Aircraft Travel Suite Layout for Flat-Bed Comfort and Lower Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing premium class travel seating in long haul aircraft compromises on weight, expense, and complexity due to multi-functional design, resulting in an uncomfortable bed surface and design inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A flexible-usage travel suite with dedicated components for specific uses, featuring a movable seat, bed, utility chair, and table, where the seat stows to form a headboard, the bed's stowed position serves as an armrest, and the utility chair and table pivot and slide for optimal space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the same structure is used for both seat and bed functions, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity and weight increase due to multiple motors and linkage elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seating unit into separate dedicated components: a seat assembly for seating function and a bed assembly for sleeping function. Each assembly has its own simplified mechanism without requiring complex multi-functional linkages. The seat can be independently adjusted and stored, while the bed provides a flat surface when deployed, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms to transform a single structure between seat and bed modes.
2Area of stationary object
If the same structure is used for both seat and bed functions, then space utilization is improved, but weight increases due to numerous motors and linkage elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seating unit into separate dedicated components: a seat assembly for seating function and a bed assembly for sleeping function. Each assembly has its own simplified mechanism without requiring complex multi-functional linkages. The seat can be independently adjusted and stored, while the bed provides a flat surface when deployed, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms to transform a single structure between seat and bed modes.
3Strength
If hard foam cushioning is used to meet g-loading requirements for seats, then structural strength is improved, but comfort deteriorates when used as a bedding surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seating unit into separate dedicated components: a seat assembly for seating function and a bed assembly for sleeping function. Each assembly has its own simplified mechanism without requiring complex multi-functional linkages. The seat can be independently adjusted and stored, while the bed provides a flat surface when deployed, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms to transform a single structure between seat and bed modes.
4Device complexity
If lateral creases are created between cushions for seat functionality, then seat structure is simplified, but bed surface flatness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seating unit into separate dedicated components: a seat assembly for seating function and a bed assembly for sleeping function. Each assembly has its own simplified mechanism without requiring complex multi-functional linkages. The seat can be independently adjusted and stored, while the bed provides a flat surface when deployed, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms to transform a single structure between seat and bed modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible-usage travel suite that includes an enclosure having a floor, surrounding walls defining a predetermined area and an egress/ingress opening. A seat is positioned adjacent a first side of the enclosure and is moveable between a deployed seating configuration and a stowed storage configuration against the first side of the enclosure. A bed is positioned adjacent a second side of the enclosure and is moveable between a deployed lie-flat configuration when the seat is in its stowed storage configuration, and a stowed storage position when the seat is in its deployed seating configuration. A utility chair and utility table are positioned within the enclosure and are moveable among a stowed position and a use position.