Abstract: A tray table assembly and a passenger seat arrangement including a tray table assembly. The tray table assembly includes a tray table coupled to a motion path element determining a motion path of the tray table between stowed and deployed positions. In embodiments, the motion path element may be implemented as at least one of a helical shaft, helical slot, and helical ramp. The motion path combines rotational and vertical motion such that an angular change of the table caused by rotational movement simultaneously causes an elevation change of the tray table. In some embodiments, the tray table may lower when rotated toward the deployed position and raise when rotated toward the stowed position.

Abstract: A passenger seat arrangement for a vehicle including first and second partition walls positioned in spaced apart relation forming an area therebetween, each of the walls including at least a portion angled relative to an aisle and each of the walls having an end position proximate the aisle such that the area formed between the walls is directly accessible from the aisle. A passenger seat positioned in the area is coupled to a guide mechanism such that the passenger seat is configured to travel within the area between a first position distal from the aisle and a second position proximate the aisle for facilitating transfer of a person of reduced mobility (PRM), and in some implementations through an intermediate position for enhancing socialization between the passenger seat and an adjacent passenger seat.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of monuments for installation in an aircraft passenger cabin. Each monument is multi-use in that the monument serves to accommodate a wheelchair and provide at least one additional function. In embodiments, the monument includes an interior space dedicated for receiving and positioning a wheelchair in an unfolded state, for instance an occupied wheelchair during taxi-takeoff, and landing (TTOL) and during flight. In embodiments, the monuments include storage compartments, direct access to an exterior window, tray table assemblies, etc. In embodiments, the monuments are configured to be positioned adjacent to at least one aisle for accessibility, and to a seat row including a passenger seat reserved for a caregiver. The monuments disclosed herein enhance the travel experience for a passenger with reduced mobilities (PRM), as well as increase flexibility in cabin designs.

Abstract: A rotary lap belt energy attenuator for reducing inertial loads on seat components. In embodiments, a shackle assembly includes a seat frame component, a shackle pivotally attached to the seat component and attachable to a lap belt component, a deformable link attached to the shackle and the seat component, an attachment guide configured to travel along the guideway, and an energy attenuator positioned in the guideway. In use, each of the deformable link and the energy attenuator undergo plastic deformation during rotary motion of the shackle to attenuate impact energy.

Abstract: A movable area partition is disclosed herein. The movable area partition includes a bottom pivot point, a top pivot point, a first panel having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the first panel pivotably coupled to the bottom pivot point, and a second panel having a first end an opposing second end, the first end of the second panel rotatably coupled to the second end of the first panel and the second end of the second panel pivotably coupled to the top pivot point.

Abstract: A door assembly for use in an aircraft providing standard and accessible operating modes. The assembly includes a partition wall movable between a first position and a second position, a sliding door including a first door portion and a second door portion, and a latch mechanism operable to couple the first and second door portions. In a first operating mode of the door assembly, the partition wall is maintained in the first position and the sliding door moves to an open state to form a first opening. In a second operating mode of the door assembly, the partition wall is moved from the first position to the second position and the sliding door moves to an open state to form a second opening different from the first opening.

Abstract: A passenger seat is described which reduces neck deflection in a 16G loading event. The passenger seat includes one or more seatback surfaces which translate to shield a surface, such as a latch mechanism, during the crash event. By shielding the latch mechanism, a smooth surface is created, thereby reducing a likelihood of a passenger's head becoming trapped on the latch mechanism. The seatback surfaces actuated include one or more of a shroud surrounding the latch mechanism, a pocket defined by the shroud, or a hinged surface.

Abstract: A passenger seat is described which satisfies a head-injury criterion (HIC). To satisfy the HIC, the passenger seat translates or pivots one or more components of the seatback towards a passenger sitting behind the passenger seat. By translating and/or pivoting the components of the seatback towards the passenger, a crush zone for the passenger seat may be increased, thereby increasing the impact time and correspondingly decreasing the forces felt by the passenger.

Abstract: A deployable ottoman extension fills the gap between the ottoman and fully reclined oblique aircraft seat. The deployable ottoman extension can pivot out from the ottoman about a pivot point and/or slide out along a rail. Alternatively, the ottoman extension may be hinged to the ottoman to deploy by flipping down. The deployable ottoman extension may include deployable support features that extend to the aircraft floor when deployed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cushion material is disclosed. The cushion material is configured to be 3D-printable. The cushion material includes a plurality of gyroid lattice structures configured to be 3D-printable. The plurality of gyroid lattice structures are aligned along, and with respect to, a surface of the cushion material. In some embodiments, a method for providing a cushion material that is capable of being 3D printed is disclosed. The method includes generating a design of the cushion material comprising a variable mechanical stiffness across a surface of the cushion material. The method further includes producing the cushion material via additive manufacturing based on the design. Generating the design includes generating a layout design of a plurality of tube-like shaped gyroid lattice structures of the cushion material aligned with the surface of the cushion material.

Abstract: An aircraft seat pod with a reclining seat includes a controller interface that extends around a surface of the pod, include a surface obscured by the seat when in an upright position. The controller tracks the position and orientation of the seat and displays seat controls on the interface at a convenient location. More than one interface may be disposed at different locations to conveniently accommodate passengers of different size or in different orientations. Vision sensors may track the position and orientation of a passenger and preemptively display controls at a convenient location.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin attendant seat is disclosed. In some embodiments, the aircraft cabin attendant seat includes a support element extending from a cabin floor. The support element includes at least two coupled support element subsections configured to at least one of slide or fold onto each other. In some embodiments, a coupler is configured to attach the support element to the cabin floor. The aircraft cabin attendant seat further includes a backrest and a headrest that is coupled to the support element. The aircraft cabin attendant seat includes a seating portion coupled to the support element. The seating portion includes both seat and a hinge configured to connect the seat to the support element, where the seat is configured to retract from a seated position into a storage position.

Abstract: A passenger seat is described which satisfies a head-injury criterion (HIC). To satisfy the HIC, the passenger seat translates or pivots one or more components of the seatback towards a passenger sitting behind the passenger seat. By translating and/or pivoting the components of the seatback towards the passenger, a crush zone for the passenger seat may be increased, thereby increasing the impact time and correspondingly decreasing the forces felt by the passenger.

Abstract: A passenger seat is described which reduces neck deflection in a 16 G loading event. The passenger seat includes one or more seatback surfaces which translate to shield a surface, such as a latch mechanism, during the crash event. By shielding the latch mechanism, a smooth surface is created, thereby reducing a likelihood of a passenger's head becoming trapped on the latch mechanism. The seatback surfaces actuated include one or more of a shroud surrounding the latch mechanism, a pocket defined by the shroud, or a hinged surface.

Abstract: A recline mechanism is described. The recline mechanism provides for adjusting an angle of a seatback of a passenger seat. The recline mechanism prevents angular adjustments of the seatback when a cylinder and piston assembly is in a locked state and permits the angular adjustments when in an unlocked state. A solenoid is provided to lock and unlock a valve of the recline mechanism. The solenoid is engaged and disengaged in response to receiving electrical signals from a button. The button generates an electrical signal when the button is depressed and again when the button is released. The button includes an electromagnet or a piezoelectric for generating the electrical signals.

Abstract: For a vehicle seat, for instance an aircraft passenger seat, a seat belt system including a seat belt reel having a rotating shaft, a seat belt wound on the rotating shaft, and a lock for locking at least one of the rotating shaft and the seat belt. At least one sensor is operative to output a signal when a sensed parameter exceeds a predetermined magnitude threshold. An activation device is operative to activate the lock. A time delay device electrically coupled to the at least one sensor and the activation device is operative to, upon receiving the signal output by the at least one sensor, activate the activation device upon completion of a time delay after receiving the signal output by the at least one sensor. Further embodiments include shoulder belts forming loops allowing a predetermined amount of forward travel prior to restraining a passenger.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aircraft monument housing a crew quarters positionable in an aircraft cabin adjacent a longitudinal aisle, and a combination including a passenger suite and an aircraft monument housing a crew quarters. The aircraft monument includes a transverse wall forming part of the monument and separating interior space within the monument from the adjacent passenger suite. The interior space of the monument is divided by a shelf into upper and lower compartments and the crew quarters is positioned in the upper compartment for resting and sleeping use by the cabin crew. The lower compartment may be used by the cabin crew or for locating galley components. The transverse wall may be contoured such that the interior space and the passenger suite nest to maximize density. A footwell serving the passenger suite may be recessed into the transverse wall.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering an axial compression load to a passenger during a frontal deceleration event is disclosed. The system includes a seat frame, a seat pan, and an impulse generator coupled to the seat pan configured to provide an axial compression load onto a spine of a sitting passenger during a forward deceleration event. The system further includes a controller configured to receive a forward deceleration signal from the inertial sensor and activate the impulse generator based on the forward deceleration signal. The impulse generator may generate a compressive force via a chemical reaction, via a mechanically stored energy, a solenoid switch, or via a rotating cam assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aircraft monument housing a crew quarters positionable in an aircraft cabin adjacent a longitudinal aisle, and a combination including a passenger suite and an aircraft monument housing a crew quarters. The aircraft monument includes a transverse wall forming part of the monument and separating interior space within the monument from the adjacent passenger suite. The interior space of the monument is divided by a shelf into upper and lower compartments and the crew quarters is positioned in the upper compartment for resting and sleeping use by the cabin crew. The lower compartment may be used by the cabin crew or for locating galley components. The transverse wall may be contoured such that the interior space and the passenger suite nest to maximize density. A footwell serving the passenger suite may be recessed into the transverse wall.

Abstract: A static aircraft seat privacy panel may include a body. At least a portion of a surface of the body may be shaped to at least partially conform with at least a portion of an aircraft seat. A lower edge of the body may be configured to couple to a floor via a set of floor-mounted components. The set of floor-mounted components may be within the floor separate from a set of seat tracks of an aircraft seat compliant with 16G force requirements for aviation transport. An upper edge of the body may be configured to be offset a selected distance from a surface of one or more overhead structures of the aircraft cabin when the body is coupled to one or more structures positioned proximate to a ceiling of the aircraft cabin. The static aircraft seat privacy panel may be compliant with 9G force requirements for aviation transport.