deteriorates during extended travel routes
Solution Approach 1:
The seat provides continuous dynamic adjustment capability rather than fixed positions. The base assembly can rotate through a range of angles, the vertical assembly can recline continuously, and segments can be raised or lowered to various heights. This dynamic adjustment system enhances comfort while keeping the mechanism count manageable through shared components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into integrated assemblies. The base assembly combines rotation and positioning functions, the vertical assembly combines recline and positioning functions. This merging reduces the total number of separate adjustment mechanisms while providing comprehensive comfort control.
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible seat assembly for use with an airplane. The reversible seat comprises a base assembly and a vertical assembly. The base assembly and the vertical assembly are connected to a support structure and are collectively disposable into and out of a first travel position, a second travel position, and a third travel position. In the first and second travel positions a user or passenger may assume a usual sitting position. In the third travel position the user may assume a reverse sitting position. The base assembly comprises a right segment and a left segment connected and rotationally movable to a central segment. The vertical assembly comprises a lower segment and an upper segment connected to and rotationally movable a middle segment. The reversible seat assembly may further comprise a back armrest connected to an opposite side of said middle segment and structure to provide support to the arms of the user.