Seating assembly for a means of transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seat arrangements in public transportation, such as rail vehicles and aircraft, are inefficient in space utilization and do not adapt to the needs of passengers, as they require a fixed seating position that does not accommodate varying group sizes or comfort levels, especially on longer journeys.

Innovation Solution

A seat arrangement featuring a frame element with integrated seating and backrest, adjustable in height and orientation, allowing for a 'standing' sitting position that reduces space requirements and can be pivoted to align with the direction of travel, incorporating a fastening device for secure installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If classic seating arrangements with bent legs are provided, then users can sit comfortably, but each user takes up a comparatively large amount of space in the means of transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating comfortVSAvoidspace occupied per user
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat arrangement is made dynamically adjustable through the tilt mechanism that allows the seat back to rotate relative to the seat base. This dynamic adjustment enables the seat to adapt between different configurations (standing height seating, reclined positions, forward-facing, backward-facing) to optimize both comfort and space utilization depending on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If standing space is provided instead of seating, then significantly more passengers can be accommodated, but there is an unacceptable loss of travel comfort on longer journeys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassenger capacityVSAvoidtravel comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seat arrangement serves multiple functions: it provides seating support for comfort during longer journeys, can be tilted forward to serve as a rest support for standing passengers, and can be configured in different orientations. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to accommodate both seated and standing passengers, maximizing passenger capacity while maintaining comfort options

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

3Device complexity

If fixed seating arrangements are provided, then the structure is simple, but the orientation cannot be changed to adapt to user needs or direction of travel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseating structure simplicityVSAvoidseat orientation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seat arrangement incorporates a tilt mechanism that enables dynamic reconfiguration of the seat back angle and orientation. The seat back can be tilted relative to the seat base and rotated to face different directions, allowing the same simple structural components to adapt to various user needs and travel directions without requiring complex additional structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3792100B1Seating assembly for a means of transport
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 GRAMMER AG
  • EP3792100B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP3792100B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3792100B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a seating arrangement for a means of transport, in particular for a means of transport, wherein the seating arrangement can be arranged on the means of transport by means of a fastening device, wherein the seating arrangement is designed and suitable to provide a sitting position at standing height, wherein the seating arrangement comprises at least one frame element which is arranged on the fastening device by means of at least one bearing axis, wherein the at least one bearing axis is received in at least one receiving device of the fastening device, wherein the at least one receiving device is arranged on a fastening element which is designed as an arm element extending along a vertical axis (Z).