Seat track assembly

Abstract

To provide a seat track assembly.SOLUTION: A seat track assembly (300) includes an elongate titanium crown (302), an elongate carbon-fiber reinforced polymer flange (306), and an elongate CFRP base (324). The elongate titanium crown (302) is configured to removably secure a plurality of seats to the seat track assembly. The CFRP flange is configured to support the elongate titanium crown. The elongate CFRP base has a top, two sidewalls extending vertically from opposing sides of the top, and two bottom flanges each extending laterally outward from a corresponding sidewall of the two sidewalls. A fastener (305) is insertable through aligned holes defined by the elongate titanium crown, the elongate CFRP flange, and the elongate CFRP base to mechanically fasten the elongate titanium crown, the elongate CFRP flange and the elongate CFRP base to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to seat track assemblies, and more particularly to seat track assemblies that are separable into subcomponents that are mechanically fastened together to form the seat track assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Integrated seat tracks within passenger floor structures of aircraft or other vehicles are prone to corrosion and physical deterioration over time. Physical deterioration typically occurs at the seat track crown, where seats and other structures are attached to the seat track. In some cases, physical deterioration can occur at the seat track flanges that support the floor panel between adjacent seat tracks. In one example, repairing a physically deteriorated integrated seat track requires removing the entire seat track and replacing it with a new seat track, even if only a portion of the seat track is physically deteriorated. This repair process disrupts the previous alignment of the seat track with respect to adjacent seat tracks along the aircraft's waterline (WL), station (STA), and buttline (BL) axes. Realigning multiple seat tracks en masse along all three axes after installing new seat tracks as part of the repair process can be very time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A seat track assembly is disclosed. The seat track assembly includes an elongated titanium crown, an elongated carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange, and an elongated CFRP base. The elongated titanium crown is configured to removably secure multiple seats to the seat track assembly. The CFRP flange is configured to support the elongated titanium crown. The elongated CFRP base has an upper portion configured to support the elongated CFRP flange, two sidewalls extending vertically from opposite sides of the upper portion, and two bottom flanges each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the sidewalls. Fasteners are insertable through aligned holes defined by the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to one another. Fasteners are removable from the aligned holes to mechanically separate the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base from one another.

[0004] The above-described features and functions can be realized individually in various embodiments or can be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen in the following specification and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an aircraft in which seats are installed on seat track assemblies. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of an aircraft floor support structure including a plurality of seat track assemblies. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a seat track assembly. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a seat track assembly. [Figure 5]1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a seat track assembly configured to span over the top of multiple floor support beams. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a seat track assembly configured to span over the top of multiple floor support beams. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a seat track assembly configured to fit between multiple floor support beams. [Figure 8] 8 illustrates a top view of the intersection of the seat track assembly shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 8 illustrates a bottom view of the intersection of the seat track assembly shown in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present description relates to a seat track assembly that has improved corrosion resistance, is easier to repair or replace, and is lighter and less expensive than other integrated seat track assemblies. The seat track assembly described herein reduces the time required to accomplish repairs by separating the seat track structure into subcomponents including an elongated titanium crown, an elongated carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange, and an elongated CFRP base. The elongated titanium crown is configured to removably secure multiple seats to the seat track assembly. The elongated CFRP flange is configured to support the elongated titanium crown. The elongated CFRP flange is further configured to support a floor panel disposed between adjacent seat track assemblies.

[0007] A fastener is insertable through the aligned holes defined by the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to one another, and a fastener is removable from the aligned holes to mechanically decouple the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base from one another.

[0008] By forming the extended crown from titanium, the extended crown has improved degradation and corrosion properties relative to crowns formed from materials such as steel or aluminum. Furthermore, by forming the extended flange and extended base from CFRP, the extended flange and extended base have improved degradation and corrosion properties relative to corresponding subcomponents formed from aluminum or other materials. Furthermore, by forming the subcomponents from CFRP, the subcomponents are less expensive to manufacture than corresponding subcomponents formed from titanium. Because the extended crown is more frequently exposed to sources of degradation, the extended crown is formed from titanium, but the extended flange and extended base need not be formed from titanium; instead, they are formed from CFRP. For example, exposure to passengers and crew members and / or the process of installing and removing seats from the seat tracks can be sources of degradation against which titanium's superior material strength properties provide resistance. Because the other subcomponents are less exposed to such sources of degradation, CFRP can provide appropriately advanced degradation and corrosion properties while being cheaper and lighter than titanium. Additionally, using CFRP instead of titanium allows fasteners to be attached to the seat track assembly without the need for tight-fitting sealing and / or wetting with lubricants during installation.

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft 100 having a fuselage 102. The fuselage 102, depicted in greater detail below, includes an interior cabin section 104. The interior cabin section 104 includes a plurality of passenger seats 106 arranged in rows oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 108 of the fuselage 102. Each row of passenger seats 106 is mechanically secured to two or more seat track assemblies 110, which are typically oriented coaxially with the longitudinal axis 108 of the fuselage 102. The seat track assemblies 110 provide a structural frame that secures the passenger seats 106 to the fuselage 102. Aircraft floor panels 112 are installed between pairs of the seat track assemblies 110. The aircraft floor panels 112 provide a structural floor for supporting passengers, luggage, and other equipment in the interior cabin section 104.

[0010] Aircraft 100 is provided as a non-limiting example of a vehicle that may use seat track assembly 110. Seat track assembly 110 may be used in any suitable type of vehicle to provide improved resistance to deterioration, yet is easier, lighter, and less expensive to repair or replace relative to other one-piece seat assemblies.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portion of an aircraft floor support structure 200, which includes a plurality of seat track assemblies 202 supported by a plurality of floor support beams 204. The seat track assemblies 202 are mounted atop the floor support beams 204 via a plurality of shear clips 206. A plurality of floor stanchions 208 mechanically couple the plurality of floor support beams 204 to a plurality of fuselage support frames 210. Specifically, a representative seat track assembly 202' is mounted atop a representative floor support beam 204'. Note that the use of "'" and "" indicates individual representative instances of multiple specific components. For example, the representative seat track assembly 202' is representative of the plurality of seat track assemblies 202 included in the floor support structure 200. A representative shear clip 206' mechanically secures the representative seat track assembly 202 to the representative floor support beam 204'. A pair of exemplary floor posts 208' and 208" are mechanically coupled to opposite ends of the exemplary floor support beam 204'. The pair of exemplary floor posts 208' and 208" are mechanically coupled to an exemplary fuselage support frame 210'.

[0012] Each of the plurality of seat track assemblies 202 may be arranged in the same configuration as the representative seat track assembly 202′ to form the floor support structure 200. The plurality of seat track assemblies 202 are aligned relative to one another with respect to the waterline (WL), station (STA), and buttline (BL) axes of the aircraft.

[0013] The exemplary seat track assembly 202' includes subcomponents that can be mechanically separated from one another if a particular subcomponent needs to be repaired or replaced. For example, the elongated titanium crown (e.g., elongated titanium crown 302 shown in FIGS. 3-4) is configured to be removable from the exemplary seat track assembly 202' without disturbing the overall alignment of the exemplary seat track assembly 202' along any of the waterline, station, and buttline axes. Specifically, the other subcomponents of the exemplary seat track assembly 202' can remain in place within the floor support structure 200 when the elongated titanium crown is removed.

[0014] 3-4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a seat track assembly 300. For example, seat track assembly 300 may represent any of the seat track assemblies 202 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a particular length of seat track assembly 300. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of seat track assembly 300.

[0015] Seat track assembly 300 includes an elongated titanium crown 302 configured to removably secure multiple seats (not shown) to seat track assembly 300. Elongated titanium crown 302 defines a plurality of holes 304 configured to receive a plurality of fasteners, such as fastener 305. In some cases, a fastener may be inserted into one of the plurality of holes 304 to mechanically secure various subcomponents of the seat track assembly to one another. In some cases, a fastener may be inserted into one of the plurality of holes 304 to mechanically secure a seat to seat track assembly 300. The plurality of holes 304 defined in elongated titanium crown 302 allows for a secure attachment of the seat while also providing the flexibility to quickly and easily move the seat by removing the corresponding fastener and aligning the seat with a different set of holes in elongated titanium crown 302.

[0016] The material strength properties of elongated titanium crown 302 are suitable for reducing or preventing degradation over time due to absorbing various forces applied by seats or other components secured to elongated titanium crown 302 during operation. Titanium's material strength properties are greater than other more corrosive materials typically used to form crowns, such as aluminum. Furthermore, titanium has material properties suitable for reducing or preventing corrosion over extended periods of operation. In addition, titanium has a higher strength per weight ratio compared to other materials with similar material strength properties, which contributes to reducing the overall weight of the aircraft in which seat track assembly 300 is installed.

[0017] Seat track assembly 300 includes an elongated carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange 306 configured to support an elongated titanium crown 302. The width of elongated CFRP flange 306 is greater than the width of elongated titanium crown 302. Elongated CFRP flange 306 includes protrusions 310 and 312 that extend laterally outward beyond sides 314 and 316 of elongated titanium crown 302. Protrusions 310 and 312 are configured to support floor panels 318 and 320 that extend between corresponding protrusions of adjacent seat track assemblies (not shown). Protrusions 310 and 312 may have a width suitable for supporting floor panels 318 and 320.

[0018] In some embodiments, the elongated CFRP flange 306 is flat, i.e., the flange has a planar upper surface for supporting the floor panels 318 and 320. In other embodiments, the elongated CFRP flange 306, or a portion thereof, has a non-flat surface (e.g., a concave or convex cross-section) for supporting the floor panels 318 and 320. In some embodiments, the elongated CFRP flange 306 has a surface that varies along the length of the seat track assembly 300. For example, the elongated CFRP flange 306 can include a series of features (e.g., posts, holes, scallops) that connect with corresponding series of features on the floor panels 318 and 320, enabling the floor panels 318 and 320 to be coupled between adjacent seat track assemblies. In some embodiments, the elongated titanium crown 302 can include a series of features that connect with cooperating series of features on the floor panels 318 and 320.

[0019] In some similar fashion, while the portion of the elongated CFRP flange supporting the elongated titanium crown in FIG. 4 is shown as flat, some embodiments may include non-flat portions (e.g., concave or convex cross-sections) and / or surface features (e.g., protrusions, grooves, detents, etc.), such as to connect or align with correspondingly shaped surfaces or complementary surface features on the elongated titanium crown to facilitate alignment of the components before being secured together.

[0020] Elongated CFRP flange 306 defines a plurality of holes 322 configured to receive a plurality of fasteners, such as fastener 305. The plurality of holes 322 in elongated CFRP flange 306 is configured to align with the plurality of holes 304 defined in elongated titanium crown 302. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 304 defined in elongated titanium crown 302 and the plurality of holes 322 defined in elongated CFRP flange 306 may have the same diameter.

[0021] The seat track assembly 300 may include an elongated CFRP base 324 having a top 326 configured to support the elongated CFRP flanges 306. The elongated CFRP base 324 further includes two sidewalls 328, 330 extending vertically from opposite sides of the top 326 and two bottom flanges 332, 334 each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the sidewalls 328, 330. As used herein, vertical may mean substantially vertical (e.g., within + / - 10 degrees), whereby the sidewalls 328, 330 are not necessarily parallel, and horizontal may mean substantially horizontal (e.g., within + / - 22.5 degrees). Generally, any shape that provides suitable structural properties is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] Furthermore, although the surfaces of the stretched CFRP flanges and the surfaces of the stretched CFRP base that contact each other when the components are fastened together are shown as flat in FIG. 4 , as previously described, the surfaces or portions thereof may be non-flat (e.g., concave or convex) and / or may include corresponding surface features to facilitate alignment of the components before being fastened together.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more of bottom flanges 332 and 334 of elongated CFRP base 324 includes a reinforcing return flange 338 that projects upwardly from the outer end of the bottom flange. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom flange 334 includes a reinforcing return flange 338. Reinforcing return flange 338 may be included in elongated CFRP base 324 in scenarios where elongated CFRP base 324 has greater operating weight requirements. For example, reinforcing return flange 338 may be included in elongated CFRP base 324 when seat track assembly 300 is used within the floor support structure of a cargo aircraft and seat track assembly 300 must support the weight of cargo, which may be greater than the weight of passengers.

[0024] Elongated CFRP base 324 defines a plurality of holes 336 configured to receive a plurality of fasteners, such as fastener 305. The plurality of holes 336 defined in elongated CFRP base 324 is configured to align with the plurality of holes 304 defined in elongated titanium crown 302 and the plurality of holes 322 defined in elongated CFRP flange 306. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 304 defined in elongated titanium crown 302, the plurality of holes 322 defined in elongated CFRP flange 306, and the plurality of holes 336 defined in CFRP base 324 may have the same diameter.

[0025] In one example embodiment where one or more components of an assembly are shaped and / or include surface features to facilitate alignment within the assembly, at least some of the holes may be configured to provide such alignment. In such an example, at least some of the holes 322 in elongated CFRP flange 306 and / or at least some of the holes 336 in elongated CFRP base 324 are configured to partially protrude from the surface of the component, e.g., to fit partially within corresponding holes in another component.

[0026] Fastener 305 is insertable through aligned holes 304, 322, 336 defined by elongated titanium crown 302, elongated CFRP flange 306, and elongated CFRP base 324 to mechanically secure elongated titanium crown 302, elongated CFRP flange 306, and elongated CFRP base 324 to one another. Additionally, fastener 305 is removable from aligned holes 304, 322, 336 to mechanically decouple elongated titanium crown 302, elongated CFRP flange 306, and elongated CFRP base 324 from one another.

[0027] The aligned holes 304, 322, 336 defined by the elongated titanium crown 302, the elongated CFRP flange 306, and the elongated CFRP base 324 form a first set of aligned holes 336 corresponding to the fasteners 305. Furthermore, the elongated titanium crown 302, the elongated CFRP flange 306, and the elongated CFRP base 324 form multiple sets of aligned holes 336, 336', 336", .... The multiple sets of aligned holes 336, 336', 336", are spaced longitudinally along the seat track assembly 300.

[0028] A plurality of fasteners (not shown) are insertable through the sets of aligned holes 336, 336′, 336″, ... to mechanically secure elongated titanium crown 302, elongated CFRP flange 306, and elongated CFRP base 324 to one another. A plurality of fasteners are removable from the sets of aligned holes 336, 336′, 336″, ... to mechanically decouple elongated titanium crown 302, elongated CFRP flange 306, and elongated CFRP base 324 from one another.

[0029] By allowing the individual subcomponents of seat track assembly 300 to be separable from one another, the individual subcomponents of seat track assembly 300 can be removed and / or replaced while maintaining the previous alignment of seat track assembly 300 within the aircraft floor support structure (i.e., without the need for realignment) relative to the aircraft's waterline (WL), station (STA), and buttline (BL) axes. In this manner, seat track assembly 300 facilitates quick and easy maintenance and / or repair over one-piece seat track assemblies that must be tediously realigned when replaced and / or repaired.

[0030] The elongated CFRP flange 306 and the elongated CFRP base 324 are formed from a CFRP material, which may have a higher strength-to-weight ratio and greater stiffness (stiffness) than steel, aluminum, and other materials typically utilized in integrated seat track assemblies. The CFRP material may include a bonding polymer that provides suitable material strength and stiffness properties for supporting the floor panels 318 and 320 and additional aircraft weight requirements (e.g., seats, passengers, cargo). In some examples, the CFRP flange 306 may be formed using a bonding polymer that includes a thermosetting resin, such as epoxy. In some examples, other thermosetting or thermoplastic polymers may be used. Additionally, the CFRP material can be easily bent / folded to form the curved corners of the elongated CFRP base 324. Forming such a curved base for a base made of metal may be substantially more complicated and time-consuming for CFRP material.

[0031] In various embodiments, the seat track assembly can be configured for various attachment to multiple floor support beams. In some embodiments, the seat track assembly can be configured to attach atop multiple floor support beams such that the seat track assembly spans the multiple floor support beams. FIGS. 5-6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a seat track assembly 500 configured to attach atop multiple floor support beams 510. For example, the seat track assembly 500 can represent the seat track assembly 300 illustrated with respect to FIGS. 3-4. The seat track assembly 500 includes an elongated titanium crown 502, an elongated CFRP flange 504, and an elongated CFRP base 506. The seat track assembly 500 further includes multiple shear clips 508 corresponding to the multiple floor support beams 510. Each of the multiple shear clips 508 is configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base 506 of the seat track assembly 500 to a corresponding floor support beam 510.

[0032] In some embodiments, the plurality of shear clips 508 comprise titanium. Shear clips comprising titanium reduce the likelihood of shear clip corrosion relative to shear clips comprising materials such as steel or aluminum. Additionally, titanium shear clips eliminate the need for tight-fitting seals and wet installation (using lubricants) of fasteners. In other embodiments, the plurality of shear clips 508 comprise CFRP. Shear clips comprising CFRP offer higher strength-to-weight characteristics and are less costly and complex to manufacture than titanium. In yet other embodiments, the plurality of shear clips 508 may comprise other materials with suitably high strength-to-weight and / or corrosion-resistant properties.

[0033] An exemplary shear clip 508' of the plurality of shear clips 508 includes a back plate 512 and two side walls 514, 516. The exterior width (W1) of the exemplary shear clip 508' is slightly narrower than the interior width (W2) between the side walls 518, 520 of the elongated CFRP base 506, allowing the exemplary shear clip 508' to fit snugly within the elongated CFRP base 506. Each of the side walls 518, 520 of the elongated CFRP base 506 defines an aperture 522, 524, 526, 528 configured to receive a base fastener 530, 532, 534, 536. Correspondingly, each of the side walls 514, 516 of the exemplary shear clip 508' defines an aperture 538, 540, 542, 544 configured to receive a base fastener 530, 532, 534, 536. Holes 538, 540, 542, and 544 formed in the exemplary shear clip 508' are configured to align with holes 522, 524, 526, and 528 formed in the stretched CFRP base 506 when the exemplary shear clip 508' is seated within the stretched CFRP base 506. In the illustrated embodiment, two base fasteners are used to mechanically secure each side wall of the exemplary shear clip 508' to the stretched CFRP base 506 to prevent the exemplary shear clip 508' from rotating relative to the stretched CFRP base 506. Other numbers of base fasteners may be used.

[0034] The exemplary shear clip 508' may be configured to be mechanically secured to the exemplary floor support beam 510' via a plurality of beam fasteners (e.g., exemplary beam fastener 546' shown in FIG. 6). Specifically, the backplate 512 forms a plurality of holes (e.g., exemplary holes 548' shown in FIG. 6), each configured to receive a corresponding beam fastener (e.g., exemplary beam fastener 546'). The plurality of beam fasteners 546 are configured to mechanically secure the exemplary shear clip 508' to the exemplary floor support beam 510'. The exemplary shear clip 508' is mechanically secured to the exemplary floor support beam 510' via two or more beam fasteners, preventing the exemplary shear clip 508' from rotating relative to the exemplary floor support beam 510'.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the beam fasteners 546 are oriented orthogonally relative to the base fasteners 530, 532, 534, 536 to maintain alignment of the seat track assembly 500 in all three axes (i.e., the STA axis, the BL axis, and the WL axis) when the seat track assembly 500 is mechanically secured to the floor support beams 510.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the exemplary shear clip 508' is configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base 506 to the exemplary floor support beam 510' such that the two bottom flanges 550, 552 of the elongated CFRP base 506 are positioned above the exemplary floor support beam 510'. In some embodiments, the bottom flanges 550, 552 rest on the top 554 of the exemplary floor support beam 510'. In other embodiments, a gap may exist between the bottom flanges 550, 552 and the top 554 of the exemplary floor support beam 510'. Such a gap may depend on the design requirements of the aircraft floor support structure. In the illustrated embodiment of a seat track assembly positioned entirely on top of multiple floor support beams, each of the multiple floor support beams is continuous, facilitating straight alignment. However, such a seat track assembly has a greater overall height than a seat track assembly that fits at least partially between adjacent floor support beams.

[0037] In some embodiments, a seat track assembly can be configured to fit at least partially between adjacent floor support beams. Figures 7-9 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a seat track assembly 700 configured to fit at least partially between adjacent ones of a plurality of floor support beams 702. For example, seat track assembly 700 can represent seat track assembly 300 shown with respect to Figures 3-4. Seat track assembly 700 includes an elongated titanium crown 704, an elongated CFRP flange 706, and a plurality of individual elongated CFRP base sections 708.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, both the elongated titanium crown 704 and the elongated CFRP flange 706 are configured to extend across the tops of the plurality of floor support beams 702. Each of the plurality of individual elongated CFRP base pieces 708 is configured to fit between adjacent ones of the plurality of floor support beams 702. The plurality of individual elongated CFRP base pieces 708 are configured to be secured to the plurality of floor support beams 702 via a plurality of shear clips 710. For example, a representative individual elongated CFRP base section 708' is configured to fit snugly between adjacent representative floor support beams 702' and 702". A first end 712 of the representative individual elongated CFRP base section 708' is secured to a first representative floor support beam 702' via a first shear clip 710' at a first intersection 714, and a second end 716 of the representative individual elongated CFRP base section 708' is secured to a second representative floor support beam 702" via a second shear clip 710" at a second intersection 718.

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the intersection 714 of the seat track assembly 700 shown in FIG. 7 , and FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the intersection 714 of the seat track assembly 700 shown in FIG. 7 . In the illustrated embodiment, a first shear clip 710′ is mechanically secured to a corresponding sidewall 800 of a representative individual stretched CFRP base section 708′ via base fasteners 802 and 804. Additionally, the first shear clip 710′ is mechanically secured to a corresponding sidewall 806 of a representative floor support beam 702′ via support fasteners 808 and 810. Any suitable type of fastener may be used to mechanically secure the first shear clip 710′ to the corresponding sidewall 800 of the representative individual stretched CFRP base section 708′ and the corresponding sidewall 806 of the representative floor support beam 702′. For example, the fasteners may be screws, bolts, rivets, or other types of fasteners.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first shear clip 710' is configured to bracket and support the representative individual extended CFRP base section 708' to maintain the representative individual extended CFRP base section 708' in alignment with the representative floor support beam 702'. Specifically, the first shear clip 710' includes an outer bracket wall (e.g., outer bracket wall 812) secured to a corresponding outer sidewall (e.g., outer sidewall 800) of the representative individual extended CFRP base section 708'. The first shear clip 710' further includes an inner bracket wall (e.g., inner bracket wall 814 shown in FIG. 9) secured to an inner sidewall (e.g., inner sidewall 900 shown in FIG. 9) of the representative individual extended CFRP base section 708'. The shear clip 710' is provided by way of non-limiting example. The shear clips may be of any suitable form for mechanically securing the representative individual elongated CFRP base section 708' to the representative floor support beam 702'.

[0041] In some embodiments, the seat track assembly 700 includes multiple interface components 720. Each interface component 720 is configured to mechanically secure two adjacent individual elongated CFRP base sections to each other and to the intervening floor support. As shown in FIGS. 8-9 , an exemplary interface component 720′ is mechanically secured to the bottom flange 818 of an exemplary individual elongated CFRP base section 708′, the bottom flange 820 of an adjacent individual elongated CFRP base section 822, and the exemplary floor support beam 702′ via multiple base flange fasteners 824. The multiple interface components 720 may comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, the multiple interface components 720 comprise CFRP. In other embodiments, the multiple interface components 720 comprise titanium. Because the elongated CFRP base is divided into individual sections in this embodiment, multiple interface components can be used to improve the overall stiffness of the seat track assembly 700.

[0042] In some embodiments, the elongated CFRP flange 706 is configured to be mechanically fastened to each of the plurality of floor support beams 702 via a plurality of flange fasteners. Specifically, the elongated CFRP flange 706 includes a plurality of protrusions extending laterally above the tops of the plurality of floor support beams 702. As shown in FIGS. 8-9 , the elongated CFRP flange 706 includes an exemplary protrusion 826, which defines a hole 828 configured to receive a flange fastener 830. The exemplary floor support beam 702′ defines a corresponding hole 832 configured to align with the hole 828 defined in the exemplary protrusion 826 of the elongated CFRP flange 706. The flange fastener 830 is insertable through the holes 828 and 832 to mechanically fasten the elongated CFRP flange 706 to the exemplary floor support beam 702′.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated titanium crown 704 and elongated CFRP flange 706 are continuous, and the elongated CFRP base is divided into multiple individual sections 708. Each individual CFRP base section 708 fits snugly between adjacent floor support beams 702 across which the elongated titanium crown 704 and elongated CFRP flange 706 span. The elongated CFRP flanges 706 rest directly above the tops of the multiple floor support beams 702 and are mechanically secured to the multiple floor support beams to provide adequate alignment strength. Each CFRP base section 708 is mechanically secured to the adjacent floor support beams 702 via shear clips 710 to provide moment continuity. In this embodiment, the elongated titanium crown 704 and elongated CFRP flange 706 are lowered relative to the corresponding subcomponent sections of the seat track assembly 500 shown in FIG. 5. Such an arrangement allows the seat track assembly 700 to be generally recessed between the floor support beams, thereby reducing the overall height of the aircraft floor support structure. Such height reduction may allow for a reduction in the overall fuselage section height for drag reduction and improved aircraft flight performance and / or may allow for a taller passenger cabin.

[0044] The seat track assemblies described herein include materials (i.e., titanium and CFRP) that reduce or eliminate corrosion issues. Furthermore, such materials do not require tight-fitting surface sealants or corrosion-resistant compounds for installation. The CFRP components are molded to allow for fabrication using a variety of resin / fiber systems, including desired thermoset and thermoplastic materials. Furthermore, the seat track assembly is separable into subcomponents to allow removal of the elongated titanium crown and elongated CFRP flange for repair or replacement without the seat track assembly moving out of alignment with the floor support structure to which it is aligned. Specifically, the elongated CFRP base remains attached to the floor support beam and remains aligned with respect to the WL, BL, and STA axes. Because the bond remains intact during removal of the crown and flange, the aligned holes in the crown, flange, and base allow the crown and flange to be realigned in alignment with the WL, BL, and STA axes, eliminating the need for tooling when reinstalling the subcomponents into the seat track assembly. In this manner, the original factory alignment can be maintained for the life of the aircraft. While the seat track assembly has been described in the context of use in an aircraft, the seat track assembly can be used in any suitable vehicle that provides the features and advantages described above.

[0045] In one example, a seat track assembly includes an elongated titanium crown configured to removably secure a plurality of seats to the seat track assembly; an elongated carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange configured to support the elongated titanium crown; and an elongated CFRP base having a top configured to support the elongated CFRP flange, two sidewalls extending vertically from opposite sides of the top, and two bottom flanges each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the sidewalls, wherein fasteners are insertable through aligned holes defined by the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to one another, and the fasteners are removable from the aligned holes to allow the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to be mechanically separated from one another. In this and / or other examples, the elongated CFRP flange may include a protrusion extending laterally outward from a side of the elongated titanium crown, the protrusion being configured to support a floor panel extending between corresponding protrusions of adjacent seat track assemblies. In this and / or other examples, the bottom flange of the elongated CFRP base may include a reinforcing return flange protruding upward from an outer end of the bottom flange. In this and / or other examples, the seat track assembly may further include a plurality of shear clips corresponding to the plurality of floor support beams, each of the plurality of shear clips configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base to a corresponding floor support beam. In this and / or other examples, the plurality of shear clips may be at least one of titanium and CFRP. In this and / or other examples, the seat track assembly may further include a plurality of floor stanchions configured to mechanically secure the plurality of floor support beams to the fuselage structure.In this and / or other examples, the elongated CFRP base may be configured to span a plurality of floor support beams, and each of the plurality of shear clips may be configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base to a corresponding floor support beam such that two bottom flanges of the elongated CFRP base are positioned above the plurality of floor support beams. In this and / or other examples, each of the plurality of shear clips may be configured to fit snugly between two side walls of the elongated CFRP base, and each of the plurality of shear clips may be configured to be mechanically secured to a respective one of the two side walls via a plurality of base fasteners. In this and / or other examples, each of the plurality of shear clips may be configured to be mechanically secured to a corresponding floor support beam via a plurality of beam fasteners, and the plurality of base fasteners may be oriented orthogonal to each other within the seat track assembly. In this and / or other examples, the elongated CFRP base may be configured to fit snugly between a pair of adjacent floor support beams of the plurality of floor support beams, and each of the plurality of shear clips may be mechanically secured to a corresponding sidewall of the elongated CFRP base and a corresponding sidewall of the adjacent floor support beam. In this and / or other examples, both the elongated titanium crown and the elongated CFRP flange may be configured to extend across the tops of the plurality of floor support beams. In this and / or other examples, the elongated CFRP flange may be mechanically secured to the pair of adjacent floor support beams via a plurality of flange fasteners. In this and / or other examples, the seat track assembly may further include a connecting component mechanically secured to the bottom flange of the elongated CFRP base, the adjacent bottom flanges of the adjacent elongated CFRP bases, and the elongated CFRP base and the floor support beam mechanically secured to the adjacent elongated CFRP base.In this and / or other examples, the aligned holes defined by the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base can form a first set of aligned holes, the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base can form multiple sets of aligned holes comprising the first set, the multiple sets of aligned holes can be spaced longitudinally along the seat track assembly, a plurality of fasteners can be insertable through the multiple sets of aligned holes to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to one another, and the multiple fasteners can be removable from the multiple sets of aligned holes to allow the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to be mechanically separated from one another.

[0046] In another example, a seat track assembly is configured to removably secure a plurality of seats to the seat track assembly, the seat track assembly including: an elongated titanium crown; an elongated CFRP flange configured to support the elongated titanium crown; an elongated CFRP base having an upper portion configured to support the elongated CFRP flange, two side walls extending vertically from opposite sides of the upper portion, and two bottom flanges each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the two side walls, the elongated CFRP base configured to span a plurality of floor support beams; and a plurality of shear clips corresponding to the plurality of floor support beams, each of the plurality of shear clips being configured to support the elongated titanium crown. and a plurality of shear clips configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base to corresponding floor support beams such that the two bottom flanges of the CFRP base are disposed on the plurality of floor support beams, wherein fasteners are insertable through aligned holes defined by the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to one another, and the fasteners are removable from the aligned holes to allow the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to be mechanically separated from one another. In this and / or other examples, each of the plurality of shear clips can be configured to fit snugly between two side walls of the elongated CFRP base, and each of the plurality of shear clips can be configured to be mechanically secured to each of the two side walls via a plurality of base fasteners. In this and / or other examples, each of the multiple shear clips can be configured to be mechanically secured to a corresponding floor support beam via multiple beam fasteners, and the multiple base fasteners can be oriented orthogonally to the multiple base fasteners within the seat track assembly.

[0047] In yet another example, a seat track assembly includes an elongated titanium crown configured to removably secure a plurality of seats to the seat track assembly; an elongated CFRP flange configured to support the elongated titanium crown; and an elongated CFRP base having a top configured to support the elongated CFRP flange, two side walls extending vertically from opposite sides of the top, and two bottom flanges each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the two side walls, wherein the elongated CFRP base is configured to fit snugly between a pair of adjacent floor support beams, and each of a plurality of shear clips is configured to support the elongated CFRP flange. are configured to be mechanically fastened to the corresponding sidewalls of the elongated CFRP base and the corresponding sidewalls of the adjacent floor support beams, with fasteners insertable through aligned holes defined by the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to one another, and the fasteners removable from the aligned holes to allow the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base to be mechanically separated from one another. In this and / or other examples, both the elongated titanium crown and the elongated CFRP flange can be configured to extend across the tops of an adjacent pair of floor support beams. In this and / or other examples, the elongated CFRP flanges can be mechanically fastened to the adjacent pair of floor support beams via a plurality of flange fasteners.

[0048] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0049] Clause 1. A seat track assembly (300), comprising: an elongated titanium crown (302) configured to removably secure a plurality of seats (106) to the seat track assembly (300); an elongated carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange (306) configured to support the elongated titanium crown (302); an elongated CFRP base (324) having a top (326) configured to support the elongated CFRP flange (306), two side walls (328, 330) extending vertically from opposite sides of the top (326), and two bottom flanges (332, 334) each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the two side walls (328, 330); Equipped with A seat track assembly (300) in which a fastener (305) is insertable through aligned holes (304, 322, 336) defined by the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to one another, and the fastener (305) is removable from the aligned holes (304, 322, 336) to allow the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to be mechanically separated from one another.

[0050] Clause 2. A seat track assembly (300) as described in clause 1, wherein the elongated CFRP flange (306) includes protrusions (310, 312) extending laterally outward beyond the sides of the elongated titanium crown (302), the protrusions (310, 312) being configured to support floor panels (318, 320) extending between the protrusions of adjacent seat track assemblies.

[0051] Clause 3. The seat track assembly (300) of clause 1 or 2, wherein the bottom flanges (322, 334) of the elongated CFRP base (324) include reinforcing return flanges (338) projecting upwardly from the outer ends of the bottom flanges (322, 334).

[0052] Clause 4. A seat track assembly (300) as described in any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the seat track assembly (300) further includes a plurality of shear clips (206) corresponding to the plurality of floor support beams (204), each of the plurality of shear clips (206) configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base to a corresponding floor support beam.

[0053] Clause 5. The seat track assembly (300) of clause 4, wherein the plurality of shear clips (206) are at least one of titanium or CFRP.

[0054] Clause 6. The seat track assembly (300) of clause 4 or 5, further comprising a plurality of floor struts (208) configured to mechanically couple the plurality of floor support beams (204) to the fuselage structure (210).

[0055] Clause 7. A seat track assembly (300) as described in any one of clauses 4 to 6, wherein the elongated CFRP base (324) is configured to span a plurality of floor support beams (204), and each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base (324) to a corresponding floor support beam (204) so ​​that two bottom flanges (332, 334) of the elongated CFRP base (324) are positioned above the plurality of floor support beams (204).

[0056] Clause 8. A seat track assembly (300) as described in clause 7, wherein each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to fit snugly between two side walls (328, 330) of the stretched CFRP base (324), and each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to be mechanically secured to each of the two side walls (328, 330) via a plurality of base fasteners (530, 532, 534, 536).

[0057] Clause 9. A seat track assembly (300) as described in clause 8, wherein each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to be mechanically secured to a corresponding floor support beam (204) via a plurality of beam fasteners (546), and the plurality of base fasteners (530, 532, 534, 536) are oriented within the seat track assembly (300) perpendicular to the plurality of beam fasteners (546).

[0058] Clause 10. A seat track assembly (300) as described in any one of clauses 4 to 9, wherein the elongated CFRP base (708') is configured to fit snugly between a pair of adjacent floor support beams (702', 702") of the plurality of floor support beams (702), and each of the plurality of shear clips (710) is mechanically secured to a corresponding side wall (800) of the elongated CFRP base (708') and a corresponding side wall (806) of the adjacent floor support beam (702').

[0059] Clause 11. The seat track assembly (300) of clause 10, wherein both the elongated titanium crown (302) and the elongated CFRP flange (306) are configured to extend across the tops of a plurality of floor support beams (510).

[0060] Clause 12. The seat track assembly (300) of clause 10 or 11, wherein the elongated CFRP flanges (306) are mechanically secured to the pair of adjacent floor support beams (702', 702") via a plurality of flange fasteners (830).

[0061] Clause 13. The seat track assembly (300) of any one of clauses 10 to 12, further comprising a joining component (720') mechanically secured to the bottom flange (818) of the elongated CFRP base (706'), the adjacent bottom flange (820) of the adjacent elongated CFRP base (822), and a floor support beam (702') mechanically secured to the elongated CFRP base (706') and the adjacent elongated CFRP base (822).

[0062] Clause 14. The aligned holes (304, 332, 336) defined by the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) form a first set of aligned holes (336), and the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) form a plurality of sets of aligned holes (336, 336', 336") including the first set (336), and the plurality of sets of aligned holes (336, 336', 336") are longitudinally spaced along the seat track assembly (300), and the plurality of flanges 14. The seat track assembly (300) of any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein a snap (305) is insertable through the multiple sets of aligned holes (336, 336', 336") to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to one another, and wherein the multiple fasteners (305) are removable from the multiple sets of aligned holes (336, 336', 336") to allow the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to be mechanically separated from one another.

[0063] Clause 15. A seat track assembly (300), comprising: an elongated titanium crown (302) configured to removably secure a plurality of seats (106) to the seat track assembly (300); an elongated carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange (306) configured to support the elongated titanium crown (302); an elongated CFRP base (324) having a top (326) configured to support the elongated CFRP flanges (306), two side walls (328, 330) extending vertically from opposite sides of the top (326), and two bottom flanges (332, 334) each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the two side walls (328, 330), the elongated CFRP base (324) configured to span a plurality of floor support beams (204); a plurality of shear clips (206) corresponding to the plurality of floor support beams (204), each shear clip (206) configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base (324) to a corresponding floor support beam (204) such that two bottom flanges (332, 334) of the elongated CFRP base (324) are positioned above the plurality of floor support beams (204); Equipped with A seat track assembly (300) in which a fastener (305) is insertable through aligned holes (304, 322, 336) defined by the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to one another, and the fastener (305) is removable from the aligned holes (304, 322, 336) to allow the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to be mechanically separated from one another.

[0064] Clause 16. A seat track assembly (300) as described in clause 15, wherein each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to fit snugly between two side walls (328, 330) of the stretched CFRP base (324), and each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to be mechanically secured to each of the two side walls (328, 330) via a plurality of base fasteners (530, 532, 534, 536).

[0065] Clause 17. A seat track assembly (300) as described in Clause 16, wherein each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to be mechanically secured to a corresponding floor support beam (204) via a plurality of beam fasteners (546'), and the plurality of base fasteners (530, 532, 534, 536) are oriented orthogonal to the plurality of beam fasteners (546) within the seat track assembly (300).

[0066] Clause 18. A seat track assembly (300), comprising: an elongated titanium crown (302) configured to removably secure a plurality of seats (106) to the seat track assembly (300); an elongated carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange (306) configured to support the elongated titanium crown (302); an elongated CFRP base (324) having a top (326) configured to support the elongated CFRP flanges (306), two side walls (328, 330) extending vertically from opposite sides of the top (326), and two bottom flanges (332, 334) each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the side walls (328, 330), the elongated CFRP base (324) configured to fit snugly between adjacent pairs of floor support beams (702', 702); a plurality of shear clips (710), each configured to be mechanically secured to a corresponding side wall (800) of the elongated CFRP base (708) and a corresponding side wall (806) of an adjacent floor support beam (702'); Equipped with A seat track assembly (300) in which a fastener (305) is insertable through aligned holes (304, 322, 336) defined by the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to one another, and the fastener (305) is removable from the aligned holes (304, 322, 336) to allow the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to be mechanically separated from one another.

[0067] Clause 19. The seat track assembly (300) of clause 18, wherein both the elongated titanium crown (302) and the elongated CFRP flange (306) are configured to extend across the tops of adjacent pairs of floor support beams (702', 702").

[0068] Clause 20. The seat track assembly (300) of clause 19, wherein the elongated CFRP flanges (306) are mechanically secured to the pair of adjacent floor support beams (702', 702") via a plurality of flange fasteners (830).

[0069] The present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements and techniques described herein. The various features and techniques disclosed herein are not necessarily required in all embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, the various features and techniques disclosed herein may define patentable subject matter apart from the disclosed embodiments, and may also find utility in other implementations not expressly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A seat track assembly (300) comprising: an elongated titanium crown (302) configured to removably secure a plurality of seats (106) to the seat track assembly (300); an elongated carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange (306) configured to support the elongated titanium crown (302); an elongated CFRP base (324) having a top (326) configured to support the elongated CFRP flanges (306), two side walls (328, 330) extending vertically from opposite sides of the top (326), and two bottom flanges (332, 334) each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the two side walls (328, 330); Equipped with 1. A seat track assembly comprising: a fastener (305) insertable through aligned holes (304, 322, 336) defined by the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to one another; and a fastener (305) removable from the aligned holes (304, 322, 336) to allow the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to be mechanically separated from one another.

2. 2. The seat track assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated CFRP flange includes protrusions extending laterally outward beyond sides of the elongated titanium crown, the protrusions configured to support floor panels extending between corresponding protrusions of adjacent seat track assemblies.

3. 3. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom flange (322, 334) of the elongated CFRP base (324) includes a reinforcing return flange (338) projecting upwardly from an outer end of the bottom flange (322, 334).

4. 2. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of shear clips (206) corresponding to a plurality of floor support beams (204), each of the plurality of shear clips (206) configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base to a corresponding floor support beam.

5. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 4, wherein the plurality of shear clips (206) are at least one of titanium or CFRP.

6. 5. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of floor stanchions (208) configured to mechanically couple the plurality of floor support beams (204) to a fuselage structure (210).

7. 5. The seat track assembly of claim 4, wherein the elongated CFRP base is configured to span the plurality of floor support beams, and each of the plurality of shear clips is configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base to the corresponding floor support beam such that the two bottom flanges of the elongated CFRP base are positioned above the plurality of floor support beams.

8. 8. The seat track assembly of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of shear clips is configured to fit snugly between the two side walls of the stretched CFRP base, and each of the plurality of shear clips is configured to be mechanically secured to each of the two side walls via a plurality of base fasteners.

9. 9. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to be mechanically secured to a corresponding floor support beam (204) via a plurality of beam fasteners (546), and the plurality of base fasteners (530, 532, 534, 536) are oriented within the seat track assembly (300) perpendicular to the plurality of beam fasteners (546).

10. 5. The seat track assembly of claim 4, wherein the elongated CFRP base is configured to fit snugly between a pair of adjacent floor support beams of the plurality of floor support beams, and wherein each of the plurality of shear clips is mechanically secured to a corresponding side wall of the elongated CFRP base and a corresponding side wall of an adjacent floor support beam.

11. 11. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 10, wherein both the elongated titanium crown (302) and the elongated CFRP flange (306) are configured to extend across the tops of the plurality of floor support beams (510).

12. 11. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 10, wherein the elongated CFRP flanges (306) are mechanically secured to the pair of adjacent floor support beams (702', 702") via a plurality of flange fasteners (830).

13. 11. The seat track assembly of claim 10, further comprising a joining component mechanically secured to a bottom flange of the elongated CFRP base, an adjacent bottom flange of an adjacent elongated CFRP base, and a floor support beam mechanically secured to the elongated CFRP base and the adjacent elongated CFRP base.

14. The aligned holes (304, 332, 336) defined by the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) form a first set of aligned holes (336), and the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) form a plurality of sets of aligned holes (336, 336', 336") comprising the first set (336), and the plurality of sets of aligned holes (336, 336', 336") are spaced longitudinally along the seat track assembly (300), and a plurality of aligned holes (336, 336', 336") are spaced longitudinally along the seat track assembly (300).

2. The seat track assembly of claim 1, wherein a number of fasteners are insertable through the sets of aligned holes to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base together, and the fasteners are removable from the sets of aligned holes to mechanically separate the elongated titanium crown, the elongated CFRP flange, and the elongated CFRP base from one another.

15. A seat track assembly (300) comprising: an elongated titanium crown (302) configured to removably secure a plurality of seats (106) to the seat track assembly (300); an elongated CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) flange (306) configured to support said elongated titanium crown (302); an elongated CFRP base (324) having a top (326) configured to support the elongated CFRP flanges (306), two side walls (328, 330) extending vertically from opposite sides of the top (326), and two bottom flanges (332, 334) each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the side walls (328, 330), the elongated CFRP base (324) configured to span a plurality of floor support beams (204); a plurality of shear clips (206) corresponding to the plurality of floor support beams (204), each of the plurality of shear clips (206) configured to mechanically secure the elongated CFRP base (324) to a corresponding floor support beam (204) such that the two bottom flanges (332, 334) of the elongated CFRP base (324) are positioned above the plurality of floor support beams (204); Equipped with 1. A seat track assembly comprising: a fastener (305) insertable through aligned holes (304, 322, 336) defined by the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to one another; and a fastener (305) removable from the aligned holes (304, 322, 336) to allow the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to be mechanically separated from one another.

16. 16. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to fit snugly between the two side walls (328, 330) of the stretched CFRP base (324), and each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to be mechanically secured to each of the two side walls (328, 330) via a plurality of base fasteners (530, 532, 534, 536).

17. 17. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of shear clips (206) is configured to be mechanically secured to a corresponding floor support beam (204) via a plurality of beam fasteners (546'), and the plurality of base fasteners (530, 532, 534, 536) are oriented within the seat track assembly (300) perpendicular to the plurality of beam fasteners (546).

18. A seat track assembly (300) comprising: an elongated titanium crown (302) configured to removably secure a plurality of seats (106) to the seat track assembly (300); an elongated CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) flange (306) configured to support said elongated titanium crown (302); an elongated CFRP base (324) having a top (326) configured to support the elongated CFRP flanges (306), two side walls (328, 330) extending vertically from opposite sides of the top (326), and two bottom flanges (332, 334) each extending laterally outward from a corresponding one of the side walls (328, 330), the elongated CFRP base (324) configured to fit snugly between adjacent pairs of floor support beams (702', 702); a plurality of shear clips (710), each of the plurality of shear clips (710) configured to be mechanically secured to a corresponding side wall (800) of the elongated CFRP base (708) and a corresponding side wall (806) of an adjacent floor support beam (702'); Equipped with 1. A seat track assembly comprising: a fastener (305) insertable through aligned holes (304, 322, 336) defined by the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to mechanically secure the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to one another; and a fastener (305) removable from the aligned holes (304, 322, 336) to allow the elongated titanium crown (302), the elongated CFRP flange (306), and the elongated CFRP base (324) to be mechanically separated from one another.

19. 20. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 18, wherein both the elongated titanium crown (302) and the elongated CFRP flange (306) are configured to extend across the tops of the pair of adjacent floor support beams (702′, 702″).

20. 20. The seat track assembly (300) of claim 19, wherein the elongated CFRP flanges (306) are mechanically secured to the pair of adjacent floor support beams (702′, 702″) via a plurality of flange fasteners (830).

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