Shared Entrance Seating With Movable Overhead Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft interiors face challenges in maximizing seat capacity and providing convenient, accessible storage within confined spaces while adhering to weight, safety, and aesthetic regulations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a lounge assembly with movable privacy dividers and overhead storage bins supported by floor-mounted posts, allowing for flexible seat arrangement and personal storage access without invading neighboring space, with each passenger having their own or shared entrance to the bin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If overhead storage bins are mounted from the ceiling over passenger seats, then passenger storage capacity is provided, but the design space is strictly confined and weight is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the overhead bin assembly movable rather than fixed. The bin can be repositioned along the support structure, allowing flexible configuration to maximize storage capacity while optimizing weight distribution within the confined aircraft interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead storage system is segmented into modular components including the bin housing, support structure with posts, and adjustable mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows for optimized weight distribution and flexible configuration to maximize storage capacity within confined spaces.
2Quantity of substance
If seat capacity is maximized within confined fuselage dimensions, then passenger capacity is increased, but available floor space for access and movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning storage bins overhead rather than occupying floor area. The support structure extends vertically from the floor through the ceiling, transforming the problem from a two-dimensional floor space constraint to a three-dimensional volume utilization solution, thereby maximizing seat capacity without compromising access.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the overhead bins, acts as a mounting framework for the bin assembly, and enables adjustable positioning. This multi-functionality allows maximization of seat capacity while maintaining adequate floor space for passenger movement and access to storage.
3Ease of operation
If overhead storage bins are positioned above each seat, then personal storage access is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure and mounting mechanism into a unified integrated framework. The posts and support members form a single structural system that simplifies installation while enabling individual bin access above each seat, reducing overall device complexity compared to separate mounting solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable positioning mechanism allows the bin assembly to be dynamically configured during installation and repositioning. This dynamic capability simplifies installation by allowing flexible accommodation of different seat configurations without requiring complex custom mounting for each position.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft lounge assembly that includes an enclosure having a rear wall, first and second side walls and a forward wall that cooperate to define a seating area. The lounge assembly also includes first and second seats positioned in the seating area, and a first dividing wall positioned between the first and second seats. The first dividing wall divides the seating area into a first seat section and a second seat section. The front wall includes a shared entrance space defined therein. A first seat path is defined between the shared entrance space and the first seat section and a second seat path is defined between the shared entrance space and the second seat section.