Adjustable Seal Frame for Aircraft Cabin Seats

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Solution Overview

Problem

The irregular shape of gaps between floor-mounted cabin attendant seats and aircraft walls requires custom-designed seal frames for each unique scenario, increasing design time, material needs, and installation complexity.

Innovation Solution

The use of displacement elements such as leaf springs or manually adjustable threaded elements, combined with fabric tensioning systems, allows the seal frame to conform to the aircraft wall's irregular shape, eliminating the need for custom designs by maintaining tension and adapting to different orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If custom-designed seal frames are used for each unique gap scenario, then the gap coverage effectiveness is improved, but the design time and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap coverage effectivenessVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The seal frame is designed with adjustable components that allow a single universal frame design to accommodate multiple different gap configurations. The frame includes adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms that can be configured to fit various gap shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for custom-designed frames for each scenario while maintaining effective gap coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal frame incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable arms, adjustable connectors, and repositionable components. These dynamic elements allow installers to modify the frame's geometry and dimensions in the field to match the specific gap configuration, reducing design time while ensuring proper fit and coverage effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If custom-designed seal frames are used for each unique gap scenario, then the gap coverage effectiveness is improved, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap coverage effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal seal frame design with adjustable components replaces multiple custom-designed frames, simplifying the installation process. The frame includes standardized adjustment mechanisms that can accommodate various gap configurations without requiring complex custom fabrication or specialized installation procedures for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal frame is divided into modular segments or adjustable components that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly and adjustment during installation, as each component can be independently adapted to the gap geometry rather than requiring complex integration of custom-designed parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If different gap covers are produced for every individual scenario, then the fit precision is improved, but the material requirements and production complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit precisionVSAvoidmaterial requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal seal frame design with adjustable components replaces the need to produce multiple different gap covers for various scenarios. The frame's adjustment capabilities allow it to achieve precise fit for different gap configurations using the same materials, thereby reducing overall material requirements while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the design and installation process by allowing a single seal frame to fit various irregular gaps, reducing material requirements and complexity while maintaining effective coverage and preventing wear on the aircraft wall.

Implementation Method 1

displacement elements connecting the frame to the posterior of the seat... The displacement elements are leaf springs or coil springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3922560B1Adjustable seal frame for floor mounted cabin attendant seats
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 AMI IND INC
  • EP3922560B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3922560B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3922560B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A floor mounted aircraft seat seal frame includes a frame (200), displacing elements (202, 204) connecting the frame to the posterior of the seat, and fabric tensioning elements (210, 212, 214, 216) that keep a gap covering fabric connected to the posterior surface of the seat in tension around the frame. The frame displacing elements, which may be leaf springs, coil springs, or manually adjustable element, allow the frame to conform to a wall behind the seat, regardless of the tapering of the wall.