Multi-Orientation Seating Module Recess for Flexible Configurations

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger seating modules in commercial vehicles, such as airplanes, are limited in the number of possible seating arrangements due to the use of standardized components, which restricts customization and increases the number of unique components required for more flexible configurations.

Innovation Solution

A passenger seating module design that includes a furniture module with a recess capable of receiving a seat module in multiple orientations, allowing for angles between 0 and 45 degrees relative to the forward-aft direction, enabling a variety of seating configurations such as herringbone and inline arrangements, and using a platform to secure the seat module in selected orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standardized components are used in passenger seating modules, then manufacturing cost is reduced and compatibility is improved, but the number of possible seating arrangements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is designed to receive the seat module in multiple orientations (e.g., 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees relative to the forward-aft direction), transforming a static single-orientation receptacle into a dynamic multi-orientation interface. This allows the same standardized components to create variable seating arrangements including inline, diagonal, and perpendicular configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The furniture module's recess serves multiple functions: it can receive seat modules in different orientations, accommodate different seat module types, and enable various nesting patterns. This multi-functional design allows a single standardized furniture module to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple unique components are used to achieve customized seating arrangements, then seating configuration flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture module is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple seat module orientations and types through its multi-orientation recess. This single universal furniture module replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized furniture variants, reducing component diversity while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The seating system is segmented into independent, interchangeable modules (seat modules and furniture modules) with standardized interfaces. The recess's ability to accept seat modules in multiple orientations creates segmentation flexibility without requiring segmented specialized components for each orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240308665A1Passenger seating module with multiple configurations

Publication Date: 2024.09.19

AI summary

A passenger seating module for nesting with another passenger seating module in a forward-aft direction, a passenger seating arrangement, a kit of parts for assembling a passenger seating arrangement, and a method of assembling a passenger seating module, are disclosed herein.The passenger seating module comprises: a seat module and a furniture module comprising a recess configured to receive the seat module. The recess is configured to receive the seat module in a plurality of orientations.