Passenger Seat Motion Assembly for PRM Suite Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In airliners with premium class cabins, the configuration of passenger suites often prevents direct transfer from a wheelchair to the passenger seat due to the distance and angle between the seat and the suite entrance, requiring crew assistance that can be disruptive and risky for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).
Innovation Solution
A motion assembly for the passenger seat that includes subassemblies for linear motion in two directions and rotational motion, allowing the seat to be moved from its travel position to a temporary transfer position within the suite entrance, facilitating safer and more convenient transfer by changing direction and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the passenger seat is positioned along the suite wall for stable configuration, then the suite structure is simplified, but the distance and angle to the suite entrance increase, making transfer difficult for PRM passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the passenger seat movable rather than fixed. The motion assembly allows the seat to dynamically reposition itself from its normal position along the suite wall to a transfer position at the suite entrance, enabling PRM passengers to transfer conveniently while maintaining the simplified wall-aligned configuration during normal operations.
2Ease of operation
If the passenger seat is moved to the suite entrance for easier transfer, then transfer convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the motion assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seat system into two functional parts: a fixed suite structure and a movable seat assembly with its own motion mechanism. This allows the transfer function to be isolated to the seat assembly without complicating the overall suite structure, enabling PRM transfer convenience while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed suite wall and the passenger seat. It provides the necessary movement capability to bridge the gap between the suite entrance and the seat, enabling convenient PRM transfer without requiring the entire suite structure to be complex or movable.
3Ease of operation
If crew assistance is used to physically lift and move the passenger, then transfer can be achieved, but the risk of injury to PRM and cabin crew increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the passenger seat to move itself to the transfer position using the integrated motion assembly. This eliminates the need for crew members to physically lift or move the PRM passenger, allowing the seat to autonomously position itself for convenient transfer and thereby eliminating injury risk to both passengers and crew.
Data Source
AI summary
A motion assembly for moving a passenger seat from a first location to a second location, for instance to facilitate seating persons of reduced mobility. In embodiments, the motion assembly includes a first subassembly for linear motion in a first direction, a second subassembly for linear motion in a second direction, and a third subassembly for rotational motion, the third subassembly positioned between and interconnecting the first and second subassemblies, wherein an amount of rotational motion of the third subassembly determines an angle of the second direction relative to the first direction. In some embodiments, the passenger seat is located in a suite and requires motion in at least two directions to move the seat from within the suite to the suite entrance.