Aircraft seat cover attachment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seat cover attachment systems for aircraft seats, such as those using hook-and-loop fasteners or pinning cushions to thermoformed items, face challenges in alignment, increased manufacturing and installation costs, wear, and difficulty in meeting aviation standards like load requirements and flammability standards.
Innovation Solution
A seat cover attachment system that integrates a seat cover extrusion element and a seat cover retain element with interlocking protrusions and grooves, allowing for angled insertion and rotation to secure the seat cover without external fasteners, enabling efficient removal and installation, and compliance with aviation standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hook-and-loop fasteners are used to attach seat covers, then the attachment system is simple to implement, but manufacturing and installation costs increase and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: extrusion elements with channels are integrated into the seat frame, while retain elements with protrusions are attached to the cushion. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while enabling efficient assembly through simple engagement of the modular parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hook-and-loop fastener systems with a mechanical interlocking system using protrusions that fit into channels. This substitution eliminates the need for adhesive bonding or complex fastening mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling quick alignment and installation by simply engaging the geometrically-complementary shapes.
2Reliability
If pinning cushions to thermoformed items is used, then the attachment is secure, but manufacturing and installation costs increase and alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the attachment function into frame-integrated extrusion elements and cushion-mounted retain elements. This segmentation maintains secure attachment through the interlocking protrusion-channel mechanism while enabling independent manufacturing and simplified installation, as each component can be prepared separately and then quickly assembled without complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The extrusion elements are pre-integrated into the seat frame during frame manufacturing, and the retain elements are pre-attached to the cushion. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and alignment before final assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation while maintaining secure attachment through the pre-configured interlocking mechanism.
3Reliability
If traditional attachment systems are used, then the seat cover is securely attached, but labor costs and wear increase during removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The protrusion-channel mechanism allows the cushion to be securely attached during operation while enabling easy removal and reinstallation by simply disengaging the interlocking elements. This dynamic design reduces wear on components during maintenance operations and lowers labor costs for reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preliminary alignment features through the geometric design of the protrusions and channels, which guide the components into proper alignment during engagement. This preliminary action ensures secure attachment while facilitating easy removal and reinstallation, as the components self-align during the engagement process without requiring complex alignment procedures.
4Device complexity
If hook-and-loop fasteners are used, then the attachment system is simple, but compliance with aviation standards like load requirements and flammability standards becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hook-and-loop fasteners with a pure mechanical interlocking system using protrusions and channels. This substitution simplifies the system by eliminating adhesive materials, making it easier to comply with aviation standards regarding load requirements and flammability. The mechanical system provides predictable load-bearing characteristics and uses materials that can more easily meet flammability standards.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
An aircraft seat may include a support system including a seat frame (106), a cushion (104) including at least one surface configured to conform to a corresponding surface of the support system, a seat cover (112) configured to fit over a portion of the cushion, and a seat cover attachment system configured to secure the seat cover to the seat frame. The seat cover attachment system (200) may include a seat frame element (108) of the seat frame. The seat cover attachment system may include a seat cover extrusion element (202) configured to couple to the at least one seat frame element. The seat cover attachment system may include a seat cover retain element (206) configured to couple to the seat cover extrusion element. A portion of the seat cover may be secured between the seat cover extrusion element and the seat cover retain element.