Recessed Seat Back Bezel Assembly for Tilt and Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger seat back systems encroach on aft-seated passenger space due to externally mounted entertainment devices and tray tables, and lack adjustable tilt options for comfortable viewing.
Innovation Solution
A seat back assembly with a recessed bezel assembly that pivots within the seat back, allowing the bezel to stow within the seat back and adjust for tilt, minimizing space intrusion and providing a protective shroud for the bezel assembly without additional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If entertainment devices and tray tables are mounted to the exterior surface of the seat back, then they are easily accessible to passengers, but they encroach on the space available to the aft-seated passenger
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel assembly is nested within a recess formed in the seat back structure. When stowed, the bezel assembly fits inside the recess, minimizing protrusion into passenger space. The recess acts as a cavity that accommodates the bezel assembly, allowing it to be stored within the seat back itself rather than extending outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel assembly is made movable through pivotable coupling to the seat back via hinges. It can rotate between a stowed position (fitting within the recess) and a deployed position (extending outward for use). This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between minimizing space encroachment and providing accessibility as needed.
2Device complexity
If the bezel assembly is made fixed to the seat back, then it is structurally simple, but it cannot be adjusted for tilt to provide comfortable viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel assembly is coupled to the seat back through hinges that enable rotational movement. This creates a dynamic structure where the bezel can be tilted to various angles rather than being fixed. The hinge mechanism provides the necessary degrees of freedom for adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt angle of the bezel assembly can be adjusted by the passenger within a range of motion defined by the hinge coupling. This parameter change (tilt angle) allows optimization of viewing comfort for different passenger preferences and seating positions, transforming a static parameter into an adjustable one.
3Area of moving object
If the bezel assembly protrudes from the seat back, then it provides adequate display area, but it increases space encroachment on the aft-seated passenger
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel assembly transitions between two primary states: a stowed state where it fits within the recess and minimizes protrusion, and a deployed state where it extends outward to provide adequate display area. The hinge mechanism enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the system to optimize between display area and space encroachment based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution utilizes the depth dimension by creating a recess into the seat back. This allows the bezel assembly to be stored within the third dimension (depth) rather than only extending in the lateral dimension, effectively reducing its protrusion into passenger space while maintaining display functionality when deployed.
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 reduces space encroachment by the bezel assembly, allowing for adjustable tilt and improved passenger comfort by minimizing the bezel's external presence and providing a protective covering that enhances aesthetics and sanitation.
Implementation Method 1
the bezel is pivotally coupled to the recess via at least one hinge coupled to the bezel
Data Source
AI summary
Described are seat back assemblies including a seat back with a recess and a bezel assembly having a bezel pivotally coupled to the recess and configured to substantially fit within the recess. Other examples may include a tray table assembly pivotally coupled to a lower section of the seat back. As examples, a protective covering may be positioned between the seat back and the bezel assembly, wherein the protective covering is a full shroud or a partial shroud. The protective covering may be coupled to the seat back via the coupling between the seat back and the bezel assembly without additional fasteners and may also include a shelf positioned below the bezel. Other examples may include an amenity tray positioned adjacent the bezel assembly.