Aircraft Seat Back Support Lattice for Adaptive Passenger Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger seats lack adaptive back support mechanisms that adjust according to different positions, compromising passenger comfort and usability across various flight configurations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a back support lattice that adjusts its curvature and shape based on the seat's position, providing varying degrees of support through a mechanism that changes with the angle between the backrest and seat pan, and includes a swivel and track frame for rotational and translational motion, along with a headrest and adjustable lumbar support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed backrest structure is used, then the seat structure is simple, but passenger comfort is compromised across different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure through the lattice mechanism with multiple articulation points. The lattice members can rotate and reconfigure to provide adaptive back support in different positions (upright, reclined, flat), allowing the seat to adapt to various passenger needs while maintaining a relatively compact base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest is divided into multiple lattice members connected at articulation points rather than being a single rigid piece. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of different portions of the backrest, enabling customized support configurations for lumbar, mid-back, and upper-back regions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is designed for multiple positions, then passenger comfort is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions (backrest recline, lumbar support, mid-back support, upper-back support) are merged into a single integrated lattice mechanism. By coordinating the rotation of lattice members at different articulation points, the system achieves four distinct positions and multiple intermediate configurations without requiring separate actuators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lattice mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the backrest, enables position adjustment, offers lumbar support, and allows mid-back and upper-back support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms while achieving comprehensive seat adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lumbar support is added, then passenger comfort is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support function is integrated into the backrest structure itself through the lower lattice members rather than being a separate add-on mechanism. As the lattice members rotate to adjust the backrest angle, the lumbar support automatically adjusts accordingly, eliminating the need for independent lumbar support actuators while maintaining adaptive lumbar support capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat for a vehicle includes a seat pan, having a seat pan front edge and a seat pan rear edge, a backrest, having a backrest top edge and a backrest bottom edge, wherein the backrest bottom edge is articulately disposed adjacent to the seat pan rear edge, and a back support lattice disposed adjacent to the backrest. At least one of the seat pan and the backrest is configurable into a plurality of positions. The back support lattice is operatively connected to at least one of the seat pan and the backrest. The back support lattice provides adjustable back support depending upon one of the plurality of positions.