Two-Level Transport Seat Layout With Upper Aisle Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seating structures in transport vehicles for collective transportation do not efficiently utilize available space and may compromise passenger comfort and access.

Innovation Solution

A modular seating structure with two levels of seating, where the second level is higher than the first, creating an upper aisle and allowing for the retraction of the first seat pan to create additional space, thereby optimizing longitudinal and height space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If all seats are arranged at the same level to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the space utilization is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidseating structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension by arranging seats at two different levels (first level and second level), transforming a single-plane seating arrangement into a multi-level configuration. This dimensional change allows the second row of seats to be positioned above and behind the first row, thereby utilizing vertical space that would otherwise be wasted, and achieving optimal compromise between space occupation in longitudinal and height directions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the second level is positioned at the level of the upper section of the backrest of the first row, then space utilization is improved, but passenger access and comfort are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidpassenger access
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the seating space into distinct levels (first level and second level) with an intermediate upper aisle. This segmentation creates separate access zones: the upper aisle provides access to the second level seats without interfering with the first level seats, while the lower aisle provides access to the first level. This segmentation resolves the conflict between space utilization and passenger access by creating dedicated pathways for each level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the seat pan of the first seat is made movable between sitting and retracted configurations, then space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidseat mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements by making the seat pan of the first seat movable between a sitting configuration (extending forward) and a retracted configuration (pivoted backward). This dynamic adjustment allows the seat pan to clear the lower aisle when retracted, enabling the upper aisle to extend continuously. The movable configuration transforms a static seating arrangement into a dynamic one that adapts to different spatial requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4523962A1Seat/chair structure for a collective transport vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.03.19 ANVECSO DESIGN SL
  • EP4523962A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4523962A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4523962A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Structure (E) of seating/seats for transport vehicles for collective transportation, in which a longitudinal direction (L), a transverse direction (T) and a height direction (H) are defined, comprising a first seat (R1) oriented according to the longitudinal direction (L) and provided with a seat pan (S1) and a backrest (B1) located at a first level (h1) according to the height direction (H), a second seat (R2) oriented according to the longitudinal direction (L) and provided with a seat pan (S2) and a backrest (B2) located at a second level (h2) according to the height direction (H), the second seat (R2) being arranged behind according to the longitudinal direction (L) of the first seat (R1), the second level (h2) being higher than the first level (h1) so that the seat pan (S2) of the second seat (R2) is at the level of an upper section of the backrest (B1) of the first seat, the seat pan (S2) of the second seat (R2) is separated from the backrest (B1) of the first seat (R1) so that an upper aisle (UP) is created on the second level (h2) between the first seat (R1) and the second seat (R2). For use in transport vehicles for collective transportation, such as an aircraft, railway carriages or road vehicles, provided with a plurality of these structures.