Seat Membrane Geometry for Multi-Posture Body Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft and other seating designs face challenges in accommodating a wide variety of body shapes and postures due to the lack of mechanisms for optimizing lightweight seat membranes for comfort and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to optimize the geometry of seat membranes by creating three-dimensional maps of body surfaces, dividing them into transverse bands, calculating displacement, and determining optimized frame member positions and elasticity to support multiple body shapes in various postures, ensuring comfort and weight efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lightweight fabric membranes are used for seat bottoms and backrests, then weight is reduced, but comfort and support for various body shapes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into multiple zones with different elastic characteristics. High elasticity zones are positioned at the seat bottom and lower backrest to accommodate various body shapes and provide comfort, while lower elasticity zones are used in areas requiring structural support. This segmentation allows the lightweight membrane to adapt to different body types without requiring heavy materials throughout the entire seat.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the membrane are assigned different elastic properties tailored to their specific functional requirements. The seat bottom membrane has higher elasticity to conform to various buttock and thigh shapes, while the upper backrest has lower elasticity to maintain structural integrity. This local differentiation enables the lightweight membrane to provide both comfort and support for diverse body shapes.
2Ease of manufacture
If planar membranes are used in relaxed state, then manufacturing is simplified, but comfort under load deteriorates due to insufficient surface area expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is designed with predetermined curvature and three-dimensional geometry in its relaxed state, rather than being completely flat. This pre-formed geometry allows the membrane to expand and conform to body shapes more effectively when loaded, increasing the contact surface area and comfort while still maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane transitions from a static planar configuration in its relaxed state to a dynamic three-dimensional form under load. The elastic properties and pre-formed geometry enable the membrane to deform and expand naturally when a passenger sits on it, creating the necessary surface area for comfort without requiring complex structural support.
3Device complexity
If single-plane membrane configuration is used, then structural complexity is reduced, but comfort for multiple postures and body shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane design incorporates three-dimensional geometry and curvature across multiple spatial dimensions rather than being confined to a single plane. This multi-dimensional configuration allows the membrane to accommodate various body shapes and postures effectively while maintaining relatively simple structural support requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed with universal adaptability to serve multiple functions: supporting different body shapes, accommodating various postures, and providing comfort across diverse seating scenarios. The combination of predetermined three-dimensional geometry and zoned elasticity enables a single membrane design to universally accommodate the diverse needs of different passengers without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
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
This method allows for the creation of seat membranes that can accommodate a range of body shapes and postures, enhancing comfort and weight efficiency by optimizing the shape and elasticity of the seat components, thereby improving passenger experience and reducing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
When under load, the combined deformation of the overlying seat cushion and the membrane provide an enlarged surface area of contact with and reduced pressure on the posterior (i.e., buttocks), thighs and back of the seat occupant.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of optimizing the geometry of seating components for a range of individual body shapes in a single posture or a variety of postures. The method includes defining a two-dimensional shape of a membrane with given deformation or elasticity characteristics optimized for supporting a defined population in a given posture, or multiple postures.