SE AT ING INNOVAT ION
Passenger comfort
SUSPENSION SP1KE CUSHIONING
SYSTEM Starr has invested 10 years of R&D work into creating its Impression
aircraft seat and back cushions, which feature ‘Sp1ke’ cushioning
technology. The structure of Sp1ke has been designed based on
ergomorphology, a scientific approach designed to mitigate impact,
absorb energy, manage loads and dampen vibrations.
These properties are enabled by fitting hundreds of tiny bendable
‘nubs’ in a lightweight complex matrix with free airflow. The result is
that the surface responds to the seat occupant’s individual weight
and size and continues to adapt as they move in the seat, dispersing
pressure, promoting good body posture, and stimulating blood
and oxygen flow through a gentle passive
massage effect.
According to Starr,
the structure
is made from a
proprietary flame
resistant, lowtoxicity
aircraftinteriorsinternational.com
JUNE 2020 073
closedcell
foam that is
extremely durable,
and does not absorb
moisture or pathogens.
Cellular materials technology specialist, Zotefoams, has
developed Zotek F OSU XR, a closed-cell OSU-grade
foam. This polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) foam is an
extra-rigid, closed-cell crosslinked foam available in
densities of 120 and 150kg/m3. The foam is claimed to
be up to 70% lighter than some solid thermoplastic and
silicon alternatives, and can be used in locations such as
the interior of seat pods, stowage lockers, rigid armrests
and tray tables.
Different grades of Zotek F can be laminated together
to create a single material that is rigid on one side and
soft/flexible on the other, which makes it a useful option
for forming curves and complex shapes.
Franklin Products has revealed the pre-tension
portion of its new SLIM diaphragm attachment
system, designed to offer passenger comfort,
space savings and weight
reductions. This pre-tensioned
suspension system
is available to both
OEM and aftermarket
customers, and is
claimed by Franklin to
“significantly simplify”
the installation and
maintenance of an
otherwise cumbersome
comfort option.
Soft cabin divider
Jamco America has launched the Soft Divider, a leatherwrapped
eyebrow-type hanging cabin class divider for
single-aisle aircraft. The simple design has a larger
surface area than Jamco’s previous hanging dividers,
to create additional visual and physical separation
between the passengers either side of the unit, as
well as potentially reducing the spread of germs.
The divider also enables maximum seat density
and allows for additional legroom, or in some cases
an additional row of seats, depending on the aircraft
configuration. As the unit is flexible, it can bend
sufficiently that it will not restrict seat recline, and only
encroach into passenger space to a minimal degree.
Upon request, the Soft Divider can be formed to follow
the contour of the seatback in the reclined position.
According to Jamco the divider is easy to install
and integrate with
existing header
provisions certified
for Boeing 737
divider systems,
and is scheduled to
be certified for the
Airbus A321 later
this year.
Rigid, lightweight foam
/aircraftinteriorsinternational.com