Aircraft Seat Attachment Assembly Using Single-Interface Wire Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seats face challenges with multiple hook and loop fastener assemblies, leading to alignment issues, increased costs, and failure to meet aviation standards, particularly in regards to load requirements and flammability.
Innovation Solution
An attachment assembly with a primary attachment feature, such as hooks or wire springs, integrated with an auxiliary attachment feature within the support system, allowing for secure attachment of the cushion and dress cover with a single interface, reducing the need for multiple fasteners and enhancing compliance with aviation standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple hook and loop fastener assemblies are used to attach the dress cover, cushion, and support system, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fastener assemblies into a single integrated wire spring mechanism. The wire spring serves as both the attachment element and the fastening mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple discrete hook and loop fasteners. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining attachment strength through the spring's elastic properties and engagement geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire spring performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides attachment strength, allows for easy installation and removal, ensures proper alignment through its geometry, and meets aviation standards for load and flammability. This multi-functionality replaces several specialized fastener components with a single versatile element.
2Reliability
If multiple hook and loop fastener assemblies are used, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates due to alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The wire spring's curved geometry provides inherent alignment guidance during installation. The spring's shape allows it to naturally orient itself correctly as it engages with the attachment points, eliminating the need for precise alignment procedures required by multiple flat fastener assemblies. This curvature simplifies both manufacturing and installation while maintaining reliable attachment.
3Strength
If multiple fastener assemblies are used, then the attachment strength is improved, but the wear and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential attachment function from multiple complex fastener assemblies and implements it through a single wire spring mechanism. This eliminates the redundant materials and components of multiple fasteners, reducing material wear, manufacturing cost, and maintenance requirements while preserving the necessary attachment strength.
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 attachment process, reduces wear, and aligns components efficiently, facilitating easier inspection and replacement while meeting aviation standards by using a single attachment interface, thus addressing the limitations of traditional fastener systems.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment assembly including one or more wire springs configured to conform to at least a portion of the support system
Implementation Method 2
The wire spring may include at least one curved end. The at least one curved end may be configured to prevent the wire spring from disengaging from a tab of the plurality of tabs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An aircraft seat (100) may include a support system (102) with a diaphragm (106), a cushion (104) with at least one surface configured to conform to a corresponding surface of the support system, a dress cover (110) configured to fit over at least a portion of the cushion, and an attachment assembly (200;300;400). The attachment assembly may include a primary attachment feature (202;302;402) coupled to the dress cover proximate to at least one edge of the dress cover or coupled to the cushion. The attachment assembly may include an auxiliary attachment feature (208;304) integrated within the support system. The attachment assembly may be configured to secure the at least one surface of the cushion against the corresponding surface of the support system when the primary attachment feature is coupled to the auxiliary attachment feature at a single attachment interface for the support system, the cushion, and the dress cover.