Passenger Seat Light Guide for Aisle Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger transport vehicles lack effective solutions to guide passengers easily and clearly, especially at night, as current light sources require passengers to divert their gaze and do not adequately indicate reserved seats for people with reduced mobility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hollow seat design with a light source mounted inside the angular portion of the backrest, providing light through an opening, and using a peripheral frame with an assist grip handle, which includes electrical conductors connecting the light source to a power supply, creating a visible light path at eye level to guide passengers and indicate seat positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources are fixed to the floor or ceiling to guide passengers, then the aisle can be illuminated, but passengers must raise or lower their eyes to be guided, requiring them to divert their gaze
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is relocated from the floor or ceiling (vertical dimension) to the backrest at eye level (horizontal dimension). This dimensional shift allows passengers to see the light path without changing their gaze direction, resolving the contradiction between illumination and ease of orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The backrest serves as an intermediary structure to carry the light source. By mounting the light on the backrest rather than using separate floor or ceiling fixtures, the system achieves eye-level illumination while using existing seat structures as the mounting platform.
2Loss of information
If light sources are used to indicate seats, then seat visibility improves, but the indication for reserved seats for people with reduced mobility is not clear
Solution Approach 1:
Different colors are assigned to different seat types: white light for general seats and blue light for reserved seats for people with reduced mobility. This local differentiation of light quality provides clear, intuitive identification without requiring additional signage or complex manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded LED lights to convey different information: white LEDs indicate regular seats while blue LEDs indicate reserved seats. This color-based information system is easily manufacturable and provides immediate visual distinction for passengers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for lighting and grip handles, then functionality is comprehensive, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light housing is integrated into the grip handle structure, combining two previously separate components (light source and grip handle) into a single unified element. This merger maintains both functionalities while reducing the number of separate parts, simplifying the overall seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral frame of the backrest is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the light source, and incorporates the grip handle. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
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 enhances passenger orientation and circulation by providing a clear and unobstructive light path at eye level, effectively guiding passengers and clearly indicating reserved seats for people with reduced mobility without cluttering the vehicle compartment.
Implementation Method 1
said light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat (9) for a passenger transport vehicle, comprising a seat portion (16) and a backrest (17), said backrest (17) comprising an outer lateral edge (40) intended to be adjacent to a passenger circulation aisle, said seat (9) being characterized in that it comprises at least one light source (11), arranged near an upper corner (38) of said outer lateral edge (40), and intended to be oriented toward said aisle. The invention also relates to passenger transport vehicles comprising such a seat.