Seat usage prevention device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Social distancing within vehicles is challenging due to limited space, and existing methods like removing seats or posting signs are either labor-intensive or ineffective in preventing passengers from sitting on designated non-sitting seats, especially during airborne disease outbreaks.
Innovation Solution
A seat usage prevention device that interacts with seat components to prevent usage of seat pans or seatbacks, including configurations with cushions, enclosures, amenity consoles, and vertical separators, which can couple to seat belts or headrests to create separation between passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If seats are removed to increase social distancing, then space between passengers increases, but labor intensity and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (partition assembly with cushion and shell) that acts as a mediator between existing seats to create separation. This avoids the need to remove seats entirely, thereby maintaining seat inventory while still achieving social distancing through the inserted partition structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition assembly is segmented into multiple components (cushion, shell, fastening mechanisms) that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and installed. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and storage compared to removing entire seats, while still achieving the space-creation goal.
2Reliability
If signs or warnings are posted on seats to prevent usage, then social distancing may be achieved, but passenger compliance cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The partition assembly is installed in advance on designated seats to physically prevent sitting before the problematic behavior (sitting on restricted seats) can occur. This preliminary physical barrier is more effective than signs posted after the fact, as it proactively blocks the unwanted action rather than relying on passenger interpretation and compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of reduced passenger compliance into a benefit by using physical barriers that make non-compliance impossible rather than relying on voluntary adherence to signs. The very act of restricting seat access physically transforms the compliance problem into a guaranteed solution.
3Reliability
If physical barriers are installed to create separation, then social distancing is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition assembly uses a shell structure that can be made from flexible or semi-flexible materials, allowing it to conform to seat geometries and be easily installed or removed. This flexible shell approach creates effective physical separation without requiring complex rigid structures, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat usage prevention device is disclosed. The seat usage prevention deice includes at least one device component being configured to interact with one or more seat components of a first seat. The device component is configured to prevent usage of at least one of a seat pan or seatback of the first seat. The device component further separates a second seat from at least a third seat, wherein the third seat is proximate to at least one of the first seat or the second seat. The seat usage prevention device may include a device component that further includes a cushion, a base, an amenity console, or a vertical separator, or combination thereof.