Aircraft Seat Motion Control With Integrated Cable-Driven Adjustments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft seats with adjustable seating systems often have numerous parts and bulky components that are difficult to access, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A motion control system with integrated user control devices, lever arms, and metering pin assemblies that allow for synchronized adjustment of seat positions, including vertical, tracking, and swivel adjustments, while maintaining a low-profile design and easy accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable seating systems include numerous parts and bulky components to achieve multiple adjustment functions, then the adjustment capabilities are improved, but the system complexity and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (vertical height adjustment, tracking position adjustment, and swivel position adjustment) into a single integrated control mechanism. The user control device operates all three adjustment operations through one unified interface, eliminating the need for separate controls for each function and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The user control device is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple adjustment operations simultaneously or independently. This universal control mechanism replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, simplifying the system while maintaining full adjustment capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable seating systems include numerous parts and bulky components to achieve multiple adjustment functions, then the adjustment capabilities are improved, but the accessibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple adjustment functions into a single control device, the patent improves accessibility. The user only needs to interact with one control mechanism located in an accessible position (such as the armrest area) rather than reaching for multiple separate controls distributed throughout the seat structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The user control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex adjustment mechanisms. It provides a simplified interface that translates user input into coordinated movements of multiple seat components, making the system easy to operate without exposing the user to the underlying complexity.
3Reliability
If the control system uses traditional bulky components to ensure durability and functionality, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and profile are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional bulky mechanical control systems with a more compact design that uses cable-driven mechanisms and lever arms. This substitution reduces weight while maintaining the reliability of mechanical actuation, as the cable and lever system provides durable, fail-safe operation without requiring heavy components.
4Reliability
If the control system uses traditional bulky components to ensure durability and functionality, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated mechanism, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability. The unified control system coordinates vertical adjustment, tracking adjustment, and swivel adjustment through one lever arm and cable assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate control mechanisms that would increase complexity.
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
The system provides efficient and accessible seat adjustments with minimal added weight and complexity, accommodating various user sizes and seat configurations, including stowable seat pans, without interfering with seat movements.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm coupled to the user control device, the lever arm is configured to synchronously transmit a force to one or more cables
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft seat may include an integrated motion control system. The motion control system may include one or more user controlled sub-systems. Each sub-system may include at least one of a user control device, a lever arm, and a metering pin assembly. The lever arm may couple to the user control device and synchronously transmit a force to one or more cables in response to an actuation of the user control device. The metering pin assembly may include a metering pin which may be configured to attach to an end portion of the one or more cables and receive a force from the one or more cables causing the respective control sub-system to execute an adjustment control operation. The adjustment control operation may include a vertical position adjustment, a swivel position adjustment, or a track position adjustment.