Variable Seat Structure for Peak-Hour Passenger Space Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger transport vehicles face suboptimal comfort due to fixed seating configurations, leading to congestion during peak hours and underutilization during off-peak hours, as the number of available seating places and their positioning are predefined, not adapting to varying passenger traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system with a mechanical support structure featuring a movable part that can convert seating areas into ischiatic supports based on passenger traffic density, utilizing a combination of rigid and deformable components, and remotely controlled motors to adjust seating configurations in real-time, allowing for optimal space management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of seating places is increased to improve passenger comfort during off-peak hours, then the vehicle space utilization is optimized, but during peak hours the vehicle becomes congested and comfortable seating is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic seating system where the number and position of seats can be adjusted based on passenger traffic conditions. The mechanical support structure includes movable parts that can transition between extended and retracted positions, allowing the vehicle to adapt its seating capacity dynamically rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort during off-peak hours and capacity during peak hours
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support structure is divided into multiple independent movable parts that can be adjusted separately. Each movable part can be controlled individually or in groups, allowing flexible configuration of seating areas. This segmentation enables the system to achieve adaptability without requiring complete restructuring of the entire vehicle interior, thereby managing device complexity
2Productivity
If seating places are retracted to increase standing space during peak hours, then passenger capacity is maximized, but during off-peak hours the available space is underutilized and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the configuration of mechanical support structures based on real-time passenger traffic conditions. During peak hours, movable parts are retracted to maximize standing space and transport capacity. During off-peak hours, the same structures extend to create comfortable seating areas, thus optimizing both productivity and ease of operation at different times
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support structure serves multiple functions: it acts as structural support for the vehicle interior, provides seating surfaces when extended, and creates standing space when retracted. This multi-functionality allows the same components to optimize for either passenger capacity or comfort depending on operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mechanical support structure uses rigid components for structural stability, then the vehicle interior is durable, but the ability to adapt seating configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical support structure combines rigid fixed parts with movable parts that can be segmented and repositioned. The rigid fixed parts provide structural stability and anchor points, while the movable parts between them can be adjusted to create different seating configurations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural integrity while achieving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical support structure uses composite construction combining rigid materials for fixed components and materials with appropriate mechanical properties for movable components. The covering surfaces may include deformable portions that can flex during movement while maintaining structural integrity, creating a composite system that achieves both stability and flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger transport vehicle includes a system configured to vary the number of available seating places in accordance with the level of passenger traffic to be transported. The system has a mechanical support structure having a fixed part and a movable part movable between a first position in which the mechanical support structure forms a seating place, and a second position in which the seating place is unavailable for seating. The mechanical support structure includes a covering surface connected to and disposed around a portion of the movable part. The covering surface includes two rigid portions and a deformable portion. One rigid portion forms a seating surface when the movable part is in the first position, while both rigid portions and the deformable portion form an ischiatic support surface when the movable part is in the second position.