Variable Seat Layout for Adapting Passenger Vehicle Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger transport vehicles, such as trains and buses, face suboptimal comfort due to fixed interior configurations, leading to overcrowding during peak hours and underutilization during off-peak hours, as the number of seats and their positioning are predefined, failing to adapt to varying passenger traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A space management system within the vehicle that includes a fixed support structure and a movable surface connected to it, allowing the number of seats to be adjusted based on passenger traffic levels, with remotely controlled actuation means, such as linear motors, to move the surfaces between seating and inaccessible positions, optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of seats is predefined and fixed, then the vehicle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the comfort and space utilization are suboptimal during varying passenger traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the seat configuration changeable rather than fixed. Movable surfaces can be repositioned along vertical posts to create different seating arrangements or standing space configurations, allowing the vehicle interior to dynamically adapt to varying passenger traffic conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the interior space into modular components - movable surfaces connected to vertical posts that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of seating capacity without requiring complete structural changes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle has a predetermined capacity with predefined seat positioning, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the comfort during peak and off-peak hours is not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The movable surfaces mounted on vertical posts enable dynamic adjustment of seating capacity and configuration. During off-peak hours, more seats can be provided for comfort; during peak hours, seats can be repositioned or removed to increase standing capacity, thereby improving passenger comfort without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If the interior space configuration is fixed, then the vehicle is easier to manufacture and maintain, but the space utilization is not optimized according to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic space management system where movable surfaces can be repositioned along vertical posts to optimize space utilization. This allows the vehicle to efficiently utilize available space during different operating conditions - providing more seating when demand is low and more standing space when demand is high - without creating an overly complex system.
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 system enables real-time adaptation of seat configuration to match passenger demand, enhancing comfort and capacity utilization by increasing seats during off-peak hours and converting them into standing space during peak hours, thus optimizing space use.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation means include a linear motor mounted to slide on at least one post of the support structure, being essentially fixed to the at least one movable surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Passenger transport vehicle (1) and method of managing space inside the vehicle (1), wherein a space management system inside the vehicle is configured to vary the number of seats available according to the level of passenger traffic to be transported.