Passenger Seat Assembly With Adaptive Fire Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger transport seating arrangements lack effective fire protection, particularly in the context of tightened fire safety standards, risking vehicle damage and passenger safety due to potential fires originating from seat cushions.

Innovation Solution

A seating arrangement with a heat/fire shielding device comprising plate-like elements made of fire-resistant materials or metals that displace or deform towards a heat or fire source, effectively containing the fire and preventing its spread by integrating into the backrest element, often with padding layers for occupant comfort and using mechanisms like thermobimetal for deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional seat cushion materials are used, then comfort and cost are favorable, but fire protection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidseat structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shielding device is nested within the existing seat structure, specifically positioned between the seat cushion and the backrest. The plate-like element is integrated into the lumbar support region of the backrest, forming a compact arrangement that adds fire protection without significantly increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A plate-like heat shielding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the potential fire source (seat cushion) and the backrest. This mediator absorbs and reflects heat, preventing direct heat transfer to the backrest while maintaining the existing seat structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If heat shielding devices are added, then fire protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protectionVSAvoidseat structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shielding device is implemented locally in the lumbar support region of the backrest rather than throughout the entire seat structure. The plate-like element is positioned specifically where heat transfer to the backrest is most critical, providing targeted fire protection while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The plate-like element is designed with the capability to deform or displace in response to heat exposure. This dynamic response allows the shielding device to actively adapt to thermal conditions, improving protection effectiveness without requiring complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If plate-like elements are positioned to shield from fire, then fire spread is prevented, but occupant comfort may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire containmentVSAvoidoccupant comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plate-like heat shielding element is nested within the lumbar support region of the backrest, positioned behind the padding layers. This nesting arrangement allows the shielding device to function effectively while being concealed within the existing seat structure, maintaining occupant comfort without compromising fire containment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat design incorporates padding layers in front of the plate-like heat shielding element, providing a cushioning barrier between the rigid shielding plate and the occupant. This prior cushioning ensures occupant comfort is maintained while the heat shielding element performs its fire containment function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution provides enhanced fire protection by shielding the backrest from fire and preventing interior spread, maintaining comfort while meeting stringent fire safety standards without compromising passenger safety.

Implementation Method 1

at least one plate-like element is deformed at least partially towards the heat and/or fire source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

using mechanisms like thermobimetal for deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBimetallic effect: Bi-Metallic Strip

Implementation Method 3

at least one plate-like element is displaced at least partially towards the heat and/or fire source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal stress: Thermal Shock

Implementation Method 4

The at least one plate-like element thus serves as an effective heat/fire shield, which effectively and simply contains or prevents the spread of the fire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation blocking: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 5

heat source and/or fire is at least partially covered from above by the at least one plate-like element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction blocking: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4321379B1Seat assembly for a means of passenger transport
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 GRAMMER AG
  • EP4321379B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4321379B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4321379B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a seating arrangement for a means of transporting persons comprising a frame element on which a backrest element and a seat part are arranged, wherein the seating arrangement comprises at least one heat/fire shielding device which comprises at least one plate-like element, wherein the at least heat/fire shielding device is designed and provided such that, in the event of a heat and/or fire source occurring, the plate-like element is at least partially displaced towards the heat and/or fire source or is at least partially deformed towards the heat and/or fire source.