Variable Seat Support Structure for Adaptive Passenger 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 that do not adapt to varying passenger densities throughout the day, leading to either overcrowding during peak hours or underutilization of space during off-peak hours.
Innovation Solution
A passenger transport vehicle equipped with a space management system featuring a mechanical support structure that includes movable parts and a control device allowing for real-time adjustment of seating configurations, converting seats into ischial supports or backrests based on passenger traffic density, utilizing a combination of longitudinal bars, connection means, and remotely controlled motors to optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of seats and their positioning is predefined to ensure structural simplicity and ease of manufacture, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different passenger densities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the seating configuration changeable rather than fixed. Seats can be dynamically reconfigured between different positions (seated, reclined, removed) based on real-time passenger density requirements. The mechanical support structures include movable components that allow seats to be positioned in multiple configurations, transforming the static interior into a dynamic space that adapts to varying service conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the interior space into modular zones with independent seating units. Each seating area can be individually adjusted or reconfigured without affecting other parts of the vehicle. The support structures are segmented into multiple bars and connecting elements that can be independently positioned, allowing flexible reconfiguration of seating arrangements throughout the vehicle.
2Quantity of substance
If seats are removed during peak hours to increase standing space, then the capacity is improved, but the passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts seating availability based on real-time passenger density monitoring. During peak hours, seats are not completely removed but reconfigured into reclined positions or folded against support bars, maintaining some level of comfort while increasing standing space. The mechanical support structures remain in place to provide ischial support even when seats are in reduced configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of seating by adjusting the position and angle of seat components. Seats can be tilted to different angles, folded partially or completely, or repositioned along longitudinal bars. These parameter changes allow the same physical seating structures to provide different levels of comfort and capacity depending on operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If seats are added during off-peak hours to improve comfort, then the passenger comfort is improved, but the space for standing passengers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
During off-peak hours, the system dynamically reconfigures seats to fully extended and upright positions, maximizing comfort when passenger numbers are lower. The movable support structures are positioned to provide full seating functionality, and additional seating can be activated in previously reduced zones. This dynamic adjustment ensures comfort is optimized when capacity demands are lower.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support when seats are fully configured, serve as ischial support when seats are reduced, and can be repositioned to create both seating and standing spaces. This multi-functionality allows the same structures to optimize for either comfort or capacity depending on operational conditions without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.
4Ease of manufacture
If the interior configuration is fixed to reduce device complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the space utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interior is divided into modular segments with standardized support bars and seat units that can be manufactured separately and assembled in different configurations. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardization while enabling flexible reconfiguration to optimize space utilization for different service patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements into the manufacturing design, where movable components are integrated into the standard manufacturing process. The mechanical support structures include built-in mechanisms for movement and reconfiguration that are manufactured as standard features, allowing the vehicle to adapt its space utilization without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each configuration.
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 efficient use of interior space by increasing seating during low traffic and maximizing standing space during high traffic, thereby improving passenger comfort and capacity utilization throughout the day.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation means comprise at least one remotely controlled motor; the at least one remotely controlled motor is a linear motor mounted to slide on the first longitudinal bar
Data Source
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AI summary
A passenger transport vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a space management system inside the vehicle which is configured to vary the number of seats available according to the level of passenger traffic to be transported, the management system comprising at least one mechanical support structure (100) having a fixed part (106) and a movable part (105) which is movable, relative to the fixed part (106), between a first position (A) in which the movable part is deployed vis-à-vis the fixed part so that the mechanical support structure (100) forms at least one seat available for passengers, and a second position in which the movable part is retracted towards the fixed part so that at least one seat is unavailable for seating.