Elastically Deformable Aircraft Seat Support Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seat devices lack adaptability to accommodate passengers of varying sizes and weights, resulting in suboptimal comfort during flights.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft seat device featuring an elastically deformable support module, designed as a headrest or lumbar support, which performs a flexible wave-like compensating movement when a force is applied, allowing it to adapt to the passenger's body shape through a thin-walled plate or multi-part lamellar structure connected to the backrest via floating bearings, with adjustable elasticity and a comfort element for enhanced padding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid support module is used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different passenger sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support module employs an elastically deformable support element that can dynamically change its shape and configuration in response to applied forces. This allows the rigid structure to become adaptable by introducing controlled flexibility through elastic deformation, enabling the support element to conform to different passenger body shapes while maintaining structural integrity through its elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element's physical parameters (shape, curvature, density) are changed in response to user force through elastic deformation. The element transitions from a fixed configuration to a deformed configuration that adapts to the passenger's body, with the degree of deformation varying based on the applied force magnitude and distribution, thereby achieving adaptability while preserving structural stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elastically deformable support element is used, then adaptability to passenger body shape is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed to automatically adapt to the passenger's body shape through its inherent elastic properties without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. The element self-regulates its deformation based on the applied force, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms while achieving adaptability to different passenger profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is implemented as a thin-walled plate or shell structure that can deform elastically under load. This flexible yet structurally sound design allows the element to conform to various body shapes while maintaining sufficient strength, avoiding the need for complex mechanical assemblies and reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thin-walled plate structure is used, then adaptability and comfort are improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-walled plate is constructed from composite materials that combine high strength-to-weight ratio properties. This allows the support element to maintain adequate mechanical strength despite the thin-walled construction, enabling elastic deformation for adaptability while preventing structural failure under passenger load.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin-walled plate design utilizes shell theory principles where the curved or contoured geometry of the thin wall provides structural strength through geometric rigidity. The shell structure can deform elastically to provide adaptability while the curved geometry and material selection ensure sufficient mechanical strength to support passenger weight without collapsing.
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 provides increased comfort by automatically adjusting to the passenger's size and shape, ensuring optimal support and enhancing the overall seating experience across different passenger profiles.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable support element (26), in particular in the form of a bending-wave membrane, which is provided for performing a bending-wave-like compensating movement when subjected to a user force
Implementation Method 2
the support element (26) is designed to perform a compensating movement, in particular a flexural wave compensating movement, depending on a user force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an aircraft seat device having a supporting module (24a; 24b; 24c; 24d; 24e) that is designed as a headrest, a lumbar support, or a seat bottom, and which comprises at least one elastically deformable supporting element (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e). According to the invention, the elastically deformable supporting element (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e) is provided for the purpose of performing a bending-wave-like compensating movement in the event a user force is exerted.