Transformable Seat Assemblies for Optimizing Unoccupied Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing seating occupancy in organized seating arrangements, such as in aircraft or theaters, fail to optimize the utilization of space associated with unoccupied seats, limiting comfort opportunities for occupants of adjacent occupied seats.
Innovation Solution
Implementing transformable seat assemblies and a computer-implemented method to identify and assign upgrades to occupants, allowing them to utilize the space of adjacent unoccupied seats through reclining, rotating, or reconfiguring seat structures, thereby optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods for managing seating occupancy are used, then seat assignment is simple, but space utilization of unoccupied seats is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The transformable seat assemblies automatically detect their own occupancy status and transform accordingly without requiring external intervention. The seat back assemblies self-adjust to provide space to occupants in front when unoccupied, eliminating the need for complex centralized control systems while optimizing space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The seat back assemblies are designed to be dynamically transformable between occupied and unoccupied states. This dynamic configuration allows the seating system to adapt to changing occupancy patterns in real-time, maximizing space utilization without requiring complex predetermined scheduling systems
2Ease of operation
If transformable seat assemblies are implemented to optimize space, then occupant comfort is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is segmented into modular components including the seat pan, seat back, and transformable backrest sections. Each segment can independently adjust its configuration, allowing complex comfort optimization through simple modular transformations rather than requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire seat
Solution Approach 2:
The transformable backrest assembly serves multiple functions: it provides normal seat back support when occupied, transforms to provide extended space for occupants in front when unoccupied, and can configure in intermediate states. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced comfort without proportionally increasing complexity
3Volume of moving object
If unoccupied seats are transformed to provide space, then available space increases, but seat structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformable backrest assembly nests within the existing seat structure when in the occupied configuration, and unfolds or extends to provide additional space when unoccupied. This nesting approach allows volume optimization without requiring entirely separate structural systems
Solution Approach 2:
The seat backrest changes its geometric parameters (angle, position, configuration) based on occupancy detection. By varying these parameters rather than adding substantial structural complexity, the system optimizes available space through intelligent reconfiguration of existing components
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media storing instructions for utilizing space associated with unoccupied seats in organized seating arrangements are disclosed herein. The disclosed techniques identify unoccupied seats within an organized seating arrangement, such as seats on an aircraft. Upgradable seats within the organized seating arrangement are determined based upon the unoccupied seats and the transformation capabilities of the seats. Upgradable seats are directly in front of or behind unoccupied seats, such that either the upgradable seat or the associated unoccupied seat is transformable to enable an upgrade. An occupant of a seat is selected for an upgrade associated with an upgradable seat and assigned the upgrade to enable the occupant to utilize a portion of the space associated with the unoccupied seat while sitting in the upgradable seat.