Patent Description:
A neck injury criterion (NIJ) may require devices or designs to reduce excessive deflection of the neck during a <NUM> dynamic test. Typically, seatbacks may be designed to reinforce problematic areas. By reinforcing problematic areas, a likelihood of the areas being crushed during impact with a passenger's head may be reduced, similarly reducing a likelihood of neck injury. The seating arrangement may also be designed such that a pitch between the seats is such that the passenger's head is unlikely to strike the problematic areas during impact. Document <CIT> discloses a seat having a tray secured by a latch on the backrest and a supplementary lock of the tray in case of impact to prevent causing injuries to the rear passenger.

A passenger seat is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the passenger seat includes a seatback with a rearward facing surface. In another illustrative embodiment, the passenger seat includes an accelerometer configured to generate a signal in response to detecting an acceleration indicative of an emergency event. In another embodiment, the passenger seat includes an actuator configured to translate one or more surfaces connected to the rearward facing surface in response to the actuator receiving the signal from the accelerometer. In another illustrative embodiment, the one or more surfaces connected to the rearward facing surface are translated to reduce a neck injury associated with neck flexion of a passenger sitting behind the passenger seat when striking the passenger seat.

A passenger seat is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the passenger seat includes a seatback. In another illustrative embodiment, the passenger seat includes an accelerometer configured to generate a signal in response to detecting an acceleration indicative of an emergency event. In another illustrative embodiment, the passenger seat includes a tray table. In another illustrative embodiment, the passenger seat includes a molding disposed on a rear surface of the seatback. In another illustrative embodiment, the passenger seat includes an actuator configured to translate one or more portions of the tray table or the molding latch mechanism in response to receiving the signal from the accelerometer. In another illustrative embodiment, the one or more portions of the tray table or the molding are translated to reduce a neck injury associated with striking the passenger seat.

A system for protecting a neck of a passenger is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the system includes a seatback. In another illustrative embodiment, the system includes a tray table. In another illustrative embodiment, the system includes a latch mechanism configured to rotate to a downward position for securing the tray table in a stowage position. In another illustrative embodiment, the system includes a molding disposed on a rear surface of a seatback. In another illustrative embodiment, the molding includes a shroud defining a pocket. In another illustrative embodiment, at least a portion of a latch mechanism is disposed in the pocket. In another illustrative embodiment, the system includes an actuator configured to translate the pocket relative to the shroud to shield the latch mechanism in response to the actuator receiving a signal indicative of an emergency event. In another illustrative embodiment, the pocket and the latch mechanism each include an exterior surface which are flush when the pocket is translated to shield the latch mechanism.

Implementations of the concepts disclosed herein may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. In the drawings:.

Described herein are a series of components of a passenger seat for reducing neck flexion and thereby satisfy a neck injury criterion (NiJ). The components are actively actuated to reduce a neck injury associated with striking the passenger seat for a passenger sitting behind the seat. In this regard, one or more portions of a tray table or a molding are translated to reduce the neck injury criterion. In particular, the portions of the tray table or the molding may be translated to smoothen out the surface, such that bumps or protrusions on the seatback may cause minimal longitudinal motion or vibration as the head moves down the seatback during an impact event. For example, the protrusions may include a latch mechanism which may be shielded by the tray table or the molding. Shielding the tray table latch may include creating a smooth surface over which the head travels for reducing the neck injuries. The smooth surface may reduce a likelihood a passenger's head is caught in the table latch and rotated backwards. The components described may also provide additional benefits, such as, but not limited to, reduction of unintentional meal tray deployment. The components may actively shield the tray table latch mechanism in response to a signal indicative of an emergency event. Acceleration indicative of an emergency event, such as a crash event or a turbulence event, may be detected by an accelerometer. One or more surfaces of the passenger seat may then be moved in response to detecting the acceleration to create a smooth surface for the latch mechanism. The smooth surface may thus reduce a likelihood of the passenger's head becoming trapped on the latch mechanism during impact.

Referring now to <FIG>, an example embodiment of an aircraft <NUM> that includes a plurality of passenger seats <NUM> is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Each passenger seat <NUM> includes a seatback <NUM> and a seat pan <NUM>. The passenger seat <NUM> also includes a leg <NUM> (also referred to as a seat support structure, a seat chassis, and the like) that is coupled to a floor (e.g., by a track) for providing structural support to the seat pan <NUM> and the seatback <NUM>. In embodiments, the seatback <NUM> and the seat pan <NUM> may be separate structures and/or may include one or more shared components. For example, the seatback <NUM> and the seat pan <NUM> can have a shared cushion or covering. The seatback <NUM> may also be configured to move relative to the seat pan <NUM>. For example, the seatback <NUM> can be configured to transition between upright and reclining positions. In embodiments, the seat pan <NUM> can also be actuated such that the passenger seat <NUM> may be configurable between an upright position and a bed position, although this is not intended to be a limitation of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the seatback <NUM> may include a rearward facing surface with one or more additional surfaces coupled to the rearward facing surface, such as, but not limited to, a molding <NUM>, a tray table <NUM>, and a latch mechanism <NUM>. In embodiments, one or more surfaces of the molding <NUM> or the tray table <NUM> may be actively translated to reduce a neck injury associated with striking a bump, ridge, gap, ledge or other surface disposed on the seatback <NUM>, such as, to shield the latch mechanism <NUM>. By shielding the latch mechanism <NUM>, a smooth surface may be formed. As used herein, the term shield may include completely or at least partially filling in a component of the seatback, and may also refer to completely or at least partially covering the component. The smooth surface may reduce a likelihood of the passenger's chin getting caught on the latch mechanism <NUM>, thereby resulting in a neck injury. The smoothed surface may also act to restrain the tray table <NUM> in a stowage position and reduce an ability of the head striking the tray table <NUM> from snagging the top surface of the tray table <NUM>, although this is not intended to be limiting. The molding <NUM> and the tray table <NUM> may be fabricated from any material known in the art including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, and the like.

The latch mechanism <NUM> may be provided for securing the tray table <NUM> in a stowage position (also referred to herein as a closed position). The latch mechanism <NUM> may be actuated in order to lock the tray table <NUM> in the stowage position, and release the tray table <NUM> into an "open" or horizontal position.

The molding <NUM> may include a shroud <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may be integrally formed with the molding <NUM> or may be separable from the molding <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may define a pocket <NUM>. In embodiments, the latch mechanism <NUM> is disposed in the pocket <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may include a contoured surface with a given curvature. The shroud <NUM> may thus be provided to protect the latch mechanism <NUM> from inadvertently disengaging due to downward swiping motions.

The tray table <NUM> may include also include a shroud <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may be integrally formed with the tray table <NUM> or may be separable from the molding <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may define a pocket <NUM>. The latch mechanism <NUM> may be rotated to extend in a downward position in which the latch mechanism <NUM> interferes with the pocket <NUM>, thereby locking the tray table <NUM> in the stowage position. The shroud <NUM> may also include a clearance with the latch mechanism <NUM>, such that the latch mechanism <NUM> may be rotated to a horizontal position in which the latch mechanism <NUM> does not interfere with the pocket <NUM>, thereby unlocking the tray table <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may include a contoured surface with a given curvature. The shroud <NUM> may thus be provided to protect the latch mechanism <NUM> from inadvertently disengaging due to upward swiping motions.

One or more of the latch mechanism <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, or the pocket <NUM> may provide a risk of neck injury due to flexure upon impact with the latch mechanism <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, or the pocket <NUM>. To address the possibility of neck injury, one or more components of the seatback <NUM> may be selectively actuated to shield the latch mechanism <NUM>. For example, one or more of the shroud <NUM>, the shroud <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, or a hinged surface <NUM> may be actuated to shield the latch mechanism <NUM>. The shroud <NUM>, the shroud <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, or the hinged surface <NUM> may shield the latch mechanism <NUM> in any number of manners, such as by at least partially fill in a pocket in which the latch mechanism is disposed, at least partially cover the latch mechanism, and the like. The various components described may be actuated in an emergency event to reduce a likelihood of NiJ for a passenger sitting behind the passenger seat <NUM> while minimally impacting the livable space. As depicted, the passenger seat <NUM> is provided in a pre-crash state in which the latch mechanism <NUM> is unshielded by an active component. After a signal indicative of an emergency event (e.g., a crash) has been sensed and received, the latch mechanism <NUM> may be shielded by one or more of the shroud <NUM>, the shroud <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, or the hinged surface <NUM>. By shielding the latch mechanism <NUM>, the latch mechanism <NUM> may also protected from inadvertent activation causing an unintended deployment of the tray table <NUM>, which may also cause injuries during an emergency event and/or prevent egress.

<FIG> depicts a simplified schematic diagram of one or more components of a HIC system for the aircraft passenger seat <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the passenger seat <NUM> may include an accelerometer <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be provided for translating one or more components of the seatback thereby shielding a surface connected to the rearward facing surface of the seatback which is likely to cause neck flexion in the event of striking the passenger seat, such as, but not limited to, the latch mechanism <NUM>, a cupholder <NUM>, a video monitor <NUM>, a coat hook <NUM>, a top edge <NUM> of the tray table <NUM>, a pivot bar <NUM>, and the like built-in tray table or molding accessories. By the actuator <NUM>, the passenger seat <NUM> may meet a neck-injury criterion while minimally increasing a thickness of the molding <NUM> and the tray table <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may thus be considered one or more components of a system which actively mitigates injuries by shielding the latch mechanism <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> may be engaged in response to receiving a signal from the accelerometer <NUM>. The accelerometer <NUM> may be configured to detect one or more accelerations indicative of an emergency event and provide the signal to the actuator <NUM>. The accelerations detected by the accelerometer <NUM> may correspond to a crash event, a turbulence event, or the like. The accelerometer <NUM> may also be configured to generate a signal in response to detecting the accelerations. For example, the accelerometer <NUM> may include one or more trigger conditions. Upon satisfaction of the trigger conditions the accelerometer <NUM> may generate the signal. The trigger conditions may generally include any suitable range of (de)acceleration, such as, but not limited to, detecting <NUM> of acceleration. Furthermore, the trigger conditions may be based on the direction of the acceleration.

In some instances, the actuator <NUM> may translate an associated component of the seatback within <NUM> milliseconds of receiving a trigger signal from the accelerometer <NUM>. By performing actuation within the <NUM>-millisecond timeframe, the components may be motivated to the desired position prior to head impact. For example, the actuator <NUM> may translate one or more rear components of the seatback, such as, but not limited to, the shroud <NUM>, the shroud <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, or the hinged surface <NUM> within the <NUM>-millisecond timeframe.

The accelerometer <NUM> may be electrically coupled to one or more components of the passenger seat <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, the actuator <NUM>. For example, the accelerometer <NUM> may be electrically coupled to a wiring harness, or the like, which may be routed through the passenger seat <NUM> to the actuator <NUM>. In some instances, the wiring harness may also provide electrical power to the actuator <NUM>. For example, the wiring harness may provide aircraft line power, or the like. In other instances, the actuator <NUM> may be provided with power from a battery or other suitable power source. In a wired configuration, wires may be maintained such that connections cannot be reached and damaged through passenger use of the passenger seat <NUM>. Although the accelerometer <NUM> has been described as being electrically coupled to the actuator <NUM>, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. In some instances, the accelerometer <NUM> may be wirelessly coupled to the actuator <NUM>, for providing the signal indicative of the emergency event. For example, the accelerometer <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> may wirelessly communicate by a short-range wireless communication network, such as a Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) network. For example, the wireless communication may occur by wireless communication circuitry, such as a radio, transceiver, and other associated circuitry, that allow the accelerometer <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> to wirelessly communicate. Alternatively, the accelerometer <NUM> may be included in a common housing with the actuator <NUM>.

The accelerometer <NUM> may generally be located in a number of locations within the aircraft. For example, the accelerometer <NUM> may be located on a frame portion (e.g., the leg <NUM>, a seatback frame, etc.) of the passenger seat <NUM>. It is further contemplated that the accelerometer <NUM> may be associated with multiple of the passenger seats <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, a seating row of the aircraft including two or more of the passenger seats <NUM>. The accelerometer <NUM> may generally include any sensor for detecting the acceleration. In some instances, the accelerometer <NUM> may be a component of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which may include the accelerometer <NUM>, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and the like.

In some instances, the actuator <NUM> includes a potential energy storage device. The actuator <NUM>, in a first example, may be a pyrotechnic actuator <NUM>. The pyrotechnic actuator may include, among other components, an electrically ignited pyrotechnic charge. Small pyrotechnic actuators can typically exert significant force (<NUM>'s or <NUM>'s of pounds) and achieve actuation speeds as low as several milliseconds. Although the actuator <NUM> has been described as including a pyrotechnic actuator, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. The actuator <NUM> may also include a linear solenoid actuator <NUM>. The linear solenoid may require a high drive current to exert significant force in a short time period, but a linear solenoid can be used thousands of times without replacement. The actuator <NUM> may also include a spring-loaded actuator <NUM>. However, the use of the pyrotechnic actuator may be advantageous given the high energy density, as compared to the linear solenoid or the spring-loaded actuator, such that the spring-loaded actuator may require additional footprint to achieve a sufficient spring force to generate the motive force. However, the pyrotechnic actuator may be limited to a one-time operation before replacement.

In embodiments, the passenger seat <NUM> may include a locking component <NUM>. The locking component may retain the various actuated components described above (e.g., the shroud <NUM>, the shroud <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, or the hinged surface <NUM>) in a deployed position subsequent to the actuator <NUM> deploying the actuated component. The actuated component is then be prevented from freely returning to the initial condition by the locking component <NUM>. The use of the locking component <NUM> may be advantageous given a possibility of the passenger's head impacting with the molding <NUM> or the tray table <NUM>. Similarly, the locking component <NUM> may reduce or prevent unwanted deflection of the actuated component from the deployed position prior to impact with the passenger's head, which may otherwise result from the rapid actuation of the actuated component. The locking component <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, an over-center device. The over-center device may include a linkage which operates as a toggle action clamp or the like.

In embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may include a shear pin (not depicted) or other sacrificial part. The shear pin may be incorporated in the actuator <NUM> to prevent deployment under non-crash scenarios. The shear pin may be then sheared in response to the actuator <NUM> being engaged. Upon the shear pin becoming sheared, the actuator <NUM> may deploy one or more components of the passenger seat <NUM> to shield the latch mechanism.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of one or more components of the passenger seat <NUM> is described. In embodiments, the pocket <NUM> is actuatable by the actuator <NUM> to shield the latch mechanism <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may translate the pocket <NUM> relative to the shroud <NUM> in response to receiving the signal from the accelerometer <NUM>. The translation of the pocket <NUM> relative to the shroud <NUM> may then cause the pocket <NUM> to provide at least partially filling in the pocket <NUM> or further to entirely fill in the pocket <NUM> (depending upon the depth and the length of actuation), thereby forming a flush surface together with the latch mechanism <NUM>. By providing the flush surface, a surface area upon which the passenger's head may impact may be increased, thereby reducing the forces felt by the passenger. In this regard, the latch mechanism <NUM> may be shielded by the pocket <NUM>. Furthermore, the pocket <NUM> may allow the latch mechanism <NUM> to unlock the tray table <NUM> prior to actuation. In some instances, the pocket <NUM> may be brace-shaped. By the brace-shape, the pocket <NUM> may conform to the curved surface of the shroud <NUM> and may also be translated relative to the latch mechanism <NUM> without interfering with the latch mechanism <NUM>.

In embodiments, the pocket <NUM> may be translated such that the latch mechanism <NUM> is flush with the pocket <NUM>. In this regard, a stroke of the actuator <NUM> may be selected based on a distance between an exterior surface of the latch mechanism <NUM> and an exterior surface the pocket <NUM>. The exterior surfaces of the latch mechanism <NUM> and the pocket <NUM> may then be parallel such that the pocket <NUM> is flush with the latch mechanism <NUM>. The configuration depicted may be advantageous for situations where a passenger's head is rotated downwards and would otherwise strike a top surface of the latch mechanism <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> may thus be actively used to fill in a voided space where above the latch mechanism <NUM>, thereby smooth out the surface as a result of impact being sensed.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of one or more components of the passenger seat <NUM> is described. Although the pocket <NUM> is described as being actuated to create the flush surface with the latch mechanism <NUM> thereby shielding the latch mechanism <NUM>, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the shroud <NUM> may be actuated to shield the latch mechanism <NUM>. For example, the shroud <NUM> may be actuated in a downwards direction, thereby at least partially or entirely covering the latch mechanism <NUM>. In some instances, the shroud <NUM> may extend sufficiently far downwards such that the shroud <NUM> may also lock the tray table <NUM> in the stowed position.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of one or more components of the passenger seat <NUM> is described. Although much of the present disclosure has described one or more components of the molding as translating, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the active component used to shield the latch mechanism <NUM> may include one or more components of the tray table <NUM>. For example, the actuator <NUM> may be located within a structure of the tray table <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may then be configured to translate one or more of the pocket <NUM> (as depicted) or the shroud <NUM>. By translating the pocket <NUM>, the pocket <NUM> may be at least partially or entirely filled in. Where the pocket <NUM> is entirely filled in, the pocket <NUM> and the latch mechanism <NUM> may form a flush surface. Advantageously, the flush surface may reduce a likelihood of the passenger's chin getting caught on the shroud <NUM> during a downward motion. Furthermore, the pocket <NUM> may allow the latch mechanism <NUM> to unlock the tray table <NUM> prior to actuation.

The pocket <NUM> may also include a vertical slot <NUM>. The vertical slot <NUM> may be provided such that the pocket <NUM> does not interfere with the latch mechanism <NUM> as the pocket <NUM> is actuated. In this regard, the vertical slot <NUM> may be aligned with the latch mechanism <NUM>, when the latch mechanism <NUM> is in the downwards position. As may be understood, one or more portions of the pocket <NUM> may be separable from the tray table <NUM>. Furthermore, the tray table <NUM> may include an integral portion of the pocket <NUM> which may be used in combination with the latch mechanism <NUM> to retain the tray table <NUM> in the stowed position. Although the pocket <NUM> is depicted as being translated outwards from the tray table <NUM>, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the pocket <NUM> may slide up or slide from the sides of the shroud <NUM>.

Referring now in particular to <FIG>, the tray table <NUM> may include a slide mechanism including a fixed member <NUM> and a slidable member <NUM>. The slidable member <NUM> may be coupled between the pocket <NUM> and the fixed member <NUM> for translating the pocket <NUM>. The fixed member <NUM> may be fixed in a cavity <NUM> of the tray table <NUM> defined by a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>. The slide mechanism may also include a rotatable member <NUM>. The rotatable member <NUM> may rotate causing the slidable member <NUM> to translate the pocket. For example, the rotatable member <NUM> may rotate <NUM> and hit a rear surface of the slidable member <NUM> thereby shooting the pocket <NUM> into a position in which the pocket <NUM> shields (e.g., where the pocket <NUM> is at least partially or entirely filled in) the latch mechanism <NUM>. The rotatable member <NUM> may be spring loaded. Although the slidable member <NUM> is described as being translated by the rotatable member <NUM>, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. The slidable member <NUM> may also include one or more gear teeth which form a rack, which may be engaged with a pinion gear disposed in the cavity <NUM>. The pinion gear may then rotate and cause the slidable member <NUM> to translate the pocket <NUM> to shield the latch mechanism <NUM>.

Once the pocket <NUM> is in position, the pocket <NUM> may be locked in place. For example, the slide mechanism (e.g., one or more of the fixed member <NUM> and the slidable member <NUM>) may include a lock. The lock may be provided to prevent the slidable member <NUM> from translating, so that the pocket <NUM> is not able to move back into cavity defined within the tray table <NUM>. As depicted, in <FIG> the fixed member <NUM> and the slidable member <NUM> may each include teeth <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> may be arranged to permit one directional motion of the slidable member <NUM> relative to the fixed member <NUM> (e.g., for extending the pocket <NUM>). The arrangement of the teeth <NUM> may also caused a keying action once the slidable member <NUM> is translated, thereby preventing the pocket <NUM> from further translation. This may be beneficial in preventing the passenger's head from moving the pocket <NUM> upon impact. It is further contemplated that alternative locking features may be provided to lock the pocket <NUM>, such as, but no limited to, a ratchet and pawl, and the like.

Although the slide mechanism is described in the context of translating the pocket <NUM>, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. A similar slide mechanism may be provided for translating one or more of the shroud <NUM>, the shroud <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, the pocket <NUM>, the hinged surface <NUM>, or the like for shielding the latch mechanism <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of one or more components of the passenger seat <NUM> is described. The passenger seat <NUM> may include one or more hinged surfaces <NUM>, such as a hinged surface 602a and a hinged surface 602b. The hinged surfaces <NUM> may be rotated about a hinge <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may be set at an angle relative to the tray table, such as, but not limited to, a <NUM>-degree angle. By hinging, the hinged surfaces <NUM> may be rotated to a deployed state to at least partially or entirely cover the latch mechanism, thereby shielding the latch mechanism. The hinged surface <NUM> may further at least partially or entirely cover the shroud <NUM> and/or the shroud <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, although much of the present disclosure is directed to the use of an active component to shield the tray table latch, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the use of the active components may be advantageous in shielding other components of the seatback <NUM> which may cause undesirable neck flexion during impact. Various sections of the seatback may be actuated to accommodate an area likely to provide a problematic area upon impact. In this regard, any suitable surface connected to the rearward facing surface of the seatback may be actuated by the actuator <NUM>. For example, the one or more portions of the tray table <NUM> or the molding <NUM> may be translated to smoothen out an irregular surface (e.g., a ridge, an impression, or a depression, etc.) associated with any number of components disposed on a rear surface of the passenger seat <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, a cupholder <NUM>, a video monitor <NUM>, a coat hook <NUM>, a top edge <NUM> of the tray table <NUM>, a pivot bar <NUM>, and the like built-in tray table or molding accessories.

The cupholder <NUM> may be disposed in one of the molding <NUM> or the tray table <NUM>. As depicted, the cupholder <NUM> is disposed in the tray table <NUM> and may include an annular shaped depression by which the cupholder <NUM> is configured to hold a cup when the tray table <NUM> is deployed. The annular shaped depression of the cupholder <NUM> may be actuated inwardly or outwardly to reduce the neck injury criterion. Although not depicted, the cupholder <NUM> may also be a component of a cupholder assembly disposed within the molding <NUM>. The cupholder assembly may deploy the cupholder for holding the cup without regard to the position of the tray table <NUM>.

The video monitor <NUM> may be disposed within the molding <NUM>. The video monitor <NUM> may be provided for display videos or other digital entertainment during flight. The video monitor <NUM> may include a bezel <NUM> surrounding the video monitor <NUM>. The molding may be actuated to reduce a neck injury associated with striking the bezel <NUM>.

The top edge <NUM> of the tray table <NUM> may experience a likelihood of crushing during impact. The top edge <NUM> of the tray table <NUM> may be translated outwardly to smoothen out the surface, even if the top edge <NUM> is crushed, thereby reducing a neck injury criterion associated with striking the tray table <NUM>.

The coat hook <NUM> may be disposed on the molding <NUM> and include one or more features for retaining a coat. For example, the coat hook <NUM> may include a circular knob extending from the molding <NUM>. The molding <NUM> may be translated outwardly to reduce profile of the coat hook <NUM>, thereby reducing a neck injury criterion associated with striking the coat hook <NUM>.

The pivot bar <NUM> of the tray table may include one or more pivot joints <NUM> by which the tray table <NUM> is pivotably coupled to one or more linkages (not depicted). The linkages may then be pivotably coupled to the seatback <NUM>, by which the tray table <NUM> is configured to pivot relative to the seatback <NUM>. The bottom edge of the tray table <NUM> may be translated outwardly, thereby reducing a neck injury criterion associated with striking the pivot bar <NUM>.

Thus, one or more components of the tray table <NUM> or the molding <NUM> may be translated to reduce a likelihood of the neck catching on the irregular surface. Described are any devices that actively deploy during a <NUM> impact event to smooth the back surface to reduce a neck injury associated with striking the back surface of the passenger seat <NUM>. Optionally, the various devices may reduce inadvertent deployment of the tray table <NUM>. Such surfaces may generally be translated to reduce or eliminate a gap, a ledge, or the like on the rearward surface of the seatback. For example, the gap may be eliminated by filling the in gap, thereby forming a flush surface by any number of the various examples described herein. It is further contemplated that the surfaces described herein may not be flush, but may still reduce the gap thereby reducing a likelihood for neck flexion with catching on the gap.

Referring generally again to <FIG>, although example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in an aircraft environment, the concepts of the present disclosure may be configured to operate in alternative and/or additional contexts, unless noted otherwise herein. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the disclosure but merely an illustration.

In embodiments, the passenger seat <NUM> may also include one or more airbags. The airbags may be provided for a similar purpose of reducing a likelihood of neck flexion. However, the various translating components described herein may be advantageous in maintaining the seatback and the tray table with a reduced weight, as compared to the use of the airbags.

It is further noted herein that, where the environment includes an aircraft environment, it is noted herein the embodiments of aircraft passenger seat apparatus may be configured in accordance with avionics guidelines and/or standards put forth by, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or any other flight certification agency or organization; the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC), or any other standards setting organization or company; the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) or any other guidelines agency or organization; or the like.

Claim 1:
A passenger seat comprising:
a seatback (<NUM>) including a rearward facing surface;
an accelerometer (<NUM>) configured to generate a signal in response to detecting an acceleration indicative of an emergency event; and
an actuator (<NUM>) configured to translate one or more surfaces connected to the rearward facing surface in response to the actuator receiving the signal from the accelerometer; wherein the one or more surfaces connected to the rearward facing surface are translated to reduce a neck injury associated with neck flexion of a passenger sitting behind the passenger seat when striking the passenger seat.