Aircraft Seat Backrest Folding Table Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft passenger seats with folding tables often compromise on space and comfort due to protruding table structures, which limit legroom and increase seat spacing.
Innovation Solution
The table connection structure is integrated within the backrest's width and depth, allowing the folding table to retract completely, reducing the seat's side profile and enabling a more compact design without compromising passenger movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the table connection structure is arranged externally on the seat frame or backrest support structure, then the folding table can be easily attached and accessed, but the table and connection structure protrude beyond the backrest width, reducing legroom and increasing seat spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The table connection structure is repositioned from an external lateral arrangement to an internal arrangement within the backrest depth dimension. The connection structure is integrated into the backrest frame members, allowing the table to be accessed from above while retracting into the backrest volume when folded, eliminating lateral protrusion and preserving legroom space.
Solution Approach 2:
The table connection structure and folded table are nested within the backrest volume. The connection structure is housed between the backrest frame members, and the folded table nests within the backrest depth, allowing the entire assembly to disappear within the backrest projection when folded, thus saving lateral space.
2Ease of operation
If the table connection structure protrudes from the backrest, then the table can be easily unfolded and used, but the passenger's freedom of movement and living space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The table deployment motion is reoriented from lateral protrusion to vertical/depthward retraction. The table unfolds upward from the backrest interior rather than protruding sideways, changing the dimension of deployment from horizontal to vertical, thereby preserving lateral living space while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The table and connection structure are designed to nest within the backrest volume when folded. The connection structure fits between backrest frame members, and the folded table occupies the backrest depth space, allowing complete retraction without increasing the backrest's external dimensions, thus maximizing passenger living space.
3Area of stationary object
If the table connection structure is integrated within the backrest depth, then the seat becomes more compact with reduced seat spacing, but the backrest structure must accommodate the connection structure without compromising strength
Solution Approach 1:
The backrest frame members serve dual functions: providing structural support for the backrest and housing the table connection structure. The vertical and diagonal backrest frame members are designed to simultaneously bear mechanical loads and accommodate the connection structure, eliminating the need for separate structural elements and reducing overall seat spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest is segmented into functional zones with dedicated frame members for structural support and connection structure accommodation. The vertical frame members and diagonal bracing are arranged to create internal spaces that house the connection structure while maintaining external backrest dimensions and structural integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A passenger seat (1) is proposed, comprising a seat base and a backrest (3) which has a support structure, as well as a frame designed for attachment to the floor of an aircraft cabin and a folding table (12) which is foldably arranged on the passenger seat (1) by means of a table attachment structure (10). According to the invention, the table attachment structure (10) is arranged within a width (B) of the backrest (3).