Modular passenger seat for an aircraft

US8087613B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• James A. Fullerton · Bothell, US
• Scott E. Coburn · Calgary, CA
• R. Klaus Brauer · Seattle, US
• Blake Emery · Enumclaw, US
• Sebastian Petry · Seattle, US
• Jeffrey Bernett · New York, US
• Don Chadwick · Los Angeles, US
• David Wykes · Seattle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 6, 2010
• Grant date: Jan 3, 2012
• Expiry date: Dec 6, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49826
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An aircraft passenger seat assembly as described herein is formed from two primary and modular components: a structural frame that provides passenger support and dynamic load paths for the seat assembly; and a comfort frame that provides the passenger seating surface and the external upholstery layer for the seat assembly. If the seat assembly is designed for multiple passengers, then a separate comfort frame is used for each passenger seat location. The structural frame can be formed as a molded composite construction, and the comfort frame can also utilize a molded composite support frame. The support frame is used as a mounting shell for a fabric carrier that includes the external upholstery layer. The modular design and use of composite materials results in a significant weight and parts count savings relative to conventional seat designs.