Passenger Seat Integrated PED Holder with Adjustable Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for supporting portable electronic devices (PEDs) in passenger seats are inadequate, as they often require additional cases that are not adaptable to varying sizes and shapes, and do not securely position devices at eye level for prolonged use, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A passenger seat design featuring a cavity with a divider wall and a moveable tray table that includes adjustable retaining portions and an electronic connection, allowing for secure placement and charging of PEDs of various sizes and shapes, while enabling them to be used at eye level and stowed securely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional cases are provided to support PEDs, then device support capability is improved, but adaptability to varying sizes and shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice support capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to varying sizes and shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable arms that can dynamically reposition to accommodate different PED sizes and shapes. The arms are movable along the cavity walls and can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the same holder structure to adapt to various device dimensions while maintaining secure support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder structure changes its geometric parameters through adjustable arm positions. By modifying the position and configuration of the arms within the cavity, the holder can adapt its internal dimensions to match different PED sizes, thereby maintaining both support reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If PEDs are positioned at eye level for prolonged use, then passenger comfort is improved, but secure positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger comfortVSAvoidsecure positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple functional segments: adjustable arms for positioning, retaining portions for security, and an electronic connection interface. This segmentation allows the positioning function (for comfort) to be separated from the securing function, with each segment optimized for its specific purpose while working together as a unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable arms act as intermediaries between the cavity structure and the PED. They provide both the positioning capability (elevating devices to eye level) and the securing function (through retaining portions), mediating between the structural constraints of the cavity and the ergonomic requirements of the passenger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If integrated holder is built into seat, then adaptability to varying PED sizes is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying PED sizesVSAvoidholder structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder structure is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate multiple types of PEDs (tablets, smartphones, laptops) of varying sizes. The adjustable arms and retaining portions serve multiple functions: positioning, securing, and providing electronic connections, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized holders for different device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If electronic connection is integrated for charging, then passenger convenience is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger convenienceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic connection interface is merged with the mechanical holder structure. The same adjustable arms and retaining portions that provide mechanical support also incorporate electronic connection capabilities, combining charging and data transfer functions with the physical holding mechanism, thereby improving convenience without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3221188B1Vehicle seat comprising integrated holder for electronic devices
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 ZODIAC SEATS US LLC
  • EP3221188B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3221188B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3221188B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described are passenger seats that include a system for storing objects disposed on a rear side of the passenger seat. The system may include a cavity and a divider wall disposed within the cavity, wherein the divider wall separates a lower portion of the cavity into at least two compartments including a personal electronic device compartment on a rear side of the cavity and a secondary compartment on a forward side of the cavity.