Adjustable Support Furniture for Standing Passengers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support solutions for standing passengers in public transport and public places lack ergonomics and personalization, as they are not adjustable to individual heights and do not provide adequate support for both the sciatic area and back, leading to discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A seat system with a centrally fixed tilting ball joint and a gas spring mechanism that allows height adjustment up to 100mm and inclination adjustment within specific ranges, combined with a suspension system using articulated joints and a friction brake for personalized support, integrated with a backrest and optional headrest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed support structure is used for standing passengers, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to individual passenger heights and ergonomic comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed support structures with adjustable mechanisms. The seat height is made adjustable through a telescopic mechanism with locking positions, and the backrest inclination is made variable through an articulated connection. This allows the support furniture to adapt to different passenger heights and preferences, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the seat height and backrest angle to be varied according to passenger needs. The telescopic mechanism enables height adjustment in discrete steps, while the articulated backrest connection allows inclination adjustment. These parameter changes provide ergonomic adaptability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable support system with multiple mechanisms is implemented, then the ergonomic comfort and personalization are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment system into independent modules: a telescopic mechanism for height adjustment and an articulated connection for backrest inclination. Each module operates independently with its own adjustment and locking mechanisms, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through simpler, separate components rather than a single complex integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a tilting ball joint and spiral spring suspension system is used, then the comfort and stability of standing passengers is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle through the spring suspension system that automatically adapts to passenger weight and position. The spiral spring and tilting ball joint mechanism self-adjust to provide optimal support without requiring active control or complex electronic systems, enhancing comfort while keeping the manufacturing complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If the support structure is made fixed and stiff, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to provide ergonomic support and reduce leg burden deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed, stiff structures with dynamic, adaptable components. The telescopic seat mechanism and articulated backrest connection allow the support furniture to move and adjust to passenger needs, providing ergonomic benefits while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 ergonomic support that can be adjusted to individual needs, enhancing comfort and stability for standing passengers, allowing for more efficient use of space and increasing the number of comfortable seating options in limited areas.

Implementation Method 1

a gas spring (4) joined by the turning node (7) to the immovable frame (1) and provided with a friction brake (9) that determines the length of the extension of the spring piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas spring:

Implementation Method 2

provided with a friction brake (9) that determines the length of the extension of the spring piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

inside a spiral spring between a carrying beam and the seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 4

a seat (3) fixed centrally and permanently on a tilting ball joint (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall joint:

Data Source

PatentEP3459787B1Item of support furniture for a standing passenger
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 S Z T K TAPS MACIEJ KOWALSKI
  • EP3459787B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3459787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3459787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject of the invention is an item of support furniture for a standing passenger, intended for a single assembly, in serial or row housing or in a modular housing. An item of support furniture for a standing passenger containing the seat (3) tiltingly fixed to the carrying beam (2) by the ball joint (5) placed inside and along the axis of the spiral spring (10) between the carrying beam (2) and the seat (3), and the carrying beam (2) is fastened to the frame (1) tiltingly in the turning node (6) and supported by the gas spring (4) through the turning node (8), and on the other side the spring is fixed to the frame (1) in the turning node (7) below the turning node (6), which guarantees the change of the height of the location of the seat within the range of up to 100mm by the extension of the piston of the gas spring (4), and the tilting inclination of the seat surface from the horizontal position is within the range of maximum +/- 15 degrees laterally, and within the range +/- 10 degrees forwards and backwards.